Water can degrade or become contaminated, leading to its deterioration in quality.
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Whether made of glass or plastic: A semi-filled water bottle is a typical sight. Can you still guzzle down the H2O, or will it spoil like other perishable items?
Water is an essential element for our survival. The healthcare industry recommends consuming at least 2 liters of this vital liquid every day, especially during hot seasons. Consequently, many individuals have half-empty bottles of H2O around - on the nightstand, desk, or in the car. Thinking it's harmless to sip from a semi-filled bottle might be a common misconception, but can it also spoil?
In theory, bottled water is a closely regulated food product. As long as the bottle hasn't been exposed to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight, it can be safely consumed, even if the bottle has been left out for a long time. However, bottled water does have an expiration date (BBE), which ranges from 2 years in glass bottles to 1 year in PET bottles. If stored in a cool, dark place, such as a refrigerator, bottled water usually remains drinkable even past its expiration date.
But what about opened bottles? Once oxygen enters the bottle, the taste of the water changes over time due to a decrease in pH value, causing an acidic taste. Although not dangerous, this acidity alters the taste of the water.
From a health perspective, it's best to empty opened water bottles as quickly as possible. Bacteria may enter the bottle through saliva if you drink straight from it. Sharing bottles with others can also lead to bacterial growth, which may harm your health.
Bacteria and Germs in Tap Water
Many individuals rely on tap water as their primary source of fluid intake, as it's readily available and more environmentally friendly than bottled water. However, like bottled water, tap water also has a shelf life.
Though water itself is indestructible and consists only of oxygen and hydrogen, tap water can come into contact with environmental bacteria when drawn from the tap. According to the German Federal Centre for Nutrition (BZFE), this is not a concern, as factors such as heat, sunlight, and unclean containers can increase the bacteria levels in the water.
The shelf life of tap water is dependent on proper storage. If you store it in clean containers and avoid leaving it under direct sunlight for extended periods, you can drink it safely over an extended period with confidence. Regularly clean reusable water bottles in the dishwasher, and limit the number of times you refill PET bottles. As a general rule, the health risks from bacteria or germs are minimal for healthy individuals, with the worst consequence being an unpleasant taste in the water.
In some cities, consumer centres offer regular water quality tests for tap water. To maintain the longevity of bottled water, it's recommended to store it in consumer centres' specifically designed containers, which are designed to preserve the taste and shelf life of the water.
