If you’ve got a case of water bottles baking in your trunk from last summer, don’t panic. Stored in a cool, dark place? You’re golden for 1–2 years. But if the car has turned into a sauna, those bottles are a no-go. Heat makes plastic leach faster and can grow algae if even a speck of sunlight hits the container.
Pro tip: Write the date on a piece of tape and slap it on your emergency jug. Rotate it every 6 months. It’s like giving your future self a little time-capsule gift of fresh hydration!
Signs your water is actually too old
Still not sure? Use your senses. If the water looks cloudy, smells like swamp or rotten eggs, or has floating specks, do not drink it. That’s a clear signal that bacteria or sediment have moved in. When in doubt, toss it out—but honestly, this almost never happens with regular tap or store-bought bottles.
And here’s a secret: water that tastes a little “off” from being in a metal bottle? That’s usually just harmless minerals or a bit of oxidized metal. Rinse it out and refill—you’re good to go.
How Long Does Water In Plastic Bottles Last | Detroit Chinatown
