Why Are There Expiration Dates On Water Bottles?

When you pick up a bottle of water, one thing you might notice is an expiration date stamped on the label. This might seem puzzling at first – after all, isn’t water supposed to be timeless? Why would something as essential as water have an expiration date? It all comes down to one factor: plastic. The truth is, the expiration date on water bottles isn’t about the water itself; it’s about the
container.

Container Integrity:

Water bottles are typically made of plastic, which can slowly break down over time. This process is known as “leaching,” where chemicals from the plastic material can migrate into the water (OpenAI). Dr. Hagit Ulanovsky, an expert in health and environmental risk management, states, “specifically, when it comes to mineral water bottles made of plastic called PET, with sun exposure it breaks down and then we actually drink water with microplastic” (WALLA!). The composition of plastic water bottles is more intricate than it may appear. It’s comprised of various chemicals that give it its unique properties. Over time, due to various factors some of these chemicals can begin to break down. As they break down, they can detach from the plastic matrix and transfer into the water stored within the bottle.

Environmental Factors:

Exposure to sunlight, temperature changes, and other environmental factors can impact the integrity of the water bottle and the water inside. If a bottle is exposed to extreme temperatures, for instance, it can lead to plastic leaching or the growth of microorganisms. An example of this that unfortunately occurs often is the transportation of 5 gallon jugs. These jugs sit in a warehouse, next they are stored in a hot truck, then lay in the beaming sun while the truck is being unloaded.