What are the rules for bottled water storage?

Bottled water containers are safe.

Bottled water is a food product, and, as such, the bottled water industry is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by ensuring the safety of the food supply.

FDA sets rules and guidelines regarding appropriate packaging material composition, properties, and uses for food contact. Packaging materials that meet FDA standards are considered FDA compliant and safe for use as a packaging material that comes into contact with food. FDA has determined that containers used by the bottled water industry are safe for use with food and beverage products—including bottled water—and they do not pose a health risk to consumers.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, easily identified by the #1 recycling code on or near the bottom of the container, is probably the bottled water packaging material most people recognize. PET plastic is used to make convenient, portable 24 ounce, 16.9 ounce (half-liter), and kid-friendly 8 ounce bottled water containers. Some bottled water companies even use PET plastic for their 3- and 5-gallon jugs typically used with water coolers. But bottled water containers aren’t the only food product packaged in PET plastic. A variety of foods – everything from peanut butters, salad dressings, pasta sauces, baked goods, soft drinks, fruit juices, beer, wine, and spirits – are available in PET plastic containers. PET has been used to package beverage, food, and other products for more 35 years. For the record, PET plastic does not contain bisphenol A (BPA).

High density polyethylene (HDPE) is another plastic bottled water packaging material that FDA has approved as safe for food contact. HDPE, which is easily identified by the #2 recycling code on or near the bottom of the container, is used to package not only bottled water but also other food items such as milk and juice, and also other products easily found around the home, like shampoo, dish soap, and laundry detergent bottles. HDPE is typically used as bottled water packaging in 1-gallon jugs and 2-gallon water dispensers available at grocery stores.

Polycarbonate plastic has been a packaging material used for food and beverage product containers for more than 50 years because it is lightweight, highly shatter-resistant, and transparent. Some bottled water companies have used polycarbonate plastic for their 3- and 5-gallon water cooler bottles. In addition to food containers, it has been widely used in many other everyday items, such as eyeglasses and compact discs. As with all food packaging materials, bottled water containers made from polycarbonate are approved by FDA for food contact. Polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins are made using bisphenol A (BPA), which is a chemical building block that FDA and other regulatory agencies around the world have deemed as safe for consumer use. In fact, FDA has stated that according to the agency’s “ongoing safety review of scientific evidence, the available information continues to support the safety of BPA for the currently approved uses in food containers and packaging.” To learn more, visit FDA’s BPA webpage.

Glass is a packaging option some bottled water companies choose to use for their premium bottled waters. All glass used for bottled water containers has been approved as a food contact material by FDA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is plastic used? What are its benefits?

Bottled water companies choose plastic for packaging for several reasons. Plastic containers are efficient for protecting foods and beverages from bacteria. And PET, PC, and HDPE plastics are lightweight and shatterproof, requiring less energy to produce and transport and offering safety and convenience to consumers.

How long can you store a bottle?

The FDA has not established a shelf life for bottled water. IBWA advises consumers to store bottled water at room temperature (or cooler), out of direct sunlight and away from solvents and chemicals such as gasoline, paint thinners and dry cleaning chemicals. Bottled water can be used indefinitely if stored properly.

Can chemicals migrate from the plastic into the water?

The FDA’s safety criteria require extensive toxicity testing for any substance that may be ingested at more than negligible levels. That means the FDA has affirmatively determined that, when plastics are used as intended in food-contact applications, the nature and amount of substances that may migrate, if any, are safe.

IBWA advises consumers to store bottled water at room temperature or cooler, out of direct sunlight and away from solvents and chemicals such as gasoline, paint thinners, household cleaners, and dry cleaning chemicals.

Why these conditions are best for bottled water storage.

• When water (bottled water or tap water) is exposed to extended periods of direct sunlight or heat sources, algae or mold may infrequently develop. Although this is not a general concern for public health, the bottled water industry wants you to enjoy the freshest, cleanest water possible, and storing water in a cool place out of direct sunlight helps to ensure that.

• Bottled water and other beverages are packaged in sanitary and highly protective, sealed plastic containers that maintain the quality and freshness of the product. However, plastic containers – whether used for bottled water or other beverages – are slightly permeable, which may allow ambient air gases (such as vapors from household solvents, petroleum-based fuels, and other chemicals) to affect the taste and odor of your beverage. Your bottled water company takes great care to store and transport its products carefully so you can enjoy the fresh, clean taste you expect from bottled water. Proper storage will help ensure product quality.

Emergency preparedness guidelines issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security recommend that all households maintain an emergency supply of water at least 1 gallon per person per day for three days for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene.

What about stock rotation dates printed on some bottles? Does bottled water have a shelf life?

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates bottled water as a packaged food product, has determined that there is no limit to the shelf life of bottled water. Thus, FDA does not require an expiration date for bottled water products.

• Because it is packaged under sanitary, good manufacturing practices; is in a sanitary sealed container; and does not contain substances (such as sugars and proteins) typically associated with food spoilage, bottled water can be stored for extended periods of time without concerns.

• Only one state – New Jersey – has ever required expiration dating for bottled water. However, the New Jersey state legislature repealed the 2-year expiration date law several years ago, noting that there was no scientific evidence to support such a requirement. Some companies still place date-based lot codes on bottled water containers, which distribution and retail points typically use to assist in managing stock rotation. 

Bottled water is an excellent choice for emergency water storage and, of course, daily refreshment. FDA Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) mandate that bottled water be produced in a sanitary environment and bottled in sanitary, safety-sealed containers. These and other extensive FDA, state, and industry standards help ensure that bottled water delivers consistent safety, quality, and good taste to consumers.