You've probably asked yourself too if that old bottle of water in your pantry is still good to drink? Water is life, yet there are remaining questions about the shelf life. Whether you are stockpiling for emergencies or wondering if that bottled water left in a heated car is safe to drink, understanding if and how water "expires" is essential. This article goes into the science behind water storage and its potential risks and practical tips to ensure your water will remain safe and consumable.

Water itself does not spoil or degrade. Chemically, pure water (H₂O) remains unchanged indefinitely. However, there are issues that arise due to the containers in which it is stored and the environmental conditions surrounding the storage.

In the United States, most bottled water has an expiration date. This labeling is often misunderstood as being an indication of the water's safety, but it mainly has to do with quality. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirms that commercially sealed bottled water is safe to drink indefinitely if stored properly. Over time, though, the taste, smell, and even the appearance of water may change due to interactions with its packaging.

Role of Packaging in Water Safety

Plastic Bottles and Chemical Leaching

Bottled water is mostly packed in polyethylene terephthalate, PET plastic. Even though it is light in weight, resistant, and recyclable, this material is limited in other aspects. It leaches chemicals in trace amounts in the water if heated or placed under direct sunlight. For instance, do not leave your bottled water in the hot car for an extended period.

The next is bisphenol A or BPA. This chemical has been used to soften some plastics and is known for its hormone disruption. Many producers have shifted toward BPA-free materials, but older bottles and improper storage still pose risks. Bottles carrying recycling code #7 may be BPA-contaminated. There are also concerns over microplastics and long-term storage.

Microplastics and Long-Term Storage

Over time, the plastic in the bottle may leach into the water, causing some to question health risks. In 2019, one article published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health noted that these particles exist but are usually not at high enough concentrations to pose a problem if the water is properly stored.

Also Read: What Happens When You Drink Too Much Water?

How Long Can Water Be Stored Safely?

Bottled Water

Unopened bottled water, kept in a cool, dark place, remains safe to drink for years. But manufacturers often advise that it should be consumed within two years of its manufacture date for best quality. After this period, it may start showing off-flavors or odors due to contact with the plastic.

Tap Water

Tap water, under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), undergoes strict standards for safety. It can be kept in pure, BPA-free bottles up to six months. Afterward, it loses its fresh flavor or becomes dirty if not properly sealed.

Rainwater

Don't drink rainwater unless treated first. It usually contains contaminants that should not reach the human stomach. It should be used to water plants if not filtered and sterilized first.

Signs That Water Has Gone Bad

Water itself doesn't go bad, but extrinsic factors make it unsafe. Always discard water that has:

An off smell: An earthy, metallic smell indicates contamination.

Coloration: Greenish or bluish coloration signifies microbial growth or rust.

Unpleasant taste: A metallic or stale taste is a hallmark of degradation.

Froth or particles: Indicate dirt, germs, or other impurities.

How to Store Water Safely?

Avoid Heat and Sunlight

Store water in a cool, dark place and out of direct sunlight. Heat breaks down the plastic, allowing chemicals to leach out more easily.

Choose the Right Containers

For long-term storage, select BPA-free or food-grade plastic containers. The best alternatives are stainless steel and glass containers, which avoid all the risks that plastic poses.

Hygiene Maintained

Wash and sanitize the container before refilling. Always seal the lids so that no bacteria get inside.

Rotate Your Stock

Use a first-in, first-out rotation system with stockpiled water. This will mean that you will use the oldest water first to keep your water supply fresh.

Is It Safe to Drink Water Past Its Expiration Date?

The expiration date on bottled water is a mark of its quality, not safety. Although the water is safe to drink past this date, it is sensible to check it for any signs of spoilage as mentioned above. Tap water that has been stored for longer periods should be checked for clarity and odor before consumption.

Plastic bottles, although convenient, degrade the environment. Only a few percent of PET bottles are recycled, while the rest remain in landfills or oceans. Choose reusable containers and tap water whenever possible to minimize plastic waste and environmental damage.

Water is one of the most precious resources in this world, yet it can be safe only if it is kept appropriately. People may tell you that water does not expire, but the fact is that packaging materials, exposure to the environment, and storage conditions may affect the quality of the water. Proper storage techniques, opting for BPA-free containers, ensure that water remains fresh, safe, and ready for consumption at any time.

AI-generated videos with deep, dramatic voiceovers are flooding TikTok and Instagram, promising that a spoonful of chia seeds in water can fix digestion, melt fat and transform gut health almost overnight. The clips look slick, confident and science-backed. But experts say this latest wellness trend needs a reality check.

The chia seed challenge and the social media hype

The so-called chia seed challenge has exploded online, with millions of views across platforms. Health and wellbeing influencers, along with AI creators, are pushing the tiny seeds as a cure-all for weight loss and bloating. While chia seeds are not new to nutrition science, dieticians and media experts warn that social media often stretches the truth.

With so much content out there, it has become harder to tell what is genuine health advice and what is exaggerated clickbait.

What exactly are chia seeds?

Chia seeds come from the flowering plant Salvia hispanica, which resembles lavender. Native to Mexico, chia was a staple in the Aztec diet and has since been introduced to parts of Australia, including the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia’s Ord Valley in the Kimberley.

They are commonly added to smoothies, overnight oats, puddings and even homemade jams. Found in supermarket health aisles, chia seeds can be black or white, with no nutritional difference between the two.

Are chia seeds actually good for you?

Amelia Harray, a dietician at the University of Western Australia, told ABC News, chia seeds deserve their reputation as a nutritious food, just not the miracle status social media gives them.

“Like lots of nuts and seeds, chia seeds are absolutely superfoods,” Dr Harray said. “They are about 24 per cent protein and they are a complete protein source, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids.”

Chia seeds are also high in fibre, around 33 per cent, including both soluble and insoluble fiber. According to Dr Harray, fibre supports gut health, helps lower cholesterol and keeps you feeling full for longer.

However, she warned against suddenly consuming large amounts. “If someone has a very low-fiber diet and then starts eating lots of chia seeds, they might experience bloating or abdominal cramps,” she said.

Read: Superfood Chia Seeds Can Also Be Risky For Some, Know Who They Are

Do you need to soak chia seeds first?

One popular claim online is that chia seeds must be soaked to “activate” their benefits. Dr Harray says that is not true.

“We know you do not need to soak chia seeds to get the nutritional benefits,” she said. “That idea is not supported by evidence.”

Chia seeds can be eaten soaked or unsoaked, sprinkled over yoghurt or cereal. When soaked, they form a gel, which some people find easier on digestion. Dr Harray does caution against eating dry chia seeds by the spoonful, as they can swell and become a choking risk.

Why you should question viral health videos

Tama Leaver, a professor of internet studies at Curtin University, says the chia trend is part of what he calls the “wellness loop.”

“Some creators stick close to health advice, but others push it as a miracle cure,” Professor Leaver said. “That exaggeration is how they get clicks and make money.”

He added that AI-generated videos make it even harder to trust what you see. “We cannot take anything at face value,” he said, urging users to check who is behind the content and whether claims are backed by real evidence.

In short, chia seeds can be a healthy addition to your diet. Just do not believe every booming AI voice that promises they will change your life overnight.

In one of his recent podcasts, GP and The Doctor Will See You Now author, Dr Amir Khan claims that cod liver oil is not the best source for omega-3 and it is best to consume algae oil instead.

He said, “I know it’s hard to believe that fish are not the real source of omega-3. They are basically like the middleman. This simply implies that fish don’t make their own omega-3. So where do they get it from?

"The real omega-3 factories are microscopic marine algae and phytoplankton, and fish build up those omega-3 by eating them in the food chain but it all starts with them. So when you take a fish oil supplement, you’re getting omega-3 second-hand.”

What Is Cod Liver Oil?

Extracted from the liver of cod fish, this oil is an incredibly efficient source of essential omega-3 fatty acids. It is also loaded with vitamins A and D. One tablespoon of cod liver oil delivers 170 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamin D and 453 percent of vitamin A.

Vitamin A prevents cellular damage from oxidation, which contributes to the development of glaucoma while acids like DHA and EPA lower pressure and increase blood circulation in the eye, which also helps stall the progression of glaucoma.

Since cod liver oil contains both vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids, it’s a powerful weapon in fighting cancer, as its anti-inflammatory properties help prevent cancer cell development, but it could also be used to treat cancer.

Cancerous tumors need to create new blood vessels to grow, a process called angiogenesis. Cod liver oil prevents angiogenesis and disrupts cancer cell reproduction, interfering with tumor growth.

One tablespoon of cod liver oil contains:

• Calories: 123
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fat: 14 grams
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams
• Sugar: 0 grams

How Is Algae Oil Better?

Additionally, since it is produced in controlled environments (fermentation), algae oil is free from ocean-borne contaminants like mercury, PCBs, and microplastics that can accumulate in fish.

Moreover, while cod liver oil provides Vitamins A and D, algae oil provides a more concentrated source of omega-3 DHA, which is highly beneficial for brain and heart health.

Experts also note that algae oil is very high in omega-9 fatty acids, a type of monounsaturated fat that helps reduce inflammation and the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Pads are made of synthetic fibres that cause rashes and bacterial infections that further lead to serious problems such as Reproductive Tract Infections, skin irritation, Urinary Tract Infections and Bacterial Vaginosis.

Every month millions of synthetic pads are discarded and many suffer from serious menstrual hygiene problems. Officials note that about 70 percent of reproductive diseases in India are linked to poor menstrual hygiene, affecting nearly 120 million adolescent girls.

Dr Richa Singhal, senior consultant, obstetrics and gynaecology, at Cloud Nine Hospital in Delhi's Patparganj notes: ''A sanitary pad's top-sheet contacts sensitive intimate skin for several days each month."

Poor hygiene, such as reusing unclean cloths or not changing materials frequently, causes infections and itching, rashes, foul odor can increase the chances of cervical cancer.

Here are some alternatives that can replace synthetic pads and prevent serious health issues:

Moringa PadsMoringa, also known as miracle tree, can be consumed in the form of powder, leaves or tablets. Used for its medicinal properties, it has as a 5,000-year history, deeply rooted in Ayurveda for medicinal use.

In modern times, gynaecologists recommend moringa based pads to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections during menstruation.

It is known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which make it suitable for intimate areas and menstrual care.

Packed with high levels of Vitamin E and fatty acids which strengthen skin barriers and prevent chafing, viable for those who have extended periods. Rich in bioactive compounds, it supports vaginal health by balancing PH level making it suitable for menstrual pads.

These pads can reduce the risk of skin infections, UTIs and yeast infections.

Cotton Reusable Pads

Period Underwear