#16: The Expiration Date Is for the Plastic

Beneath the seemingly innocuous surface of water bottles lies an eerie truth. The expiration dates imprinted on these containers serve a purpose that extends beyond the contents within. Contrary to popular belief, these dates do not indicate the water’s safety or quality. Instead, they primarily signify the expiration of the bottle itself. Over time, plastic can degrade and release chemicals into the water, altering its taste or potentially compromising its safety.

The expiration dates act as a precautionary measure to ensure consumers use the bottles within a specified timeframe, reducing the risk of exposure to potential contaminants. While pondering the gradual breakdown of the very vessel that holds our hydration may send a chill down the spine, these expiration dates serve as a reminder of the importance of proper storage and consumption practices when it comes to packaged water.