Does Bottled Water Actually 'Expire'? No, water does not expire, though it can become contaminated Africa Check How to Store BAC Water After Opening Your eyes are your first line of defense. Good BAC Water: Crystal clear, odorless (faint alcohol scent), and painless. Bad BAC Water: Cloudy, particulate matter, strong chemical smell, or severe burning. Bottled water often carries an expiration or best by date, but pure water itself does not expire or spoil, as it lacks nutrients for bacteria growth. The date primarily concerns the plastic bottle: