Unopened bottled water is like a shy teenager—it’ll last a while, but don’t push it past its prime. Use the smell test and a little common sense. If it’s more than two years old and has been stored in a hot car or near a radiator, give it a polite goodbye.
And next time you see a forgotten bottle under your couch, remember: water is eternal, but plastic is needy. Drink fresh, stay hydrated, and maybe put a sticker on your long-term stash with the date. You’ll thank me later.