The ability of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) to survive in bottled mineral and spring water at common storage temperatures was investigated. Filtered mineral and spring waters were inoculated with EAEC (ca. 10(4) CFU/ml) and stored at 4, 10, and 23 degrees C. Water samples were analyzed every 3 days for viable EAEC by plating on tryptic soy agar plates over 60 days of storage. EAEC survived for the duration of the study in both mineral and spring waters. EAEC survival levels were significantly higher (P < 0.01) at 23 and 10 degrees C than at 4 degrees C. Furthermore, EAEC survival levels were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in mineral water than in spring water at 4 and 10 degrees C. The results of this study indicate that EAEC can survive in bottled mineral and spring waters for long periods of storage at 4, 10, and 23 degrees C. The ability of EAEC to survive in bottled water indicates that the source water for bottling industries must be kept free of contamination. Furthermore, the refrigeration of bottled water is recommended to minimize the growth of EAEC in water.