Bottled Water vs Filtered Water: Which Saves More Money in a Year?

· 7 min read

Buying bottled water every week may seem like a small expense. But these small purchases can quickly add up. It can be thousands of dollars a year for a few visits to the grocery store and delivery orders.

This is why people ask themselves at home, is bottled water better or is filtered water better?

With a home water filter, you can enjoy fresh water anytime, save money and plastic waste, and save on continuous filter replacement costs.  This guide will examine the difference between the price of a bottle of water and filtered water. Also, which is more economical for you and your family.


Family loading water jugs in driveway

How Much Are You Really Spending on Bottled Water?

While convenient, bottled water can also be an expensive option. Most people buy it in smaller amounts and don't realize how much it is costing them in the long run.

Such as:

  • $50 per month equals about $600 per year
  • $150 per month equals about $1,800 per year
  • $300 per month equals about $3,600 per year

It can add up to a cost for a family or an individual who drinks bottled water all day.

You are also paying for more than just water. The price reflects the costs of bottle packaging, transportation, and delivery. The additional costs can add up over time and make bottled water a far more costly option.

Bottled Water Costs Add Up

The cost of bottled water is easy to add up because it happens over time.

If a family of four drinking two bottles per person every day uses:

  • 8 bottles per day
  • 2,920 bottles per year

That means thousands of bottles purchased, stored, and thrown away annually.

 A home filtration system works differently. Once set up, the cost of each gallon is very low due to replacement filters and basic maintenance costs.

The Hidden Costs of Bottled Water

The cost of bottled water is not only what you pay at the store. Many hidden costs can impact your budget and your time. It's easier to see why many families are opting for filtered water by considering the big picture. 

Time and Convenience

Buying bottled water requires frequent store visits, heavy carrying and having space at home for the bottles.

An integrated filtering system allows you to replace the water supply at any time and save time and effort.

Storage Space

Water bottles can fill up space in the kitchen, garage, and storage room.

5-gallon jugs are a more useful choice as they can be refilled, rather than replaced.

Environmental Impact

There is a lot of unnecessary waste created from single-use plastic bottles. While recycling is good, it is not an alternative to using resources for the production and transport of bottled water.

The filtered water can also help to reduce the use of plastic and provide a more sustainable alternative. 

Water filtration setup in yard

What Is a 5-Gallon Water Filtration System?

A family can drink filtered water without having to purchase bottled water in containers all the time with a 5-gallon water filter system.

These systems improve water quality by filtering out the most common water problems of water, such as:

  • Chlorine taste and odour
  • Sediment
  • Unpleasant smells
  • Other unwanted particles

The EZ Jug Filtration System is a simple and cost-effective solution for the homeowner who wants to enjoy filtered water savings at home without the hassle. It's an easy alternative to bottled water and can save on water bills in the future.

Bottled Water vs Filtered Water: Annual Cost Comparison


The annual comparison in bottled water vs filtered water cost helps you be aware of the annual expenses.


Water Option

Estimated Monthly Cost

Estimated Annual Cost

Bottled Water

$50–$300+

$600–$3,600+

5-Gallon Water Delivery

$50–$125

$600–$1,500

Home Water Filtration System

Lower maintenance costs

Around $450 per year after setup

A filtration system is an initial cost, but it eliminates the need to keep buying bottled water again and again.

In other words, bottled water represents a recurring cost and a filtration system is a long-term investment, which may save money in the long run 

Bottled Water vs Filtered Water?

There are pros and cons to both, but filtered water can offer a greater return on investment in the long run.

Factor

Bottled Water

Filtered Water

Cost

Higher recurring cost

Lower ongoing cost

Convenience

Requires regular purchases

Available at home

Storage

Needs more space

Uses reusable containers

Waste

More plastic waste

Less plastic waste

Long-term savings

Limited

Higher potential savings

Bottled water may be appropriate for travel, emergencies, and outdoor use. In the case of daily domestic consumption, however, filtered water is generally more cost-effective.


Why More Households Are Choosing Filtered Water

More families are turning to filtered water, and it's not hard to understand why. It's not simply about saving money. It's about enjoying fresh drinking water every day, in a better, more convenient, more eco-friendly manner. 

Fresh Water Anytime

A filtration system will allow you to never run out of bottled water and won't require you to make extra trips to the store.

Better Taste

Filtered water can help to minimize undesirable flavors and odors in water. Even makes it more pleasant to drink.

Less Plastic Waste

Reusable containers help reduce single-use plastic bottles in the house.

Long-Term Savings

A filtration system offers continuous value and reduced operating costs as compared to repeatedly buying bottles.

How to Choose the Right 5-Gallon Water Filtration System

Getting the right water filtration system to use is not difficult. There are a few important points to consider, and a system can be designed to suit your family's needs and provide fresh water daily.

Here are some factors to consider before you make your decision:

Filtration Technology

Select a system that is matched to the quantity of water your family consumes daily.

Water Usage

Select a system that fits the water use of your household.

Maintenance Costs

Check filter replacement frequency and ongoing maintenance expenses.

Long-Term Value

A good system should be reliable and low cost to run for many years.

The EZ Jug Filtration System can be a great option for homeowners who would like to filter their water at home without having to buy bottled water and would prefer to use reusable 5-gallon jugs.

Conclusion

The largest difference between bottled water vs filtered water is the annual expense.

Bottled water is sometimes very convenient. This convenience costs you in the long run, as you have to purchase and store the bottles, as well as dispose of the plastic waste.

A 5 Gallon Water Filtration System will reduce maintenance costs and be more affordable. Also, provide clean drinking water that will be easier to use.

If you want to reduce plastic consumption and enjoy fresh-tasting water every day, you need to opt for filtered water. The EZ Jug Filtration System is the solution that you can try and start enjoying cost-effective filtered water without having to buy costly water bottles regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is filtered water cheaper than bottled water?

Yes. While filtration requires an initial investment, it is generally cheaper over time because you avoid regular bottled water purchases.

How much money can you save with filtered water?

Savings depend on your usage, but households that frequently buy bottled water can often save hundreds of dollars per year.

Is a 5-gallon water filtration system worth it?

For families and high-volume water users, a 5-gallon filtration system can be a cost-effective and convenient alternative.

Is a water filter cheaper than bottled water?

In most cases, yes. After setup, filtration usually has lower ongoing costs compared with buying bottled water regularly.

How often do water filters need replacing?

Replacement depends on the system and usage. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to maintain performance.

 

Tired of buying expensive water jugs?

JugFilter's portable water filters are affordable, easy to install and perfect for indoor & outdoor use.

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