Cost of Water Delivery Services vs Tap Water

Clean drinking water is non-negotiable, but the way you choose to get it can have a big impact on your finances and the environment. 

From the convenience of water delivery services to the affordability of tap water, each option comes with its own set of trade-offs. 

So, which one fits your lifestyle and budget better? Let’s dive into the details to help you make a smart and sustainable choice.

What Are Water Delivery Services?

Water delivery services provide customers with clean drinking water, often in bulk containers or individual bottles, delivered right to their doorstep. These services typically involve subscription plans where water is delivered on a regular schedule, making them a convenient option for homes and offices.

These services use various sources, such as spring water, purified tap water, or mineral water. While they save you trips to the store, they come with costs beyond just money—like the environmental impact of transportation and plastic waste. 

It’s worth looking deeper into whether the convenience justifies the price.

Pros and Cons of Water Delivery Services

Water delivery services have their upsides and downsides. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Pros:

• Convenience: No heavy lifting or store trips; it’s delivered right to your door.

• Perceived safety: Many people trust bottled water more than tap water for purity.

• Customizable plans: You can choose the volume and delivery frequency based on your needs.

• Reliable backup: Great during emergencies when tap water quality is compromised.

• Taste preferences: Some prefer the taste of spring or mineral water over tap water.

Cons:

• High cost: On average, bottled water costs nearly 2,000 times more than tap water.

• Environmental impact: Producing and transporting bottled water contributes to plastic waste and carbon emissions.

• Recurring fees: Monthly subscription plans can add up quickly over time.

• Storage space: Keeping bulky water bottles or jugs takes up valuable space at home or work.

• Microplastics: Studies show 93% of bottled water contains microplastics, raising health concerns. This level of contamination with time while the filled bottle is in storage or exposed to heat.

How Much Do Water Delivery Services Cost?

Water delivery services typically cost $30 to $60 per month for 3 to 5 five-gallon bottles, depending on the provider and location. Additional fees for delivery, equipment rentals, or extra bottles can increase the overall cost.

When compared to tap water, the expense is significant. For example, bottled water averages around $9.47 per gallon, while tap water costs just $0.005 per gallon. 

Over time, the convenience of delivery services can quickly drain your wallet, making alternatives like reusable filters more appealing for cost-conscious households.

Pros and Cons of Tap Water

Tap water, often overlooked, is an affordable and accessible option for most households. Here’s how it stacks up:

Pros:

• Low cost: At $0.005 per gallon, it’s incredibly affordable.

• Convenience: Readily available at home, work, and public places.

• Environmentally friendly: No single-use plastics or delivery trucks needed.

• Regulated safety: In the U.S., the EPA regulates and monitors public tap water supplies.

• Customizable quality: Easy to improve with affordable filtration systems.

Cons:

• Variable taste: Mineral content or pipe conditions can affect flavor.

• Contamination risks: Some areas face issues with lead, agricultural runoff, or outdated infrastructure.

• Public trust: Perception of tap water safety varies, even when it meets EPA standards.

• Lack of portability: Unlike bottled water, you can’t grab and go without a reusable bottle.

• Dependency on infrastructure: Tap water access may be interrupted during natural disasters or emergencies.

How Much Does Tap Water Cost?

Tap water costs roughly $0.005 per gallon in the United States, making it one of the cheapest drinking water options available. For a household using 300 gallons per month, the cost would be just $1.50—an unbeatable deal compared to bottled or delivered water.

This affordability stems from public water infrastructure, which spreads costs across entire communities. While some areas may face quality concerns, adding a reusable filter is a cost-effective way to enhance tap water’s safety and taste without breaking the bank.

What Are the Health and Environmental Impacts?

When it comes to health, tap water and bottled water both have their challenges. Tap water in the U.S. is regulated by the EPA, which enforces limits on over 90 contaminants like lead and E. coli. 

While generally safe, old plumbing or regional issues can sometimes lead to contamination. Bottled water, though considered safe, has its own risks—studies show that 93% of bottled water contains microplastics, which can disrupt hormones and cause long-term health concerns.

Environmentally, the comparison isn’t even close. Bottled water production uses 4 billion pounds of plastic annually in the U.S. alone, consuming enough energy to power entire cities. Only about 20% of those bottles are recycled, with the rest polluting landfills and oceans. 

On the other hand, tap water’s environmental footprint is far smaller, with no need for packaging or transport. Additionally, the transportation of bottled water adds to carbon emissions, contributing to climate change. Tap water, which comes directly from local sources, avoids these extra emissions. 

By using a reusable filter, you can address tap water’s safety concerns without the environmental baggage of bottled water.

How Do Reusable Jug Filters Transform Tap Water?

Reusable jug filters make tap water better in every way. They remove impurities like chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants, making it taste fresh and clean. 

With a jug filter, you can turn inexpensive tap water into high-quality drinking water in minutes, without the need for deliveries or single-use plastics.

Aside from being cost-effective, jug filters are portable and easy to use. Whether you’re at home, camping, or preparing for an emergency, they’re the ideal solution for clean water on the go.

Benefits of reusable jug filters:

• Affordable: The cost of a jug filter pays for itself in just a couple of months.

• Eco-friendly: No plastic bottles, no carbon emissions from deliveries.

• Convenient: Works anywhere, anytime—just fill it up and enjoy.

• Healthier: Filters out contaminants and improves taste, giving you peace of mind.

Switching to a jug filter is a no-brainer for anyone looking to save money and reduce their environmental impact.

Cost Comparison: Water Delivery Services vs Tap Water with a Filter

Water delivery services are convenient, but they come at a significant cost compared to tap water paired with a reusable filter. Here’s how they stack up:

• Water Delivery Services:

  • Monthly: $30–$60 for 3–5 five-gallon bottles.

  • Yearly: $360–$720, not including delivery fees or extra charges.

• Tap Water with a Reusable Filter:

  • Monthly: $1.50 for tap water + upfront filter cost (around $30–$50).

  • Yearly: $18 for water + occasional filter replacements (~$20 annually).

Using a reusable filter can save hundreds of dollars a year while eliminating the environmental costs of delivery services.

Conclusion

When comparing water delivery services and tap water with a reusable filter, the choice is clear. Delivery services may be convenient, but their high costs and environmental footprint make them hard to justify. 

Tap water is far more affordable and eco-friendly, and with a reusable jug filter, you can enjoy clean, great-tasting water without the downsides.

Choosing tap water with a filter isn’t just about saving money—it’s a smarter, more sustainable way to stay hydrated. 

Ready to make the switch? Click here to learn more about our reusable jug filters today!