Knowledge Builders

is it better to buy gallons of water or bottled

by Skylar Schamberger IV Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Is it better to buy gallons of water or bottled? No matter how you slice it, high-quality, filtered tap water will always cost less than expensive bottled water. These extra costs are significant, with a gallon of bottled water costing nearly 2,000 times more than a gallon of filtered tap water.

More eco-friendly and purified… but less convenient
It's well-known that advanced filtration systems used by bottle-less water coolers provide cleaner, purer water than water bottles. In fact, it's much safer to drink water from a filtration system than it is to consume bottled water.
Sep 24, 2020

Full Answer

How much does bottled water cost per gallon?

Bottled water costs around $8.50 per gallon, whereas bottle-less coolers provide an unlimited drinking water supply at no cost. One big reason why many people prefer bottled water is its convenience factor.

Is bottled water as good as tap water?

While quality may vary by region, tap water is generally safe, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly. Bottled water comes from a variety of sources. Some products simply comprise tap water that’s been bottled while others use fresh spring water or another source.

Should I buy bottled water or water filter?

If safety or water quality is your main concern, consider purchasing a filtration system or filter pitcher instead of regularly buying bottled water. All the same, there may be times when bottled water is better, especially if your drinking water supply is contaminated.

Should you buy a water bottle or a water cooler?

Most people today do not prefer to drink tap water for various reasons, including purification, possible contaminants, and taste. That’s why when businesses or residences are looking for filtered, purified water options, they often choose between two main options – water bottles vs. water coolers.

image

Is gallon water better than bottled water?

Overall, both tap and bottled water are considered good ways to hydrate. However, tap water is generally a better option, as it's just as safe as bottled water but costs considerably less and has a much lower environmental impact. Plus, with a reusable water bottle, tap water can be just as convenient as bottled.

Is it better to buy 5 gallon water jugs?

When it comes to 5-gallon water jugs, most people won't see a good return on their investment. The money you spend for the product isn't worth it in the end, especially considering all the risk you have as a buyer. The potential added costs of a 5-gallon jug might not be economically feasible.

Is buying bottled water a waste of money?

You're wasting money If you're regularly buying bottled water, you're spending far more money than you would by just drinking out of the tap. According to the Beverage Marketing Corporation (BMC) the average cost of bottled water in 2016 was $1.11 per gallon.

Are water bottles more expensive than gallons?

So in all situations, even if you're buying refills and ignore the upfront cost of the 5 gallon jug, buying water bottles will always be cheaper, by about 11/100 of a cent for each ounce used. For reference, this is about 70 cents saved for every 5 gallons of water that you buy if you buy the packaged water bottles.

Is it cheaper to buy cases of water or gallons?

This small price can look appealing, but be careful! Over time, you'll end up paying much more for bottled water compared to a bottle-less water cooler. Bottled water costs around $8.50 per gallon, whereas bottle-less coolers provide an unlimited drinking water supply at no cost.

What is the most economical way to buy water?

No matter how you slice it, high-quality, filtered tap water will always cost less than expensive bottled water. Switching from bottled water to a water filtration system could save you hundreds of dollars a year or more....[2] Other reasons people prefer bottled water over tap include:Taste.Quality.Convenience.

Should I stop drinking bottled water?

Bottled Water Hurts our Environment. The plastic from all the bottled water we drink is clogging up landfills and polluting our oceans. According to Columbia University's Earth Center, Americans throw away around 33.6 million tons of plastic each year, but only 6.5% of that is recycled.

Why you shouldn't use bottled water?

Why is bottled water bad for you? Bottled water is laced with harmful chemicals such as phthalates which have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Additionally, plastic bottles contain BPA which has been linked to various reproductive issues.

What is better for you tap or bottled water?

The general belief is that bottled water is better or healthier than tap water. Unfortunately, there really isn't much evidence to back that up. Bottled water often originates from a public source but is then treated and/or filtered before being bottled. The result is often no better than filtered tap water.

Is it worth buying expensive water?

Buying plastic water bottles trashes the environment Plastic bottles end up polluting oceans and rivers, emitting chemicals which endanger the marine ecosystem, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. “Buying bottled water is a waste of money and harmful to the environment,” Dr.

Is bottled water cheaper than tap?

According to some estimates, bottled water is almost 2,000 times the price of tap water, with a gallon — obtained from combining single-serve water bottles — costing almost three times the national average for a gallon of milk. This is interesting, given that bottled water is often simply filtered tap water.

What is the cost difference between bottled water and tap water?

The main advantage of tap water throughout the world is its low cost. Tap water costs a fraction of a penny per gallon. According to the Harvard Energy and Facilities department, tap water is 3000% less expensive per gallon than bottled water, at $0.02 per gallon to $0.64 per gallon of bottled water.

How many gallons of water are in a bottle?

Bottled Water. Bottled water includes both individual water bottles (which can come in packages of 6, 12, 16, 24, etc.) and 5-gallon or 10-gallon water coolers. This is often a popular option because it’s low maintenance and convenient. But there’s a few cons that many don’t realize!

Why do people drink bottled water?

One big reason why many people prefer bottled water is its convenience factor. Individual water bottles are a grab-and-go solution – no need for a reusable or plastic cup. Gallon coolers can also be very convenient, since you load the bottle once and enjoy 5 gallons worth of water simply by pushing the nozzle. However, bottled water can be very harmful to the environment, especially since many people do not recycle their water bottles! At the same time, many people do not realize that bottled water can contain harmful chemicals from plastic. In fact, a recent study found that out of almost 260 water bottles, 93% of them contained microplastic particles, which can be harmful to consume. It is now a well-known fact that bottled water is not as pure and clean as water that comes from an advanced filtration system (like those used in bottle-less coolers).

What is a bottleless water dispenser?

Bottle-less filtered water coolers, a.k.a. Point of use coolers or bottle-less water dispensers, are coolers that attach to your building’s water line. They purify tap water with an advanced filtration system that is installed into the unit. Essentially, they provide an unlimited supply of clean water at no additional charge. However, there are some cons to be aware of with bottle-less coolers, as well.

How much does it cost to install a water cooler?

Most bottle-less filtered water coolers require an initial installation, which can cost you some money upfront - about $75 to a couple hundred dollars on average. Essentially, a water service supplier will come to your location and install an advanced filtration system plus the water cooler. However, once your filtration system is installed, you can enjoy unlimited purified water at no additional cost. Plus, if you are working with a water service, they will come to you to perform routine maintenance. Considering Americans spend billions of dollars each year on bottled water, a filtered cooler can save you some serious money!

How to maintain a bottled water cooler?

For bottled water coolers, you can manage the maintenance on your own. Just loading bottles into the cooler and cleaning the machine every few months. This can seem a lot more hassle-free compared to bottle-less water coolers, which require ongoing maintenance visits from a supplier. However, keep in mind that bottled water requires a significant amount of storage space. For office spaces, many times bottles require an entire storage closet or area of the breakroom. Compare this to bottle-less coolers, which save space and don’t require you to store big bulky bottles.

Why don't people drink tap water?

Most people today do not prefer to drink tap water for various reasons, including purification, possible contaminants, and taste. That’s why when businesses or residences are looking for filtered, purified water options, they often choose between two main options – water bottles vs. water coolers. In the past, water bottles have been ...

Is it cheaper to buy bottled water or a water cooler?

When choosing bottled water, it’s often more affordable upfront compared to bottle-less water coolers. That’s because unlike filtered water coolers, they do not require significant set-up and installation by a professional. If you choose individual water bottles, you will simply pay for the package of water bottles alone.

How much does a gallon of water cost?

One gallon (3.8 liters) of tap water costs roughly $0.005 in the United States, while the same amount of bottled water, obtained from combining single-serving water bottles, costs around $9.47 ( 18 ).

What are the drawbacks of bottled water?

One of the main drawbacks of bottled water is its environmental impact. From treating and bottling to transportation and refrigeration, bottled water requires large amounts of energy. In fact, bottled water production in the United States used 4 billion pounds (1.8 billion kg) of plastic in 2016 alone.

Why are plastic water bottles banned?

To minimize the ecological footprint of bottled water, some municipalities around the world have banned the sale of single-use plastic water bottles.

How much water does a person drink a year?

In fact, in the United States, each person drinks approximately 30 gallons (114 liters) of bottled water per year ( 1. Trusted Source. ). However, due to environmental concerns and potential health effects, many people are starting to wonder whether tap water is better. This article compares tap and bottled water to help you decide which to drink.

How is water stored?

Before it reaches your house, water is stored in a treatment facility in which it undergoes several processes to remove potential contaminants. During disinfection, chemicals may be added to kill off any remaining microbes and protect against germs ( 3 ).

Why do people like carbonated water?

Some people also prefer carbonated or flavored waters due to their unique taste.

Who regulates bottled water?

Unlike tap water, which is regulated by the EPA, bottled water is overseen by the FDA. The FDA’s safety and quality requirements for manufacturers include ( 13 ):

How much does water cost per gallon?

Not only that, but the cost of water can be anywhere from, if you are lucky enough to find it, .89 cents or .84 cents per gallon, or in most case it is closer to a dollar. And then it is compromised because it is in plastic.

How much does a gallon of water weigh in plastic?

Not only that, but that gallon bottle of water in plastic weighs 8.33 pounds.

How long do water distillers last?

Our distillers, by the way when you look at them, can last 20 -40 -60 years – they are stainless steel and most are made in the United States (except Precision which is made in Canada). By Frank Mendez from WaterDistillers.com, Give us a call at 612-701-7820 for more information.

Why does distilled water taste bad?

When you drink that distilled water sometimes they put minerals “added for taste.”. It’s not because the distilled water tastes bad because initially it has no taste (SEE OUR VIDEO ON TASTE) but later has a taste of sweetness. The reason they say “added for taste” is they are basically adding dirt so you can’t taste the plastic.

How much does the average American spend on bottled water?

The average American can easily spend over $100 per year on their bottled water habit. 2. The quality of bottled water can vary. Even if the cost doesn’t scare you off, the fact is that you can’t always be sure of the quality of water you’re drinking.

How long does it take for plastic water bottles to break down?

One plastic bottle can take up to a thousand years to break down. All the plastic bottles that don’t get properly recycled are filling up our landfills and polluting our oceans.

What is a whole house water filtration system?

A whole house water filtration system can filter out any contaminants that may be present in your tap water or well water. It also covers more than just your drinking water. This type of system filters water as it enters your home, so the water you bathe in and wash your clothes in will also be free of contaminants.

Why should we ditch plastic water?

Read on to learn why you should ditch the plastic, and how you can save money and still have pure drinking water in your home. 1. You’re wasting money. If you’re regularly buying bottled water, you’re spending far more money than you would by just drinking out of the tap. According to the Beverage Marketing Corporation (BMC) the average cost ...

Is it better to buy bottled water or bottled water?

You may assume that buying bottled water is the most effective way to make sure you aren’t consuming any contaminants that could be floating about in your tap or well water. While it may seem like the best solution, that bottled water you’re buying could be doing you, your wallet, and even the environment far more harm than good.

Is drinking water from a plastic bottle bad for you?

Plastic bottles could cause health issues. While the water inside the bottles you’re drinking out of may be better than the water that comes out of your tap, the plastic bottles that house the water could be harmful to your health. The biggest offender is BPA, also known as bisphenol-A.

Can you drink bottled water?

There is an even higher probability that you’re basically drinking bottled tap water that has gone through a filtration system —something you can do in your own home for a fraction of the price of what you’re spending on bottled water. 3. Plastic bottles could cause health issues. While the water inside the bottles you’re drinking out ...

How much gas does it take to deliver bottled water?

It takes 1 million gallons of gas to deliver bottled water in the USA every single year. This is obviously one of the reasons that bottled water is so expensive. More importantly, the carbon emissions from driving all of those miles hurts our planet.

Why is bottled water bad for you?

You drink bottled water because you want something more pure than tap water, right? Well, the plastic used to make the bottles can contain a chemical called bisphenol A (BPA). The is really bad news. BPA is an endocrine disruptor and, in studies, has been associated with reproductive abnormalities. It has also been linked to ADHD, cancer and heart disease. Water stored in this plastic is likely to contain some amount of BPA.You bought bottled water in the first place because you thought it was more pure! A BottleLess.com cooler’s reservoirs are 100% stainless steel. This is the best material to keep your water pure and cold and free of BPA.

How long does it take for water bottles to degrade?

The bottles that are left in landfills take 1,000 years to degrade. You’d make the earth so much happier by using a BottleLess water cooler and refilling a sports bottle.

How many brands of bottled water violated industry standards?

There’s a lot of information about this. Just one example: The National Resources Defense Council conducted a 4-year scientific study of 1,000 brands of bottled water. They found that 1 of 3 brands violated industry standards for chemical or bacterial contaminants! After their findings, they called the report “Pure Drink or Pure Hype”.

How much oil is used in plastic water bottles?

That’s Just To Make The Bottles! Did you know that the main ingredient in plastic water bottles is oil? The bottled water industry uses 20 million barrels of oil to make plastic water bottles every year. That’s enough energy oil to power 120,000 cars for one year PLUS heat 60,000 homes! This does not include the gas that is wasted delivering those bottles, which brings us to….

Is Bottleless.com ready to help you make it happen?

Of course you are! And BottleLess.com is ready to to help you make it happen.

Is Aquafina water purified?

Even though bottled water advertising often shows beautiful, clear mountain springs, 75% of all bottled water is purified municipal water. A few years ago, Pepsi was required to modify their label to disclose that AquaFina’s “secret source” was actually plain tap water. Coke’s bottled water brand, Dasani, is the same – purified tap water. We’re not saying that the water isn’t good quality. We are saying that, most likely, you’re already drinking purified tap water. Wouldn’t it be better to have your own “bottled water factory” right inside of your cooler?

How much does it cost to drink a gallon of water a day?

Drinking a gallon of water per day from your home’s tap will cost you roughly $1.08 per year. When you combine the small increase in your water bill, the cost of the system and one filter replacement the first year, you’re spending about $164/year to use a water filter.

Why is bottled water good for you?

Bottled Water. Bottled water’s greatest benefit is its mobility — you can carry it with you and drink anywhere. The cap is sealable so you don’t have to worry about spilling, and the bottle is durable enough to withstand falling on the ground or being crushed by the other items in your bag.

What is the most regulated form of bottled water?

Purified water is the most regulated form of bottled water for the FDA and the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA). The IBWA was formed to raise the standards set by the FDA for stricter bottled water regulations.

What percentage of bottled water is plastic?

Their research included 11 brands — including Dasani, Evian and Aquafina. They found 63% of the plastic debris in bottled water (10.4 particles per liter — twice as much as tap water) were fragments like polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

How much does a water filter cost?

A simple yet effective filtration system can go for less than $100.

How much does it cost to replace a water filter?

Replacement filters generally cost around $50. If you’re using your home’s water to drink a gallon of water per day, we need to consider how this reflects in your water bill. According to the EPA, if your home’s water bill is set at a uniform rate structure, the average charge is $0.00295 per gallon.

Why is ozone used in water?

To combat the growth of microorganisms in the water after it’s bottled, these companies use a treatment called ozone. This disinfection method allows the bottled water to sit on shelves of supermarkets for months at a time.

How much plastic is used in a 5 gallon bottle?

The small bottle uses only 12 gm. of plastic including the lid and label. There are 37.8 of these bottles in 5 US gallons so the total amount of plastic used to bottle five gallons using 38 bottles is 456 gm. A 5 gallon container, with lid label and handle weighs in a 768 gm.

How many ml water bottles are there in Imperial?

In Imperial, there are no 16.9 fl oz water bottles, because they use a different size fl oz, but still have 500 mL water bottles. Yes, folks, the US really is quasi-metric, but you have to know the secret code.

How many bottles of Poland springs water are in a gallon?

I just used a digital scale to weigh one each of emptied16.9 oz and 1 gallon bottles of Poland springs water at home. You need 8 bottles at 16.9 to get a gallon, and each 16.9 including cap weighed 10.13 grams, while the gallon came in at 63 grams total (wouldn't settle as the gallon was an odd shape but this is the closest estimate for me). 8 × 10.13 = 81.04. You would save roughly 18 grams of plastic, with this brand at least.

How much does a 5 gallon container weigh?

A 5 gallon container, with lid label and handle weighs in a 768 gm. That is around 70% more than individually packed small bottles of water.

How many oz is a gallon?

The 16.9oz bottle is also known as 500 mL in the metric system. According to U.S. standard, 1 gallon stands for 128 fluid oz.

How many ounces of water are in a 20 oz bottle?

If they are 20oz bottles, which are not uncommon, you’d get about 6.5. 6.4 to be exact.

Do prisms save more than bottles?

Typically, the savings are greater by avoiding very small bottles. But the differences are less pronounced once you are using bottles over certain size. Although a graph for prisms would be more accurate, they follow a similar trend.

How much does a water bottle cost?

Mid-range price with extra features. Several water bottles on the market are fairly affordable at around $10, but those aren’t rock-bottom prices. On the other hand, they do come equipped with neat extras like a storage compartment, fruit infuser, or (inexplicably) a wireless speaker.

Why do people drink water bottles?

Some people rely on water bottles to quench their thirst when they’re at work or on the go. But others buy bottled water to drink at home because they can’t or won’t drink tap water.

How many gallons of water do Americans drink a year?

In fact, Americans drink an average of 39 gallons of bottled water per person each year.

How much does a pitcher water filter cost?

Cost of equipment: $17 for the pitcher system, $7 for a replacement filter that lasts about two months. Cost per day: 21 cents.

Does buying bottled water add up?

It’s regularly buying bottled water that really adds up.

Can you recycle a bottle of water?

Free (ish). Reusing an empty bottle from disposable-bottled water you already bought is a good way to recycle and do a little something to help save the environment. Just make sure you wash it thoroughly with hot soapy water.

Is tap water safe to drink?

Unlike many other areas of the nation, the tap water in my city is perfectly safe to drink but I don’t like the taste. It might be because the water comes into my house through the original copper piping laid down when the house was built 50-odd years ago.

What are the risks of drinking bottled water?

Bottled waters are not always as pure as you might expect them to be and you should take some of the following points into consideration when you are deciding on which brand of bottled water you want: 1 It is possible that dangerous toxins from some plastic water bottles can leak into your water. The most notable of this is BPA (bisphenol-a), which is used when creating plastic in the industrial process and can be very hazardous to health. 2 There are lots of credible reports that say many bottled waters are just purified tap water and because they have gone through a further filtration process, they also lack essential minerals. For instance, it is reported that brands like Aquafina and Dasani are simply re-filtered tap water. 3 The process of purifying, bottling and shipping water takes up a huge amount of resources and it is often impossible to recycle the bottles meaning that they simply fill up our landfill sites.

How to get accurate water test results?

The best way to get accurate and detailed water test results is to ger a laboratory test.

What is smart water?

The sales pitch for Smartwater is that it’s vapor distilled from water that is pulled from the sky. Only then are electrolytes added for extra taste.

Why is Evian water a miracle?

This is because it has passed through what should be an impossible amount of permeable layers. For more than 15 years the underground spring harvests water from snow and rain.

What is purified water?

It is categorised as “purified water”, which essentially means that it comes from a municipal source. A source like the humble tap or a public well.

How long does it take for rain water to reach the aquifer?

For instance, presidents like Eisenhower and legends like Elvis Presley. It apparently takes 3,500 years for rain water to make it’s way to the aquifer, as a result, this water naturally has high a pH, which is supposed to help neutralize high acidity in the body.

Is bottled water pure?

Bottled waters are not always as pure as you might expect them to be and you should take some of the following points into consideration when you are deciding on which brand of bottled water you want:

image

1.Is it better to buy gallons of water or bottled?

Url:https://askinglot.com/is-it-better-to-buy-gallons-of-water-or-bottled

11 hours ago  · Why Tap Water Is Better Than Bottled Water. Buying bottled water is like pouring money down the drain. Bottled water costs from $0.89 per gallon to $8.26 per gallon, compared to fractions of a penny for water from your tap. That makes bottled water thousands of times more expensive than tap water. Click to see full answer.

2.Tap Water vs. Bottled Water: Which Is Better? - Healthline

Url:https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tap-water-vs-bottled-water

17 hours ago  · While some people believe bottled water to be safer, better tasting, and more convenient than tap water, several concerns surround its safety and environmental impact. May contain microplastics

3.Cost of Distilled Water versus Bottled Water - Is it Worth It …

Url:https://waterdistillers.com/blogs/water-essentials/cost-of-distilled-water-versus-bottled-water-is-it-worth-it-to-own-a-water-distiller

32 hours ago So you are talking about .23 cents- .24 cents per gallon compared to bottled water at $1.00 per gallon on average – and that’s a great savings that you are going to have. Plus you are going to have control of your product and you have it already …

4.Why You Should Stop Buying Bottled Water - Anderson …

Url:https://www.andersonwater.com/5-reasons-to-stop-buying-bottled-water/

26 hours ago Bottled Water Costs $400-$1,000 Per Year. An average business drinks about 8 5-Gallon bottles per month. That can cost almost $1,000 per year! Even homes spend an average of $400 per year. Think of the savings with purifying the water that’s already in …

5.Why You Shouldn’t Buy Bottled Water | BottleLess.com

Url:https://www.bottleless.com/why-bottleless/no-bottled-water

33 hours ago You can also buy bottled water nearly anywhere. This makes it more convenient than other solutions, like drinking from a water fountain, where sanitation is questionable. A little less convenient, 5-gallon jugs of water for cooler systems are a popular option for many people.

6.Bottled Water vs. Water Filters: What Should I Use?

Url:https://resources.ecopurehome.com/filtered-vs-bottled-water/

29 hours ago That rather depends on the volume of a water bottle—and the size of a gallon. With a 20-ounce bottle, for example, you would need 128/20 = 6.4 bottles. (This supposes that you are using U.S. gallons of 128 oz. If you have Imperial gallons, at 153.7 oz., you need 7.685 bottles.

7.How much plastic would I save by buying a gallon bottled …

Url:https://www.quora.com/How-much-plastic-would-I-save-by-buying-a-gallon-bottled-water-instead-of-a-16-ounce-bottled-water

14 hours ago  · It’s regularly buying bottled water that really adds up. A 12-ounce bottle of still water can run you anywhere from 99 cents at a grocery store to $2.00 or more at a gas station or convenience store. And that’s just for plain water. Fancy water with added nutrients, flavoring and bubbles costs even more.

8.Stop Wasting Your Money on Bottled Water. Try These

Url:https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/save-money/alternatives-to-bottled-water/

15 hours ago 4. Nestlé Pure Life. Nestlé is a large and enduring brand that owns 64 different small brands. This includes products as well as a number of different water brands. Think everything from Poland Spring to Perrier. However, one of the most popular bottled water brands in their portfolio is …

9.8 Best Bottled Water And Why They’re ALL BAD For You

Url:https://www.mrwatergeek.com/best-bottled-water/

27 hours ago

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9