Water filter vs bottled water we will analyze in more detail in this article. Water is an important source for our body, so water pollution should be a major concern for everyone. For the proper functioning of all body systems, it is necessary to consume a sufficient amount of high-quality drinking water.
A healthy adult drinks about ½ gallon of water per day, which is 182.5 gallons per year. Why do Americans spend $16 billion annually on bottled water while having unlimited access to tap water?
Let’s try to figure out what actually is filtered drinking water, tap water and water in plastic bottles or bottled water. What is healthier to drink, how to improve water quality through filtration, and whether it is possible to save on drinking water. Water filter vs bottled water below we will analyze in more detail.
Tap water
Tap water comes to us from the city water supply. Tap water is regulated by the EPA (Environmental Protection Act), which regulates over 90 water contaminants such as chloroform and bromodichloromethane, both of which are known to be carcinogenic.
This also explains why you may notice an unpleasant smell or taste when drinking tap water. And that’s not very helpful either.
Filtered water
Filtered drinking water is tap water that has been purified from harmful chemicals and sediment using specialized filtration systems. Studies were conducted with children who were given two cups of tap and filtered water.
As a result, children noticed that filtered water tasted better than bottled water and was also “easier to drink.” Water filter vs bottled water more factors below.
Is water in plastic bottles safe?
Bottled water accounts for the largest volume of drinking water consumption. But have you ever wondered if bottled water is optimal for your health?
It is actually filtered bottled tap water, filtered from many of the contaminants that can be found in your tap water.
So bottled water can taste the same as tap water.
One more issue is plastic water bottles. In a study done, 93% of the 239 plastic bottles of drinking water were tested positive for microplastic contamination in purified water.
Some research on tap water
Municipalities add chlorine to kill bacteria, which is dangerous for microbiological safety.
Life-long ingestion of chlorinated drinking water cause risk for bladder cancer.
The studies show that from 2 to 17% bottled water drinkers in United States have a higher risk of bladder cancer.
The majority of bottled water brands comply with guidelines for water quality set nationally or internationally, it does not guarantee the higher quality or more safety compared to tap water.
Nearly 40% percent of Americans use some sort of water filtration system. Two of the most common approaches – activated carbon filters and Reverse osmosis (RO) filtration systems. Filtration can remove from 50 to 93 percent of chemicals from drinking water. Water filter vs bottled water more factors below.
Water filter vs bottled water, which is better?
Filtration takes out certain chemical and physical particles that are not good for humans to ingest. Herbicides and pesticides used in farming make their way into our lakes and rivers when it rains.
The filtration process removes even these tiny particles that are harmful, eliminating risk for health.
Although there are minerals in natural water that are good for our health. Water filters leave behind these beneficial minerals while removing all harmful chemicals.
According to the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) test, the amount of tap water was 185 beats / min, bottled water – 176 beats / min, although the water, which was filtered using a reverse osmosis system, showed only 22 beats / min! Next, we will analyze the water filter vs bottled water and the financial component.
Financial Factor
Bottled water
For example, bottled water, which is the most inexpensive, adds up to being the most expensive source of water per year.
Every year, Americans spend about $16 billion on bottled water. The average cost of a 16.9 ounce plastic bottle of water is about $0.70.
That would be over $4,000 for a family of 4 for 720 gallons. Even if you buy bags of bottled water (one bottle costs almost $0.12), you will still be spending over $200 per year.
Filtered water
While the cost of drinking bottled water progresses extremely, a filtered water is going to be more expensive upfront. A simple effective filtration system will cost a little more than $100. Reverse osmosis system is the best option, such as one of the most expensive.
So, in this case, the cost and water waste doesn’t seem worth it. But here is the thing. The annual cost for purifying your water was calculated out at only around penny per cup!
You should notice, you should replace filters every six months, since you have the filtration system installed.
Replacement filters usually cost from $65 to $80, depending on the type of your filtration system. Filter cartridges need to be replaced regularly to minimise bacteria growth in sorbent material.
To sum up
Unfiltered tap water will cost you about 40 cents per person per year, filtered water about $1.21, and bottled water about $435 (if you buy individual bottles). Here it is already worth considering, pay up front and save in the long run, or spend small amounts on bottled water, but over time it will become more expensive.
Summarizing
But here is a deal. You can save up to $870 a year by owning a whole home water softening and filtration system by reducing expenses such as bottled water, cleaning products, energy consumption and plumbing issues.
You can save up to $324 per year on eliminating bottled water purchases, also up to $420 on cleaning products (with softer water they work better and you can use smaller amount of them).
You’ll save up to $36 per year on energy consumption, as you reduce it by 20%, as your water heater will work faster and more productive. Water filter vs bottled water the choice is yours.
Convenience factor
Bottled water seems like a convenient option, especially when traveling. It’s easy to grab a water bottle and leave. Also, if you forgot to bring from home, then you can easily buy a bottle of water anywhere, such as at your local store or gas station.
However, if you use filtered water, you can forget about the problem of running out of drinking water.
The filtration system provides you with clean drinking water straight from the tap, allowing homeowners to always have plenty of clean water on hand. In addition, it will not take up space in the kitchen.
You can take a refillable bottle filled from home to drink water when you are away from home. And, remarkably, it will cost you a lot less than buying bottled water in a plastic bottle every time. Water filter vs bottled water and the environmental factor will be analyzed below.
Ecology and bottled water vs filtered water
Bottled water
Plastic is one of the leading environmental pollutants on Earth. Even though plastic is recyclable, unfortunately 80% of water bottles are not recyclable. Our landfills and oceans are filled with plastic bottles that can’t be broken.
Every minute, a million bottles of bottled water are bought around the world, and this number is growing. Most of them end up in landfills, and millions end up in the garbage.
It’s hard to imagine that it takes 700 years for one bottle of water to decompose!
Worth thinking
Also, do not forget that plastic comes back to us in the form of microplastics in bottled water, which is very harmful to our health.
Currently, recycling technologies are developing, but the amount of plastic used is also growing very quickly. Recycling is expensive and very harmful to the environment, making it a global problem.
Although it takes about 2 liters of water to produce plastic per liter of bottled water, plus a third liter to fill the bottle itself. Most of the plastic used to make bottled water is made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Companies claim they use this material because it is a thinner plastic, which reduces plastic waste.
Nowadays, bottled water companies have become big business. The commodification of water has reduced people’s access to a basic human right. So, people even want to ban bottled water in some countries.
Water filters solve the problem
Tap water filtration has minimal environmental impact. This is basically no energy wastage, as reverse osmosis systems do not use electricity, relying on water pressure.
Water loss is minimal, it may seem like a lot, but given the amount you drink per day, using a water filtration system is equivalent to flushing the toilet 1-2 times more than usual. Water filter vs bottled water is up to you.
What conclusions can be drawn and in whose favor: bottled water or filtered water?
In this article, we have broken down the factors of water filters vs bottled water. We have provided you with some information to compare bottled drinking water, filtered tap water and filtered water. Nowadays every type of water is generally safe to drink.
Confidence
Your choice of how much you trust the big bottled water brands, or whether it’s convenience or sustainability, is more important to you.
By choosing a filtration system, you can personally control the quality of drinking water. You will receive pure filtered drinking water without impurities.
Choice
Another important criterion is the cost. Bottled water will initially be cheaper than installing a water filter. But in the future, if you look at the total for a month, a year and a long period of time, bottled water still comes out more expensive than filtered water.
Also, you need to understand that water filters are more suitable for home use, and bottled water is more suitable for office use.
Тotal
And remember, there are many types of water filtration systems from which you can choose the one that is right for you. These can be desktop jugs for water filtration, models under the sink, as well as water filtration systems at the entrance to the house.
Also, filters can be of different cost and for any wallet. Maybe you’re better off paying up front and saving hundreds of dollars and your health down the road. Your money and body – only your choice! It is up to you to decide whether you will use water filters vs bottled water.