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.
We’ll take a look at why so many people still drink expensive bottled water, and how you could save a ton of cash by using a water filter vs. bottled water.
On average, a 20-ounce bottle of water costs approximately $1.50. When translating this into gallons, water costs approximately $9.60 per gallon on average when consumed in bottled water form. In order to see just how costly this is, imagine if gas prices were that high!
What Is the Cost of Filtered Water in a Year?
Ok, we get it: Whatever brand you buy, bottled water is expensive! Fortunately, there’s a much more cost-effective alternative: filtered tap water.
Filtering your tap water at home can be a great low-cost way to give you and your family access to clean, great-tasting drinking water. You probably already have access to inexpensive water through the faucets in your home, and filtering it with a high-quality filter can give you the same great taste, quality, and convenience you enjoy with bottled water.
On average, tap water will cost you $0.004 per gallon, just a fraction of a cent. Compare that to Aquafina, Dasani, and Smartwater, which all cost more than $10 per gallon!
Best of all, filtering your water at home is an incredible bargain. While filters may require a small investment to start, over time, filters only add a few cents or less to each gallon of clean, drinking water you consume.
Why Is Bottled Water So Popular?
Even with all of the high costs associated with it, bottled water remains one of today’s most popular drinks. People in the United States — and all over the world — spend billions of dollars every year, consuming millions of gallons of bottled water.
In 2022, the global bottled water market is worth $228 billion. If you think thats an enormous amount of money being spent on water (and it is), consider that market experts expect the bottled water market to grow to a whopping $322 billion by 2028.
You may be asking yourself why bottles of water remain so popular, given their high price tag. Much of bottled water’s popularity comes down to perception, with many people assuming their city’s water supply is not up to their drinking water standards.
This widespread perception of tap water has caused Americans to drink more and more bottled water over the years. Since 2016, bottled water has been the number-one beverage category in the United States. Other reasons people drink bottled water include:
- Taste
- Quality
- Convenience
- Health benefits
But as we’ll soon see, you can receive all of these excellent benefits at a fraction of the cost — and without the outsized environmental impact — by using a water filter vs. bottled water.
5 Gallon VS Individual Bottle Water Shelf Life
FAQ
What is the most economical way to buy water?
How many bottled waters equal a gallon?
How much does a gallon of bottled water cost?
Is the price of bottled water worth it compared to the price of tap water?
How much does bottled water cost?
That way, you can enjoy the convenience of filtering your drinking water supply at home, and you avoid the expense – including the environmental costs – of bottled water consumption. The average price per gallon of bottled water in the US is around $1.37. Single-serve bottled water is up to 2000 times more expensive than drinking from tap.
Is it dangerous to drink one gallon of water daily?
Normally, there is no limit for daily water intake and a gallon a day is not harmful. Although, people who have congestive heart failure or any kidney disease, usually need to restrict water intake because the body can’t process it correctly.
Why is bottled water more expensive than a single bottle?
The quantity of bottles purchased – The total cost of bulk-buying bottled water tends to be cheaper than buying single bottles because manufacturers decrease the cost per gallon of water to better appeal to consumers. With that said, the cost of a multipack of plastic bottles is still obviously more expensive than a single bottle.
How much does 5 gallons of bottled water cost?
Bottled Water: If you are purchasing bottled water from a store, the cost of 5 gallons would depend on the brand, size, and location. Typically, a 5-gallon jug of bottled water, often used with water coolers, can range from around $5 to $10 or more.