The debate between tap water and bottled water affects millions of households daily. You might find yourself wondering if those cases of bottled water are worth the expense, or if the water flowing from your kitchen faucet is the better option for your family.

Both have their advantages, but the answer depends on factors like cost, environmental impact, and your family’s needs. Let’s explore the facts to help you make an informed choice about your drinking water.

Bottled Water: Convenience with Costs

Bottled water typically comes from municipal water systems or natural springs and may undergo additional purification. The FDA regulates bottled water, establishing safety standards similar to those for tap water.

While bottled water offers convenience and consistent taste, it comes with significant drawbacks. The wholesale cost of bottled water was $1.11 per gallon in 2016, but retail prices for 20-ounce bottles can exceed $6 per gallon—nearly 2,000 times more expensive than tap water.

Environmental Impact Comparison

The environmental difference between tap water and bottled water is substantial. Bottled water production requires significant energy for manufacturing, transportation, and disposal. Plastic bottles contribute to environmental waste, even when recycled.

Tap water has a much smaller environmental footprint, especially when you use a reusable container. Home water treatment systems offer an even more sustainable solution, reducing both environmental impact and long-term costs.

Cost Analysis: The Numbers Don’t Lie

In 2016, typical U.S. households paid about $0.0034 per gallon for tap water—compared to over $6 per gallon for bottled water in small containers. Even with a home water treatment system, the long-term savings are significant.

Installing a whole-home water treatment system requires an initial investment, but it pays for itself through reduced bottled water purchases and appliance protection. Many residential water treatment systems offer lifetime limited warranties, ensuring long-term value and peace of mind.

Making the Right Choice for Your Family

Both tap water and bottled water are viable drinking options, but tap water treated with a quality home system offers the best combination of cost-effectiveness and environmental responsibility.

Start by having your current water quality tested to identify your needs. Then, consider a treatment system that provides solutions like removing chlorine, softening hard water, or delivering comprehensive filtration for drinking water.

Enjoy the benefits of improved household water while saving money and reducing environmental impact. A quality water treatment system provides the convenience of bottled water quality straight from your tap, without the ongoing costs or waste.

Ready to make the switch? Reach out to The LeverEdge today. We’ll match you with your local water treatment professional and find the perfect system for your home.