If your water smells odd, leaves a bad aftertaste, or seems too cloudy, you might consider two options for safer, great-tasting water: drinking bottled water or adding a filtration system to your home.
Round 1: Convenience
Bottled water offers mobility and convenience. You can take it anywhere, seal it to avoid spills, and it’s durable. You can easily buy it from stores, making it a convenient alternative to less sanitary options like water fountains.
For larger volumes, 5-gallon jugs are available at stores or through delivery services. Though practical, they are cumbersome and occupy significant space.
Water filters provide immediate access to clean water at home, filtering all or specific taps like the kitchen sink. Many under-sink systems are compact, saving storage space.
Round 2: Cost
Bottled water seems cheap, but costs accumulate. Purchasing in bulk from stores like Sam’s Club or Costco saves money, with a 40-pack costing around $6.54. If your household uses a gallon a day, that’s about $340 per year on bottled water.
Water filters require a higher upfront investment. A basic system installed by EcoWater of Middle Tennessee might vary in price, depending on your specific needs. Filters typically last up to six months, making this a one-time investment with periodic filter replacements.
The cost of using home tap water is minimal, around $1.08 per year for a gallon a day, plus the filtration setup.
Final Round: Contaminant Reduction
Bottled water comes in two main types: spring water and purified water. Spring water must come from a spring and is filtered to remove sediments. Purified water undergoes processes like distillation and reverse osmosis to meet strict FDA and IBWA standards.
However, bottled water can contain microplastics, as a 2018 report found. Plastic debris from bottles poses environmental and health concerns.
Water filters reduce contaminants that municipal water systems might miss during transport to your home. Various systems address different contaminants, and EcoWater of Middle Tennessee can help determine the best solution for you.
Environmental Impact
Bottled water production is resource-intensive, using significant amounts of water and plastic. Single-use bottles contribute to environmental waste.
Home filtration systems have minimal environmental impact. While reverse osmosis systems produce some waste, they are efficient and widely used, even by bottled water companies.
What’s the Best Water Filter for Your Tennessee Home?
In the bottled water versus water filter debate, in-home filtration emerges as the best choice for removing contaminants. Contact EcoWater of Middle Tennessee to test your water and identify the right solution for your home.
Solve Your Problem Water
Better water begins with a free home water test conducted by a Water Pro. Lean on EcoWater’s knowledge to ensure you get the right solution to permanently solve your water problems.