When it comes to choosing a source of clean, safe drinking water, there are many options available. Two popular choices are bottled water and whole house water filters. But which one is the better option? Here’s a closer look at the true cost of both options to help you decide.
Bottled Water
Let’s start by examining the true cost of bottled water. There are several factors to consider, including water treatment and processing, environmental impact, and economic impact.
Before we even get to the bottling process, it’s necessary to consider how the water is treated and processed. Many bottled water companies use a process called reverse osmosis to purify the water. This involves forcing water through a membrane to remove impurities, and it requires a significant amount of energy. In fact, it can take twice as much energy to produce bottled water as it does to produce tap water.
- Environmental and Economic Impact
The production and transportation of bottled water also have a significant environmental impact. First, there’s the issue of plastic waste. Plastic can take hundreds of years to break down, and it’s a major contributor to pollution and the decline of marine life. Then there’s the carbon footprint of bottled water. In addition to the energy required to produce and transport the water, there’s also the energy needed to produce the plastic bottles and transport them to stores. All of this adds up to a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions. There are also economic costs to consider. Bottled water is often more expensive than tap water, and this can add up over time. The cost of bottled water can be up to 1000 times more expensive than tap water, depending on the brand and where you live. The bottled water industry is also largely unregulated, which means that companies can get away with charging exorbitant prices for what is essentially a commodity. This lack of regulation also means that there is less transparency about where the water is coming from and how it is being treated, which can be a concern for consumers.
Whole House Water Filters
Now let’s take a look at whole house water filters, another popular option for clean drinking water. These systems filter the water coming into your home, providing clean water for all your household needs, including drinking, cooking, and bathing.
- Installation and Maintenance
One of the main costs to consider with whole house water filters is the initial installation and ongoing maintenance. These systems require professional installation, which can be expensive. However, once the system is installed, the ongoing maintenance costs tend to be much lower. Most systems only require periodic filter replacements, which can be done fairly easily by the homeowner.
- Environmental and Economic Impact
When it comes to environmental impact, whole house water filters are a more sustainable option than bottled water. They do require energy for operation, but this is usually much less than the energy required to produce and transport bottled water. Additionally, whole house water filters don’t generate any plastic waste, as they use filters rather than bottles. In terms of economic impact, whole house water filters can be a more cost-effective option than bottled water in the long run. The initial installation costs can be high, but once the system is installed, the ongoing costs are minimal. You’ll definitely save money by not having to constantly buy bottled water.
The Choice is very obvious
To sum up, whole house water filters are a better option than bottled water for clean, safe drinking water. While bottled water may seem convenient and readily available, it comes with a hidden cost in terms of energy use, plastic waste, and environmental impact. On the other hand, whole house water filters offer a more sustainable and cost-effective option, with minimal energy use and no plastic waste. While the initial installation costs may be higher, the ongoing maintenance costs are minimal and the long-term economic and environmental benefits make whole house water filters a smart choice.
