According to the most recent figures from the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA), bottled water costs about $1.11 per gallon. That’s probably a low figure, though, considering that it takes into account the price in different countries as well as the price of 5-gallon jugs you’d see in an office water cooler. When the water is in individually sized bottles, the cost jumps to about $7.50 per gallon. It’s been estimated that an average family of four, two adults and two children, can spend anywhere from $1,241 to $8,385 annually on bottled water. Over the course of the 18 years the children are likely to be home, that cost can add up to as much as $150,930. Here’s how that breaks down:
- One man, drinking 124 ounces of water each day, consumes 45,260 ounces each year, or about 354 gallons. At a rate of $1.11, that’s $393 per year, while at $7.50 the cost would be $2,655.
- One woman, drinking about 92 ounces per day, drinks 33,580 ounces annually, or about 262 gallons. Multiply those gallons by $1.11, and it costs about $291 each year. At $7.50, she’ll spend $1,965 on water.
- Two children, each drinking 88 ounces per day, drink 32,120 ounces each year apiece, totaling about 502 gallons. At $1.11, the two together would drink $557 worth of water, but at $7.50 that number jumps to $3,765 annually for the two kids.
- Totaling those numbers for the family members combined, the cost is anywhere from $1,241 to $8,385 annually. Multiply that out over 18 years and the total is at least $22,338 before the kids leave and could be as high as $150,930. That’s not even taking into account visitors to the house who may be thirsty.
Let’s look at what would happen if that family switched to tap water.
Tap water in the United States costs about $.004 per gallon. That means the daily cost would drop to $1.42 for Dad, $1.04 for Mom, and $1 each for the kids. For the entire family to drink plenty of water, it would end up costing about $4.46 annually, or $80 over 18 years. If the goal is to be in control, that family could seize control of their budget by saving over eight thousand dollars every year!
Another thing they’d be improving by switching to tap water is the health of the world around them. Did you know that people in the United States throw away more than 38 billion water bottles every year? Those bottles aren’t recycled, they’re just left to generate a nearly unimaginable amount of non-biodegradable waste. The impact of that kind of carelessness on the environment is devastating, and the cost is beyond calculation. Switching to tap water, then, would not only be a fiscally responsible choice, but also an environmentally-friendly one.
Unfortunately, our tap water comes with issues of its own.
Depending on where you live, your tap water could be harboring a host of contaminants, including lead, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, bacteria, and viruses. Even the chlorine added to your water to kill off some of these pollutants can be harmful to your health at high levels. This is why it makes sense to purchase a water filtration system for your home. If you think your family will miss the convenience of bottled water, buy them each a reusable water bottle! Water filtration systems can effectively remove many harmful contaminants from your water, including bacteria and viruses- even the virus that causes COVID-19. Once you’ve had your water professionally analyzed, you’ll know exactly what’s in it and which system will best meet your needs.
Are you ready to take control of your drinking water?
For a free water analysis, consultation, and treatment plan, trust AquaZona. We understand the challenges in the Valley of the Sun, and our systems use less water than traditional water softeners. What’s more, we stand behind our products with the most comprehensive warranty coverage in the industry. Call today or contact us for a free quote.
