Bottled and filtered water are popular options for staying hydrated, but they have important differences. Bottled water comes pre-packaged in plastic, while filtered water uses home filtration systems.
In this article, we will compare bottled water and filtered water on key factors like quality, cost, convenience, and environmental impact. By understanding both these, readers can make the best choice for their drinking water needs and budget.
What is bottled & Filtered water – A Brief Overview
Before heading directly towards the differences, it would be good if we first understand what bottled and filtered water is.
Bottled Water: It is purified water that is packed in a plastic bottle and sold for public consumption. It usually comes from springs and wells, treated for purification, and then packed for sale. It is widely used at local stores all around the world as a convenient option for staying when you are on the go.
Filtered water: It is also a form of purified water that is created with the help of a water filtration system. The system efficiently removes a number of contaminants and impurities from the given water with maximum effectiveness.
There are numerous types of filters available both online and on the market, providing customers a choice to go with the one that matches both their water quality needs and budget requirements.
Remember, both bottled and filtered water aim to provide clean, safe drinking water. However, there are important differences between them that we have discussed below in detail.
Bottle Water or Filtered Water – Which is Better
Water is essential for life, but the type of water we drink makes a difference. Bottled water and filtered water both have pros and cons when it comes to quality, cost, and convenience. Let’s compare them.
- Comparing Quality
Bottled water quality varies greatly depending on the source and purification methods. Apart from this, it also depends on the bottled water brands. If the brand is highly reputable, then its bottled water may be good. Remember, whether the brand is reputable or not, you can’t be 100% sure about bottled water quality because you haven’t witnessed its treatment process.
When it comes to filtered water, you will have maximum satisfaction and peace of mind that you are consuming water that is 100% clean and safe. The water filtration systems efficiently remove most of the contaminants such as chemicals, bacteria, viruses, sediment, heavy metals, and many more.
- Cost Comparison
Bottled water may seem cheap when you buy one bottle. But those costs add up fast if you drink it every day. Over time, you’ll spend a lot more than you expect. And once the bottle is empty, you must throw it in the trash. That means your costs don’t include what you pay at the store. You also have to think about trash removal.
Moreover, the purchase price of bottled water is usually higher. This is so because, it contains the cost of production, packaging, branding, transportation, and many more other factors.
With filtered water, it’s true that you need to buy a filtration system upfront. These systems can range from $100-$1,000, depending on the type and size of your home.
But after that, you will get consistent, high-quality filtered water on demand for several years. All you have to do is just maintain the filtration system on a regular basis for optimal working. Plus, you aren’t throwing away plastic bottles.
To see which really saves more, compare what you spend on bottled water in a month or year. Then, figure out how long the filter system would take to pay for itself with the money you save. The filter pays off within six months to 2 years for most people. After that, every glass of filtered tap water is free.
- Convenience
Convenience can go either way when it comes to bottles or filtered water. Water bottles are easy to take on the go. But you have to keep buying them, and toting them around gets old fast.
There are portable water filters available as well known as “Pitcher filters.” These are small and lightweight in terms of size, and also affordable.
However, if you have a water filtration system that is not portable, then there is no need to worry. Just fill your reusable bottle with filtered water. Then you’re good to go without trash. A filter makes tap water simple to drink wherever you are.
- Environmental Impact
The impact on the environment is an important thing to think about. Bottled water can hurt the earth because so many plastic bottles are thrown away after just one use. This plastic garbage ends up in landfills and oceans. But filtered water is better for the planet.
When you use reusable containers and filters, you don’t waste plastic. This helps reduce pollution. Filtered water also needs less fuel to make and move it. So, your “carbon footprint” is smaller. Overall, filtered water is easier on the earth. Choosing it over bottled water helps protect our natural world.
So…which one is better? Based on the comparison that we have made above, we are concluding that filtered water is way much better option as compared to bottled water. This is so because:
- It is cost-effective in the long run.
- Provide mental satisfaction regarding water quality.
- Contribute to the reduction of plastic use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the cost of bottled water compare to filtered water in the long run?
Due to the frequent purchases, the overall cost is usually higher than filtered water in the long run.
Are there any considerations that need to be made when choosing bottled or filtered water?
Yes, if you are going with filtered water, pay attention to how effectively the water filtration can filter the given water. On the other hand, if you are going with bottled water, then you should pay attention to regulations and safety standards for bottled water.
Wrapping Up
Bottled & filtered water are two widely used types of water around the world. The proponents of these types are often seen comparing them to figure out which one is the best. If you are also one of those, then in this article, we have made a detailed comparison of bottled and filtered water.
