Is filtered water better than bottled water?
Written by
Gina Mason
Reviewed by
Prof. William Dalton, Ph.D.Filtered water usually provides better safety and value than bottled water for everyday use. Bottled water generates waste plastic and incurs a significantly higher cost in the long term. Properly maintained filtration systems provide better control over water quality. I switched my household to filtration after testing the two options thoroughly.
Cost-effectiveness decidedly favors filtered water. Bottled water is $1 to $3 per gallon, while filtered water costs $0.05 after the initial investment. Families pay hundreds each year for a needless supply of bottled water. Filtration systems pay for themselves in a period of months. The economic advantage of this spending becomes quite substantial over the years.
Contrast the environmental impact in a few key areas and you will find it substantial. It produces a tremendous amount of plastic waste that pollutes the oceans and fills our landfills. It takes three gallons of water to produce one gallon of bottled water. Once filtration systems are installed, it takes a minimum of resources to operate them. These issues of environmental responsibility are paramount for those who are interested in sustainable living.
System Selection
- Test water to identify needed filtration
- Choose NSF-certified systems matching contaminants
- Consider under-sink vs. whole-house installation
Health Optimization
- Select systems removing local contaminants
- Add mineral cartridges for better taste
- Combine with UV for pathogen protection
Habit Implementation
- Use reusable glass/stainless containers
- Install filtered taps at key locations
- Phase out bottled water purchases gradually
The benefits of health control are considerable. Filtration allows the user to customize the removal of local sources of contamination, such as lead or pesticides. There are certain chemicals allowable in the regulated water supply that I do not allow to be added to the water in my practice. Glass containers allow for the complete avoidance of chemical leaching from plastic containers. This tailored and custom approach allows for optimum safety.
Initiate the transition toward sustainable water use by implementing practical solutions. Begin with pitcher filters, as this is a good entry-level step. Move to under-sink systems, which will optimize water flow. Pick up reusable bottles filled with filtered water. In this way, we establish very sustainable habits, which will protect effectively both health and the environment.
Read the full article: 9 Effective Ways to Purify Water at Home
