Bottled Water vs. Filtered Water: Which is Right for You?
Access to clean, great-tasting water is important for your health. We live in a country that loves choices, and water service is no different.
If you are looking for healthy options for your family, you will need to choose whether bottled water or filtered water is best, and we are here to help you with this choice.
At Exell, we offer both of these services, and we stand behind them. We recognize that what works for one family’s situation and budget may not work for another.
Before you can make a decision, you must first understand what each of these services includes, so here is an overview on each service, complete with the drawbacks and offerings.
What Is Filtered Water?
Filtered water uses tap water and purifies it so that your water is free of impurities and ready for consumption. There are different types of filtration systems that bring you the same result: safe, clean drinking water.
Access to clean drinking water should not be a luxury. The CDC estimates that there are between 4 and 32 million cases of illness caused by water in the US each year. This is a terrifying realization, especially when you are unaware of the contaminants that you are consuming.
This is where water filtration comes in. It acts as a safeguard, protecting you and your family from unpleasant, and sometimes life-threatening, contaminants that are floating around in your water.
What Are the Benefits of Filtered Water?
Cost
Depending on the type of filtration system the consumer chooses, water filtration can be cheaper than bottled water services, in part because you receive an unlimited supply. Included in the price is also the maintenance required to ensure your system is running optimally.
At Exell, we want to make sure that your water filtration system works properly for many, many years. Included in this price is maintenance, semi-annual water safety testing, and equipment replacement.
Health Benefits
It’s no surprise that drinking pure water is beneficial for the immune system, but did you know that it can also help with nutrient absorption?
By filtering the water, our bodies will not have to work around contaminants and can focus on other areas. Some of these areas may include a quicker metabolism and reduced risk of multiple cancers.
Quality Taste
Gone are the days of drinking water that tastes like a swimming pool. Filtration removes the impurities, such as chlorine, in your water, leaving it with a refreshingly neutral taste. This makes drinking water a more enjoyable experience.
Unlimited Supply
With water filtration systems, you are using your own municipal water source and filtering it. This means that as long as you schedule your routine maintenance, you will never be left without clean water.
What are the Cons of Filtered Water?
Upfront Costs and Required Installation
Prices for installation can range from $150 for a distiller, to upwards of $1000 for whole-home filtration systems, touching on several price points in between.
While that is quite a broad range, it ultimately means that with a little budgeting and preparation for the upfront costs, a water filtration system can fit comfortably into any monthly budget.
Routine Maintenance
Like most good things, a little TLC is needed to keep it running at optimum levels, and water filtration systems are no exception. Most systems will need to be serviced every 6 to 12 months through the company which it is being provided.
The good news is that this is often included in the monthly price. This also alleviates some of the fear that comes with products breaking because with preventative maintenance, you are lowering the risk of that happening.
What Is Bottled Water?
Bottled water is commercially bottled, following FDA’s packaged food safety standards. This means that bottlers must safely produce and properly label any product they are selling for consumption.
We’ve already talked in length about all of the benefits of bottled water, but here we will specifically speak about the benefits of 3- and 5-gallon jugs used in water cooler dispensers.
What are the Pros of Bottled Water?
Easy Hydration
Drinking clean water has never been easier! With a water cooler at your service, you can instantly fill your glass with great tasting water. In addition to convenience, cold, fresh tasting water quenches your thirst like nothing else. You will find yourself coming back to refill your glass often.
Temperature Control
Many water cooler dispensers come with the option of heated or chilled water, and the best part is that the results are instantaneous. This is great when you just want a quick sip of cold water without going through the trouble of adding ice, which, let’s be honest, just gets in the way.
This also encourages consumption of other healthy products, such as coffee or tea. With one click of a button, you can have a cup full of hot water to use for brewing.
No Installation or Plumbing Required
One component of filtration that can be unsettling to some people is the fact that it requires plumbing and installation.
With water dispensers, once the unit is placed and plugged in, you are ready to start drinking delicious-tasting water. It is that simple. This also gives you the option to move the dispenser around or store it away when it is not in use.
What Are the Cons of Bottled Water?
Routine Maintenance
Just like water filtration systems, water dispensers also have required maintenance. They require cleaning, and routine replacement of parts. Many companies, including Exell, include this maintenance in their monthly fee.
Space Constraints
Not only is the unit a decent size, but storage space will be needed for the full and empty bottles in between deliveries. This will be something to consider, especially when used in a residential setting where space is often limited.
You should have a designated spot in your home for storing water, such as overhead shelving in a pantry or closet. We do not recommend outside storage during the summer because it is recommended to store in an area between 50 and 70 degrees.
Choosing Between Bottled Water vs. Filtered Water
We all know that drinking water has many benefits, so any choice that you make to help increase water consumption will be a good one. Each of these products has their own pros and cons and comes in a wide price range. Determining you and your family’s water consumption is a great place to start.
If your household heavily consumes water and does not mind paying for installation upfront, filtered water is a great option. However, for lighter consumption, bottled water is an excellent and affordable solution.
At Exell, we are here to answer any questions that you have about your water service needs. We’re big proponents of conducting a site survey with our customers to help determine the best route for you. We have over 80 years of experience, and our expert team is ready to serve you!