Q of the Day: Is Buying Bottled Water Worth the Extra Cost?
By DB
@dgobucks226 (36449)
March 14, 2025 1:53pm CST
We all need water to survive, so drinking enough daily is imperative to good health. What do you consider your favorite method to consume it, and does it matter whether you drink from the tap, use a filter, or buy bottled water?
I drink from all sources but have shifted my preference more to bottled water for convenience. If you're going to another room in the house or traveling somewhere by car bottled water comes in handy. Bottled water does go through sterilization and purification processes and is closely monitored by the FDA. I actually believe bottled tastes better than tap, although it is just an opinion.
I also worry about the safety of only using tap water as it runs through lead pipes even though it is regulated by the EPA. Then there is the issue of added chemicals like fluoride which can damage one's health. Some say tap water may have slight odors due to different treatment processes or the presence of certain minerals. I tend to agree.
So, where do you stand on the bottled water vs tap water vs filter issue? What your preferred method? Is the cost of bottled water worth it in your opinion?
Photo- Serious Eats
13 people like this
14 responses
@dgobucks226 (36449)
•
18 Mar
I see. Water tap filters help with purification of water and taste but do need periodic replacement. But yes, the best thing about bottled water is their convenience.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (36449)
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18 Mar
@fracis22 Bottled water's convenience is its biggest plus for sure.
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (188167)
• United States
14 Mar
That's an interesting question. I usually just buy it because it's convenient. I won't spend a lot for it though. I usually buy a six pack at the Dollar Store, and re use the bottles a few times
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@dgobucks226 (36449)
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18 Mar
Some other pluses about bottled water:
The fact that bottled water is clean and contaminant-free and put in sealed bottles make it safer than tap.
There are a wide variety of bottled water brands providing you a choice to suit your taste preference.
Some kinds can be quite costly I agree.
1 person likes this
@NJChicaa (122469)
• United States
14 Mar
I drink water from the tap here at the apartment. At work we have water dispensers next to the water fountains so people can fill/refill their water bottles. I don't buy bottled water unless I'm out somewhere and need a drink. I have reusable metal bottles that I just fill up each day to bring to work or wherever. I wouldn't buy cases of bottled water because there simply is no need to use all of that plastic.
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@LindaOHio (187084)
• United States
15 Mar
We have filtered water through our fridge. Bottled water is fine as long as you recycle the bottles.
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@LindaOHio (187084)
• United States
20 Mar
@dgobucks226 Yes, there are millions and millions of bottles everywhere.
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@dgobucks226 (36449)
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18 Mar
Water tap filters help with purification of water and taste but do need periodic replacement. Despite the cost of replacement, filters are a popular and useful choice.
As you point out, one negative is although bottled water is recyclable, many wind up in the trash anyway effecting our environment.
1 person likes this
@porwest (99080)
• United States
14 Mar
We always have bottled water in the house, and I always have it in the camper for coffee since I don't want to use even the fresh water hookup water for that. But generally speaking, I keep the bottles and fill them with tap water. I figure it saves me 13 cents every time I fill a bottle with tap.
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@dgobucks226 (36449)
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18 Mar
Just remember not to overuse the refilling of those empty water bottles. I read that plastic is not as safe as stainless-steel bottles which have a smooth non-porous surface which keep bacteria from clinging to crevasses inside the bottle and growing. The more you use the plastic ones the potential for chemicals releasing from the bottles itself might enter the water. In addition, over time the wear and tear of the plastic through cleaning can cause bacteria to form on the sides and crevices further causing growth.
It does save on costs and like many things, if done in moderation and safely I'm sure you'll live, lol.
Do you find any difference in taste from using tap vs bottled water to make your coffee?
Another good reason to have bottled water, in case of an emergency like a water pipeline break or weather disaster in your area.
So, I'm with you on keeping bottled water around!
1 person likes this
@porwest (99080)
• United States
20 Mar
@dgobucks226 I do change the bottles often.
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@dgobucks226 (36449)
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18 Mar
I think you might be right. I sense the bottled water tastes better than tap too. We have a wide variety of bottled water brands providing you a choice to suit your taste preference.
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@grenery8 (16097)
• Zagreb, Croatia (Hrvatska)
19 Mar
@dgobucks226 we have them too but i love buying it when i'm travelling; inner city travelling. 
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (97431)
• United States
14 Mar
I have to use bottled water or I wouldn’t drink any. I think it’s the pipes in my apartment building. No one in this complex can tolerate the taste, yet when I drink it at my dad’s house, it’s fine (same water source). I’ve had people come over and try my tap water to prove it’s not in my head, and indeed they agree. The water from my tap tastes terrible. It also breaks my skin out in a rash, and I think that has to be the pipes too.
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@dgobucks226 (36449)
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18 Mar
Wow, that's a bad situation.
Some positives of bottled water:
The fact that bottled water is clean and contaminant-free and put in sealed bottles make it safer than tap.
There are a wide variety of bottled water brands providing you a choice to suit your taste preference.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (144304)
• India
15 Mar
I drink water after it is boiled and rarely buy bottled water.
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@dgobucks226 (36449)
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18 Mar
I see. Some research claims that bottled water is clean and contaminant-free and put in sealed bottles make it safer than tap. But boiling out the impurities is another way to achieve the same results.
I think bottled for most buyers is the convenience. Especially if you're traveling someplace.
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (93961)
• United States
16 Mar
I wont buy bottled water less I am dying outside for thirst for some reason.
I just have a Brita jug.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (36449)
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18 Mar
One good thing about bottled water is it's good to have some on hand in case of an emergency like a water pipeline break or weather disaster in your area.
Water tap filters help with purification of water so that's good to have around.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (36449)
•
18 Mar
You are all prepared! 
I do exactly the same as you. I also like the convenience of bottled water when going somewhere by car.
I do exactly the same as you. I also like the convenience of bottled water when going somewhere by car.1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (36449)
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18 Mar
Good point about waste. Some argue although bottled water is recyclable, many wind up in the trash anyway effecting our environment.
Using stainless steel bottles is an excellent choice as they are sanitary, non-toxic, and easy to clean. They can also be recycled.
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@RasmaSandra (84185)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
14 Mar
I do what my mom did her whole life. I boil my tap water and keep jug of cold water in the fridge.
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@dgobucks226 (36449)
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18 Mar
I see. I think it's good to have some bottled water on hand in case of an emergency like a water pipeline break or weather disaster in your area. Just my preference.
Some research claims that bottled water is clean and contaminant-free and put in sealed bottles make it safer than tap. But boiling out the impurities is another way to achieve the same results.
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@Danielclark691 (2169)
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14 Mar
I don’t believe it is. Buy a sturdy bottle and fill from the tap if the source is safe
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@dgobucks226 (36449)
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18 Mar
According to research, it has been shown that bottled water is clean and contaminant-free and put in sealed bottles make it safer than tap. Probably a reason for many people choosing to put filters on their faucets to purify their tap water. Choosing a steel bottle container is also a safer option as its smooth surface resists seeping of bacteria into the water unlike plastic bottles where it can remain in surface crevices.
Thanks for your opinion.
@dgobucks226 (36449)
•
18 Mar
Probably right. Although, I think it's good to have some bottled water on hand in case of an emergency like a water pipeline break or weather disaster in your area.
@fracis22 (72)
• Lagos, Nigeria
19 Mar
@dgobucks226 there's no such thing where I come from and water is also free here
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