The True Cost of Bottled Water for Families (& How to Save with Filters)

As the school year kicks off, families everywhere are stocking up on supplies, snacks, and—often without thinking twice—cases of bottled water. But have you ever stopped to calculate the true cost of bottled water over a school year?

The numbers might surprise you. And the good news? There’s a smarter, more sustainable, and more affordable alternative.

The Real Cost of Bottled Water

On average, a single bottle of water costs between $1–$2. If you’re packing one or two bottles per child each day for school lunches, sports practices, and after-school activities, that can quickly snowball into hundreds of dollars a year.

Let’s break it down:

• $1.50 x 2 bottles x 180 school days = $540 per child per year
• Multiply that by 2 or 3 kids? You're looking at over $1,000 annually just on water.

Bottled Water Cost Per Family Size

And that doesn’t include weekend outings, sports tournaments, or family travel.

A Better Way to Hydrate: Filter It Instead

Filtered water systems for the home offer a long-term solution that’s cleaner, greener, and far more cost-effective. Whether it’s a simple countertop filter, an under-sink reverse osmosis unit, or a whole-house system, you’ll gain unlimited access to safe, great-tasting water right from the tap.

Here’s how families can save money on water with a filter:

• Reusable water bottles filled with filtered water = $0 per use
• Long-term investment in a home filtration system pays for itself in just a few months
• No need for recurring purchases of bottled water every week
• Lower environmental impact with less plastic going to landfills or recycling plants

Perfect for Lunchboxes, Practices, and Everyday Hydration

Filtered water isn’t just for home use—it’s ideal for packing in school lunches, keeping kids hydrated on the field, or making sure they’re drinking clean water throughout the day.

Plus, kids love being part of the solution. Give them their own reusable bottles and let them pick stickers or colors to make them fun and personal. It’s one small step toward creating lifelong eco-friendly habits.

The Bottom Line: Stop Pouring Money Into Plastic

Investing in a filtration system is one of the easiest ways to save money on water—and reduce your family’s dependence on plastic bottles. Over the course of a school year, the savings add up quickly, and the environmental benefits last even longer.

Ditch the Plastic. Drink Smarter. Save More.

Make the switch to filtered water today and start seeing the savings roll in by next month. Your wallet—and the planet—will thank you.

Discover:

→ Whole-House Filtration Systems

→ Under-Counter RO Systems

→ Water Softener Systems