The Financial Benefits of Drinking Only Tap Water: A Comprehensive Guide

We often overlook the smallest yet most significant ways to save money. One such easy and impactful change lies in our daily drinking habits. Have you ever considered the cost implications of choosing bottled water over tap water? This financial journalist invites you to delve into the potential savings that can be reaped by making a simple switch, as well as examining other alternatives to more expensive beverages.

The Cost Difference Between Bottled and Tap Water: A Calculated Analysis

A few years back, our author conducted a study on the cost disparity between bottled water and tap water. What he found may astonish you:

5000 bottled waters could be filled with tap water for around $3.00. So, if you buy a bottled water for $1.50, you are paying 2,500 times more than what you should!

Let’s consider an example: If you usually consume 3 bottles of water (64 oz.) per day, each one costing around $1.50, you would be spending approximately $4.50 daily or $1,642.50 yearly. Conversely, filling the same number of 20-ounce bottles with tap water would only set you back $1.00 annually – a difference of $1,641.50!

In essence, by switching to tap water, you’ve already saved twice what you would have spent on an entire year’s supply.

Bottled Water: An Expensive Rip-off or a Necessity?

While bottled water is undeniably costly when compared with tap water, it’s essential to note that most people don’t exclusively drink bottled beverages. Instead, they often turn to other more expensive options such as:

1. Soda (pop)
2. Processed tea
3. Milk
4. Juice
5. Coffee
6. Alcoholic drinks (beer and wine)

Beyond bottled water, these beverages may significantly contribute to your expenses. For instance, a daily alcoholic drink – either beer or wine – for a 2-person household can range between $730 to $2,190 in annual savings, solely by eliminating that one purchase.

Cost Reduction Through Alternative Beverage Choices: A Case Study

As our author points out, he has managed to save by rethinking his consumption patterns. He homebrews the majority of his beer for a substantial price reduction compared to store-bought options. Concerning wine, while he doesn’t forego it entirely – given that he is not in dire need of savings – he still recognizes its expense.

Similarly, he has cut back on soda, processed tea, and juice, which often provide little benefit compared to the cost. The benefits of these beverages can typically be replicated through a healthy diet or multivitamins, without the added sugar and potential health risks.

Finally, coffee was an expense he reduced drastically after realizing the headaches that ensued from discontinuing his morning fix. The lack of noticeable health benefits made this change easier to accept.

Tap Water: A Cheap Luxury Worth Embracing

Humans have gone for millennia without anything but natural water sources, and tap water is a valuable luxury we can all enjoy in times of hardship. It provides an affordable and practical alternative to bottled water, enabling you to reduce your overall spending on beverages.

In Conclusion

The financial implications of switching to drinking only tap water are undeniable. By making this seemingly minor change, you can potentially save a significant amount of money that can be allocated towards other areas in life. Moreover, the savings accumulated through reducing your intake of more expensive beverages further emphasizes the value of reassessing your daily consumption patterns.

So, take a moment to reflect on your drinking habits and consider making the switch – not only will you contribute positively to the environment by reducing plastic waste from bottled water, but also reap considerable financial benefits in return.