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The true cost of bottled water

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With the world bracing itself for a climate emergency, and many countries already feeling the impact of global warming, now is the time to start making a change to our consumer behaviour. Bottled water is one of the most popular items on our shopping lists, with 19% of Brits admitting to drinking bottled water every single day. On average, each person in the UK consumes a huge 36 litres of bottled water per year.

It’s clear that we are all buying far too many plastic bottles, rather than drinking the water from our kitchen taps. But how much does bottled water actually cost to produce?

How much does a litre of water cost?

How much does a litre of bottled water cost?

A litre of bottled water in the UK typically costs between £0.30 and £2, with profit margins of 50% to 200%. While this makes it profitable for companies, the environmental impact of production, packaging, and transport is significant.

How much does a litre of tap water cost?

Tap water in the UK costs around 0.3 pence per litre, making it far cheaper than bottled water. It’s delivered through an efficient infrastructure, with no need for plastic packaging or transport, making it both economical and environmentally friendly.

Why is bottled water more expensive?

Producing a bottle of water requires three times as much water as the bottle itself can hold. The other costs include production, packaging, shipping, and marketing. It is a very expensive process, with hundreds of employees working in the factories, shipping companies, and marketing teams. Bottled water has become an industry of its own.

Switching to tap water, especially when filtered or softened at home, is a more cost-effective and sustainable way to stay hydrated while reducing unnecessary waste and environmental impact.

The effect of bottled water on the environment

The World Counts has a counter that tracks the tons of plastic waste being dumped into the ocean every second. It is estimated that one truck of plastic is dumped into our oceans every single minute. It can take 1000 years for one piece of plastic to decompose, and we are constantly adding to this number. 80% of all the plastic bottles we purchase will end up in landfills, where they will stay forever.

Additionally, plastic water bottles are made from a petroleum product called polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and this requires huge amounts of fossil fuels to make and transport. In order to reduce the amount of plastic bottles being created, we have to decrease the demand for bottled water itself.

How can I reduce my bottled water consumption?

Reducing your reliance on bottled water is easier than you might think—and doing so can make a real difference to both your wallet and the environment.

By making a few simple changes to your daily routine, you can cut down on plastic waste, lower your carbon footprint, and enjoy high-quality drinking water straight from the tap. Here are three practical tips to help you get started:

Carry a reusable bottle with you

Purchase a reusable bottle that you can carry with you everywhere you go. This way, you’ll never feel the need to buy a bottle of water when you’re out and about.

Filter your drinking water

If you prefer bottled water as you don’t like the taste of your tap water at home, there are easy ways to filter your water – look into buying a water filter jug to improve the taste.

Install a drinking water tap

We recommend installing a drinking water tap in your kitchen, as it provides your family with pure, clean, drinking water in your home.

Conclusion

Choosing bottled water may seem convenient, but it comes at a high cost, both financially and environmentally. With tap water in the UK being safe, affordable, and far more sustainable, making the switch is a smart and simple step toward reducing waste and saving money. Installing an at-home water filter can enhance the taste and quality of your tap water, giving you all the benefits of bottled water without the plastic. By rethinking your daily habits, you can make a positive impact—one refill at a time.