Money Down the Drain: Why Bottled Water is Bad

WalletPop Editor

Filed under: Economizer, Saving, Shopping

WalletPop is always trying to find painless ways to save money every day. One of our pet peeves is bottled water, with its ludicrous markup and egregious effects on the environment. Why is it that some people are willing to pay for something that comes out of the tap and can be captured for free? It's understandable when you're in a pinch, but what about people that routinely buy a case of these bottles, just to include in their lunches, or to throw in a cooler for a picnic? It might be easy, but it's a total waste of money and puts yet another strain on our limited landfill sites.

Have a peek at our gallery which lists all the reasons bottled water should be frowned upon and perhaps taxed more heavily to put limits on its overuse. Here are two examples: Bottled water is dirtier than tap water, because it isn't as closely regulated; Coca-Cola (Dasani) and Pepsi (Aquafina) use municipal tap water, so don't pay any extra for their water - but you do! Check out our gallery for more shocking facts on the bottled water industry.

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Money Down the Drain: Why Bottled Water is Bad

Many bottled water companies don't have to pay for the water they sell. Coca-Cola (Dasani) and Pepsi Co. (Aquafina) bottle municipal tap water. So instead of paying 1/100th of a penny per glass of your own tap water, you can buy the same in a bottle for about a $1.25.

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Money Down the Drain: Why Bottled Water is Bad

We can pour water from our taps and yet we buy it from the store. According to a recent Fast Company article, in 1976, North Americans bought an average of 1.6 gallons per person per year. Today, that average has jumped to 28.3 gallons. Click through the gallery to see why it's money down the drain.

Money Down the Drain: Why Bottled Water is Bad

A little history. In the 1800s, two enterprising men began bottling springwater to sell. The first, Rev. Griswald, bottled water from Saratoga Springs, New York and sold it to "cure" stomach ailments. His success was followed by Hiram Ricker whose magic Poland Spring water "cured" kidney problems.

Money Down the Drain: Why Bottled Water is Bad

Many believe we are still buying snake oil wrapped in a more sophisticated marketing strategy. Today's bottled-water industry owes its success to Bruce Nevins who launched Perrier with a clever campaign linking bottled water to: 1) exclusivity 2) health 3) celebrity status.

Money Down the Drain: Why Bottled Water is Bad

Bottled water is not healthier than tap. According to an NRDC study, "33 percent of the waters it tested 'violated an enforceable state standard or exceeded microbiological-purity guidelines.' The fact is, bottled water is not as strictly regulated as tap water is.

Money Down the Drain: Why Bottled Water is Bad

Surprisingly, the corporate water barons do not keep the lion's share of bottled water. According to Fast Company magazine, the pay out on a $1.29 bottle of water is: 50% to retailer, 33.3% to distribution, 12 to 15 cents to the production of the bottle and about 10 cents profit for the company.

Money Down the Drain: Why Bottled Water is Bad

The water barons don't produce water; they manufacture disposable bottles. The United States throws away 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour. And its landfills are closing at the rate of one per day. The situation in Canada is comparable.

Money Down the Drain: Why Bottled Water is Bad

Bottled water is the best-selling item for Earth-friendly retailer, Whole Foods, Inc. The company's CEO, John Mackey, defends its sales, "It's unfair to say bottled water is causing extra plastic in landfills. There's a substitution effect, it's substituting for juices and Coke and Pepsi."

Money Down the Drain: Why Bottled Water is Bad

The option to choose bottled water from a school cafeteria vending machine, at a roadside stop, the cinema or sporting event, makes for a healthier choice over soda or sugar-infused drinks. The question one should ask: Is bottled water always the smart choice?

Money Down the Drain: Why Bottled Water is Bad

Want to make a choice that's better than bottled water? Pick up a sleek, high-quality, water container that will maintain your healthy image without draining your wallet or the enivronment.

Money Down the Drain: Why Bottled Water is Bad