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Aug 20, 2023·8 min read
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7 Reasons Water Stores Are Better Than Bottled or Tap Water

Quick Answer: Water stores provide RO-purified water at $0.25-0.50 per gallon — far cheaper than bottled water ($1-3/gallon) while offering comparable or superior purity. Unlike tap water, quality water stores use commercial RO and UV systems with regular third-party testing. Unlike bottled water, there is no single-use plastic waste.

In today’s world, the importance of access to clean and refreshing water cannot be overstated. While bottled water and tap water are common choices, water stores offer an alternative that is more sustainable, economical, and environmentally friendly. Below, we explore seven compelling reasons why water stores are a superior option compared to bottled or tap water.

Water Stores Offer Superior Water Quality

Water stores provide pure drinking water that undergoes comprehensive water filtration processes, including reverse osmosis systems. This ensures that the water is free from contaminants such as chlorine, heavy metals, and other impurities often found in tap water. The result is purified water that is not only clean but also tastes better. The consistency in quality at water stores means you can rely on getting the same level of purity every time, unlike the fluctuating quality of bottled and tap water.

Reduced Environmental Impact

Choosing water stores over bottled water has a positive impact on the environment. Bottled water dispensers and the production of plastic water bottles contribute significantly to plastic waste. By refilling reusable water containers at a water store, you help reduce plastic waste and minimize the carbon footprint associated with the production, transportation, and disposal of single-use bottles. Water dispensers are designed to encourage sustainable practices, making them an energy-efficient option compared to the environmental toll of bottled water.

Cost-Effective and Convenient

Regularly purchasing bottled water can be time-consuming and expensive. Water stores provide a more cost-effective solution by allowing customers to refill their reusable water bottles. This approach not only saves time and money but also ensures that you always have access to high-quality purified water. Additionally, water stores are usually connected directly to advanced water systems, meaning there is no need to worry about the extra cost of buying new bottles each time.

Reduced Need for Regular Maintenance

Tap water often requires regular maintenance of home filtration systems to ensure its safety. This maintenance can be both costly and time-intensive. In contrast, water from a store is already filtered and purified, sparing you the need to invest in and maintain your own water filtration system. This means less hassle and more peace of mind when it comes to ensuring your family has access to safe, clean drinking water.

Health Benefits of Purified Water

Water stores utilize advanced reverse osmosis systems and other purification technologies to remove harmful contaminants from the water. This process eliminates bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can pose health risks. The purified water supplied by water stores is therefore healthier and safer than both bottled and tap water. For individuals with specific health concerns or compromised immune systems, the consistency and purity of water from a store are particularly beneficial.

Flexible and Scalable Solutions

Water stores offer scalable solutions to meet a variety of needs. Whether you require a small amount of water for daily consumption or larger quantities for events, water stores can accommodate your requirements. This flexibility is not typically available with bottled water, which is limited by packaging sizes. Furthermore, because water stores are connected directly to water systems, they provide a continuous supply of high-quality water, unlike the finite amounts available in bottled form.

Positive Environmental and Economic

Impact Supporting water stores helps foster a more sustainable future by promoting the use of reusable water bottles and reducing the reliance on single-use plastics. Additionally, because water stores often operate within local communities, they contribute positively to the local economy. This positive impact extends beyond the environment to the broader economic landscape, where local jobs and businesses are supported.

Conclusion

In conclusion, water stores present a superior alternative to both bottled and tap water. By choosing to refill at a water store, you gain access to pure drinking water that is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The reduced need for regular maintenance, the health benefits of purified water, and the positive impact on the environment and economy make water stores the best choice for individuals and families alike. Whether you’re looking to save time and money, reduce your carbon footprint, or simply enjoy the convenience of clean and refreshing water, water stores provide the optimal solution.

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Conclusion

At $0.25-0.50 a gallon with commercial-grade RO and UV treatment behind it, a quality water store beats bottled water on cost and beats tap water on consistency, without the plastic waste of the former or the variability of the latter. The catch is picking a store that actually tests its water and posts the results, not just any storefront with a filtration sign in the window. We dig into what separates a reliable water store from the rest in water quality matters: what makes water stores a healthy choice. AMPAC USA supplies the commercial RO systems behind hundreds of water store locations. Contact us at info@ampac1.com or (909) 548-4900 if you’re setting one up or sourcing a system.

Water Stores vs. Bottled Water vs. Tap Water: A Practical Comparison

Consumers have three primary options for drinking water: municipal tap water, bottled water, and water from retail water stores. Each option has different cost, quality, and environmental characteristics that determine the best fit for different households and circumstances. Tap water from municipal systems is the most affordable and convenient option, but quality varies significantly by location — source water type, treatment plant technology, distribution system age, and premise plumbing all affect what comes out of the tap. Regulated contaminants are controlled to EPA MCLs, but lead from aging service lines and pipes, chlorination byproducts, PFAS, and aesthetic issues remain concerns in many systems.

Bottled water is the most expensive option by far — typically $1-3 per gallon for still water, and $2-5 per gallon for premium mineral or artisan water. Despite higher cost, quality is not consistently superior: a significant portion of commercial bottled water is simply purified municipal tap water (labeled “purified water” or “drinking water”), and FDA bottled water standards are not more stringent than EPA tap water standards. The environmental footprint is the most serious concern: the US consumes approximately 50 billion plastic water bottles annually, with only 30% recycled. The production, transport, and disposal of plastic bottles imposes significant carbon and petroleum consumption costs that are not reflected in purchase price.

Quality water stores occupy a compelling middle position: they provide RO-purified water at $0.25-0.50 per gallon using professional commercial treatment systems, customers bring reusable containers eliminating single-use plastic, and third-party water quality testing provides accountability. The key is selecting a reputable water store that uses NSF-certified equipment, tests water regularly, and posts results. AMPAC USA commercial RO systems are installed in hundreds of water retail locations, providing the treatment backbone for consistent, certified-quality water dispensed to consumers in reusable containers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What purification methods do water stores use to ensure water quality?

Quality water stores utilize advanced commercial purification systems, primarily reverse osmosis (RO) and ultraviolet (UV) sterilization. These systems effectively remove contaminants like chlorine, heavy metals, and micro-organisms, ensuring consistently pure and great-tasting water. Many also undergo regular third-party testing to verify purity levels.

How much cheaper is water from a water store compared to bottled water?

Water from a water store is significantly more economical, typically costing $0.25-$0.50 per gallon. This is a substantial saving compared to bottled water, which can range from $1-$3 per gallon. Refilling reusable containers at a water store drastically reduces your long-term drinking water expenses.

How do water stores reduce plastic waste compared to bottled water?

Water stores significantly reduce plastic waste by promoting the use of reusable water containers for refills. This eliminates the need for single-use plastic bottles, which are a major contributor to environmental pollution and carbon footprint. Choosing water stores supports sustainable practices and minimizes plastic in landfills and oceans.

What makes water from a water store superior to tap water?

Water stores provide superior purity compared to tap water through commercial-grade reverse osmosis and UV systems, which remove impurities often found in municipal supplies. Unlike tap water, which can have fluctuating quality and may contain chlorine or heavy metals, water store water offers consistent, verified purity and a better taste profile.

Does using a water store eliminate the need for home water filtration maintenance?

Yes, choosing water from a quality water store eliminates the need for maintaining personal home filtration systems. Since the water is already purified through commercial-grade RO and UV processes and often third-party tested, you can rely on its safety and purity without the hassle or cost of filter replacements and system upkeep at home.

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