Tap Water vs. Bottled Water Cost Comparison Calculator
Calculate Your Water Consumption and Savings
How the Tap Water Calculator Works
This calculator helps you compare the costs of using tap water versus bottled water for your daily drinking needs. Here's how it works:
- Input your data: Enter your daily water consumption, the number of people in your household, tap water costs, and bottled water details.
- Calculate tap water costs: The calculator converts your daily consumption to cubic meters and multiplies it by the tap water cost per m³.
- Calculate bottled water costs: It determines how many bottles you'd need based on your consumption and multiplies this by the cost per bottle.
- Compare costs: The tool calculates the difference between tap and bottled water costs, showing you potential savings.
- Project long-term savings: It estimates your savings over 5, 10, 20, and 50 years if you switch from bottled to tap water.
Key Features:
- Customizable inputs for accurate calculations based on your specific situation
- Instant results showing daily, monthly, and yearly costs for both tap and bottled water
- Long-term savings projections to visualize the financial impact of your water choices
- Percentage comparison to show how much more expensive bottled water is compared to tap water
Notes on Water Consumption:
- The recommended daily water intake varies by individual, but a general guideline is about 2-3 liters per day for adults.
- Factors like climate, physical activity, and overall health can affect your water needs.
- Remember that you get water from other sources too, like foods and other beverages.
Environmental Considerations:
While this calculator focuses on cost savings, it's important to note that choosing tap water over bottled water also has significant environmental benefits. Reducing plastic bottle usage helps decrease plastic waste and the carbon footprint associated with bottled water production and transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is 1l of tap water?
The cost of 1 liter of tap water varies by location but is typically very low. Based on the average cost of €1.40 per m³ (1000 liters) used in our calculator, 1 liter of tap water costs approximately €0.0014 or 0.14 cents.
Is tap water 100% water?
Tap water is not 100% pure H2O. It contains dissolved minerals and, in some cases, added substances like fluoride. However, in most developed countries, tap water is treated to be safe for consumption and meets strict quality standards.
How much water should a 100 kg person drink per day?
While individual needs vary, a common guideline is to drink 30-35 ml of water per kg of body weight. For a 100 kg person, this would be about 3-3.5 liters per day. However, factors like activity level, climate, and overall health should be considered.
How many Litres of water from a tap?
A typical household tap can deliver about 4-8 liters of water per minute, depending on water pressure and faucet design. In terms of total supply, this is essentially unlimited for practical purposes, constrained only by your water utility's capacity.
Is 1l water a day enough?
For most adults, 1 liter of water per day is not enough. The general recommendation is at least 2 liters (8 cups) per day for adults, but this can vary based on factors like climate, physical activity, and overall health.
Is 1l of water exactly 1kg?
One liter of pure water at 4°C (39.2°F) weighs almost exactly 1 kilogram. This relationship is the basis of the metric system. However, at room temperature (20°C or 68°F), 1 liter of water weighs slightly less, about 0.998 kg.
Why is bottled water so much more expensive than tap water?
Bottled water costs include packaging, transportation, marketing, and profit margins. In contrast, tap water is delivered through existing infrastructure, making it much cheaper.
Is tap water as safe as bottled water?
In many developed countries, tap water is subject to strict safety regulations and can be as safe as or even safer than bottled water. However, quality can vary by location, so it's best to check local water reports.
How can I improve the taste of my tap water?
If you're not satisfied with the taste of your tap water, you can try using a water filter, letting it sit in the refrigerator to cool, or adding natural flavors like lemon or cucumber slices.