Our health relies on staying hydrated.
Dehydration can harm mental and physical function.
But when you are regularly buying bottled water, that really adds up.
Fancy water with added nutrients, flavoring and bubbles costs even more.
Drowning in Expenses?
Maybe youre scrambling after your car broke down.
Or you got a medical bill you werent expecting.
Or inflation has finally pushed your budget over the edge.
You dont need to go it alone.
When money is tight,these resourcescan help you manage unexpected expenses without stress.
Bottled Water: Why Not Just Pour Money Down the Drain?
Americans are clearly dedicated to hydration.
We drink water like its our job.
In fact,Americans drinkan average 46 gallons of bottled water per person each year.
Thats a lot of plastic water bottles, and they have a pretty terrible impact on the environment.
There are also health concerns about single-use plastic bottles, because they are manufactured withphthalates.
There is growing research about how these chemicals affect people.
But for now, lets look at the impact on our wallets.
Already Use Bottled Water Alternatives?
From saving on interest to internet service, here are some of our favorite ways.
Keep one at home, one at work and one in the car.
What should you look for when buying a reusable bottle or three?
Its important that you wash out your reusable bottle regularly so mildew or mold doesnt appear.
Do you want one with a built-in straw?
Is it something you might clip onto a bike or backpack, so it needs a handle or loop?
If you put ice into your drinks, you might want to get a bottle with a wide mouth.
If it is easy for you to refill, then look at smaller sizes.
If you are on the road or water isnt easily available, a larger one will work best.
When it comes to reusable bottles, youve got a few options.
Glass bottles usually come with a protective sleeve.
There are insulated and uninsulated glass bottles.
The insulated bottles are a little heavier but keep the taste pure.
Metal bottles are generally very durable, though stainless steel is stronger than aluminum.
Aluminum is lighter, but also more likely to have a metallic taste leech into the liquid.
Plastic
Plastic is the most common and usually the least expensive reusable bottle material.
Plastic reusable bottles are usually the lightest version, even when insulated.
It is important to ensure your plastic bottle was not manufactured with the chemical BPA (Bisphenol A).
The easiest way to do this is to look at the bottle recycling information on the bottom.
Dont buy it if it has a 3 or 7 recycling code.
Also look for the BPA-free insignia.
How Much Do These Bottles Cost?
The cost of your reusable bottle varies greatly.
Pricy but Durable
Sure it’s possible for you to spend$99 on a water bottle.
That might make the$45bottle look good.
These seem to be geared toward the backcountry travelers who might need to filter water while on the trail.
You might find the perfect bottle within the $12-25 price range.
Discount department stores like TJ Maxx typically have shelves full of bottles.
Dollar stores usually have reusable bottles for under $5.
This is a great way to score name-brand water bottles at a much lower price tag.
Free
We love free.
Often, reusable bottles are brandeditems given awayat events.
Unfortunately, it isnt.
The chemicals in the bottle begin to break down after a few uses.
Can You Survive 10 Days of Budgeting?
If you better wrangle your budget, it may be time to consider a savings challenge.
But others buy bottled water to drink at home because they cant or wont drink tap water.
The governments bottled water regulations ensure safety, but not flavor.
However, some places have water with a distinctive taste.
Or you might live in a house with old pipes and can taste the metal when you drink.
People can also be sensitive to hard or soft water.
But there are ways you could filter tap water and then use it to fill your reusable bottle.
Tap Water Filtration Options
Bring on the math.
Bottled water is sold in a wide variety of sizes, packaging and price points.
Pitcher Water Filters
Pitcher water filters are super easy to use.
Just fill the pitcher by pouring tap water through the filter built into its lid and refill as needed.
But millions of Americans overlookthese easy tipsthat could help them manage credit card debt even more wisely.
Read moreto boost your credit knowledge and keep your credit score in check.
The delivery company even drops off replacements when your bottles run dry.
However, they also come with hefty installation bills unless youre a skilled DIYer.
Lisa McGreevy is a former staff writer at The Penny Hoarder.
Freelancer JoEllen Schilke contributed to this report.
