Whether you own a business or you’re looking for healthy drinking solutions at home, there’s an ongoing debate between bottled vs. tap water.
In the quest for fresh, safe, and efficient drinking water, bottled water coolers have become a staple for many homes and offices in the UK.
However, with increasing eco-awareness and improvements in water filtration, it’s time to reassess: is investing in a bottled water cooler the best choice, or does tap water suffice?
Today, Drop Water Coolers will help you differentiate between the two so you can determine whether filtered water systems are worth investing in for your business. We’ll look at things like cost, health, and environmental impact so you can make an informed decision.
Environmental impact: the green debate
When buying anything nowadays, one of the factors that drives us the most is its environmental impact on the planet.
With so much knowledge and eco-friendly products at our disposal, we are responsible for making better choices for our own well-being and that of the environment. So, how green is bottled water compared to tap water?
Bottled water coolers
Sure, bottled water coolers are convenient, providing fresh, filtered water whenever you need it. However, there’s the issue of all that plastic.
Every bottle used in these systems—often the big 19-litre ones—is made of plastic. While they can be reused, they all have a shelf life and rely on regular deliveries from vans, lorries, etc., which produce carbon emissions.
However, this is much less harmful to the planet than buying packs of water bottles and constantly replacing them. It lowers the demand for single-use plastics, putting less strain on landfills and improving your carbon footprint.
If you’re looking for a smarter, slightly more expensive alternative, mains-fed water coolers eliminate plastic waste altogether. They filter and chill water straight from the mains supply, reducing fuel consumption and constant replacements.
Avalanche bottled water cooler
Tap water
It’s no surprise that tap water is the better option for those who are eco-conscious.
Any homeowner or business owner can get water straight from the source without buying plastic water bottles or paying delivery fees.
In the UK, treating and distributing tap water is done at scale, which means large systems treat millions of litres at once, using less energy than it takes to produce one plastic bottle of water at a time.
In this case, tap water is far more efficient than producing and transporting bottled alternatives— it eliminates the need for machines, warehouses, and transportation.
Cost analysis
With the cost of everything constantly going up, the one thing we look at before buying is how much money we’ll have to spend to maintain it.
It’s no surprise that buying water bottles or investing in a bottled water cooler is more expensive than just drinking tap water, but is it worth the cost?
Bottled water coolers
Aside from the initial cost, bottled water coolers need to be maintained with monthly top-ups. After all, the busier your office is, the quicker your water cooler is likely to drain.
At Drop Water Coolers, our products can support up to 50 users at a time. With most people opting for bottled water over tap water, you’re actually saving a lot more than you think— because let’s face it, not many people drink water straight from the tap anymore.
However, you will have to factor in electricity costs, maintenance costs, and refills. Luckily, we provide a 6-month free rental service or a 14-day free trial so you can try before you buy.
Tap water
Aside from water bills, tap water is the most cost-efficient option for homes and businesses.
However, if you prefer filtered water, you’ll have to factor in costs for filtered water systems (which are a great option for homeowners who don’t need anything fancy).
When it comes to mains-fed water coolers, the upfront cost can be expensive, yes, but it pays for itself in just a few months. Plus, our water coolers are designed with minimal upkeep, so you won’t have to chalk up extra money to constantly maintain them.
Convenience and supply
When you’re running a busy workplace or you live with a big family, you want something that’s easy, convenient— and that applies to hydration.
Bottled water coolers and tap water are quite neutral when it comes to convenience, both in their own ways.
Bottled water coolers
If you’re sold on having a water cooler in your office or home, then you’ll be happy to know that they can make your life easier when you keep on top of it.
Not only do they provide fresh, filtered water whenever you need it, but they can also reduce downtime in office environments by making drinks quicker to prepare. Plus, with monthly deliveries, you won’t have to worry about storing a dozen water bottles at once.
Many of our water coolers come with boiled water features. So, that tea or coffee you’ve been craving can be prepared in seconds without waiting for the kettle to boil. Our hot water dispensers are compact and modern, perfect for customers with limited space.
Tap water
There’s not much to convince you about the convenience of tap water. It’s already in the building, already connected, and flows 24/7.
However, if you’re looking for clean, filtered water, mains-fed water coolers are just as convenient. You don’t need to wait for monthly deliveries or recycle old water bottles; everything is plumbed and sorted for you from the get-go.
No more chasing suppliers, no more running dry, and no more awkward office announcements about who forgot to reorder the water again.
Health and wellness
So, when it comes to tap water vs. bottled water, one question remains: What Are You Really Drinking?
While tap water is safe to drink, it’s often given an unfair reputation for being ‘impure’. Filtered water provides confidence by knowing exactly what you’re drinking.
Bottled water coolers
Bottled water is harvested from fresh, underground springs, containing salts, minerals, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium from rocks.
Rich in healthy vitamins, bottled water is clean and fresh and contains fewer contaminants, including lead, copper, and mercury, found in tap water from dirty and rusty pipes. Investing in bottled water coolers eliminates this risk, filtering the water for you.
Plus, some people don’t like the taste of tap water. Bottled water is fresh, crisp, and ready for drinking straight away.
Tap water
While tap water is known for including more bacteria and contaminants, it is tested every day to ensure it meets strict quality and safety standards.
UK tap water retains essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, naturally supporting bone and muscle health. Plus, fluoride is added in some regions to help strengthen teeth.
However, if you want to filter it to get rid of harmful bacteria, you’ll have to do this yourself, which will take up more of your time.
Are you ready to ditch the tap water for constant, filtered water?
At Drop Water Coolers, we’re the go-to provider for water coolers in business and home environments.
From sleek and stylish designs to quick, fresh, and no-spill water taps, you can browse a wide range of products— from bottled water coolers to mains-fed coolers.
It’s better for your team, better for your budget, and better for the planet. Contact us today to arrange your 24-hour delivery and installation.