What a Family of Four Spends Per Month On Bottled Water

The True Cost of Drinking Bottled Water vs. Home Water Filtration System Investment

For many households, bottled water has become a staple—whether for convenience, taste, or ensuring clean drinking water. But have you ever considered how much it actually costs to supply your family with bottled water every day? Let’s break down the numbers for a family of four, where each member drinks one 1.5-litre bottle of water per day, whether still or sparkling.

Cost Breakdown of Bottled Water

Still Water Prices (1.5L per Bottle)

• aQuellé Still Natural Spring Water – R14.99
• Thirsti Still Water – R13.99
• Valpré Still Spring Water – R18.99
• Average Price: R15.99 per bottle

Sparkling Water Prices (1.5L per Bottle)

• aQuellé Sparkling Natural Spring Water – R14.99
• Thirsti Sparkling Water – R13.99
• Eastern Highlands Sparkling Water – R11.99
• Average Price: R13.99 per bottle

Total Monthly Cost for a Family of Four

A family of four people drinking one 1.5-litre bottle per person per day means:

• Per Day: 4 bottles
• Per Month: 4 × 30 = 120 bottles

Now, let’s calculate the total cost based on the average prices:

For Still Water

• 120 bottles × R15.99 = R1,918.80 per month

For Sparkling Water

• 120 bottles × R13.99 = R1,678.80 per month

What Could You Do with This Money?

Spending between R1,678 and R1,918 per month on bottled water adds up quickly. Over a year, that’s between R20,136 and R23,016!

With this amount, a family could:
✅ Install a high-quality water purification system at home for far less than this annual cost
✅ Invest in reusable water bottles, reducing plastic waste
✅ Use a water filter jug or an under-sink filtration system

Is Bottled Water Worth It?

While bottled water is convenient, it may not be the most cost-effective solution for a family of four. Exploring alternative water purification solutions could save money while being more sustainable.

Would you reconsider your bottled water purchases after seeing these numbers? Let us know!

This article provides an eye-opening perspective on water consumption costs while subtly encouraging alternatives. Let me know if you’d like to add any references or links to water filtration products! 🚀

Expanding on our previous discussion about the costs of bottled water for a family of four, let’s delve into the pricing of 6-packs of 1.5-litre still and sparkling water. This analysis will provide a clearer picture of monthly and annual expenditures when purchasing in bulk.

Pricing of 6-Packs (1.5L Bottles)

Still Water:

• aQuellé Still Natural Spring Water 6 x 1.5L: R64.73 at Shoprite Cash & Carry.
• Woolworths Bulk Still Natural Spring Water 6 x 1.5L: R94.99.
• Vida Aqua Still Water 6 x 1.5L: R75.00.

(prices may vary and were taken in March 2025 from various website sources, prices may no longer be accurate due to vat and tax changes)

Sparkling Water:

• aQuellé Sparkling Natural Spring Water 6 x 1.5L: R84.99 at Shoprite.
  Source Here
• Thirsti Sparkling Water 6 x 1.5L: R81.49 at Pick n Pay.
  Source Here
• Woolworths Strawberry and Mint Flavoured Sparkling Spring Drink 6 x 1.5L: R94.99.
  Source Here

(prices may vary and were taken in March 2025 from various website sources, prices may no longer be accurate due to vat and tax changes)

Average Monthly and Annual Costs for a Family of Four

Assuming each family member consumes one 1.5-litre bottle daily:

• Daily Consumption: 4 bottles
• Monthly Consumption: 4 bottles/day × 30 days = 120 bottles
• Annual Consumption: 120 bottles/month × 12 months = 1,440 bottles

Calculating Costs Based on 6-Packs:

• Number of 6-Packs Needed Monthly: 120 bottles ÷ 6 = 20 packs
• Number of 6-Packs Needed Annually: 1,440 bottles ÷ 6 = 240 packs

Still Water:

• Average Price per 6-Pack: (R64.73 + R94.99 + R75.00) ÷ 3 ≈ R78.24
• Monthly Cost: 20 packs × R78.24 = R1,564.80
• Annual Cost: 240 packs × R78.24 = R18,777.60

Sparkling Water:

• Average Price per 6-Pack: (R79.99 + R81.49 + R94.99) ÷ 3 ≈ R85.49
• Monthly Cost: 20 packs × R85.49 = R1,709.80
• Annual Cost: 240 packs × R85.49 = R20,517.60

Conclusion

Purchasing bottled water in 6-packs offers a cost-effective approach for families. For a family of four, the estimated monthly and annual expenses are as follows:

• Still Water: Approximately R1,564.80 per month or R18,777.60 per year.
• Sparkling Water: Approximately R1,709.80 per month or R20,517.60 per year.

These figures highlight the significant annual expenditure on bottled water. Considering alternatives like installing a home water filtration system could lead to substantial savings over time. Contact us to get a quote.

Note: Prices are subject to change based on retailer and location. It’s advisable to check current prices at local stores or their official websites for the most accurate information.