Reverse Osmosis vs. Bottled Water: The Truth About Your Drinking Water Sub-text: Stop paying 2,000% more for water you can make at your own kitchen sink. Get crystal clear, purified water on demand.
Are You Paying for Water, or Just the Plastic?
If you are lugging heavy cases of bottled water into your home every week, you aren’t alone. Many homeowners in Maryland, Washington D.C., and Northern Virginia rely on bottled water because they don’t trust their tap water or they dislike the taste of chlorine.
But have you ever wondered what you are actually paying for?
The truth is, much of the “purified” bottled water you buy is simply municipal tap water that has been treated with Reverse Osmosis—the exact same technology you can install under your kitchen sink.
Is Bottled Water Just Reverse Osmosis Water?
Yes, in many cases, it is.
Major bottled water brands (like Dasani, Aquafina, and many store brands) often use public water sources. They run this water through a purification process that includes Reverse Osmosis to remove minerals and impurities.
So, when you buy bottled water, you aren’t paying for “magic” water. You are paying a massive markup for:
Plastic manufacturing
Shipping and trucking fuel
Warehousing
Marketing and branding
By installing a Reverse Osmosis (RO) System in your home, you cut out the middleman. You get the same purity (or better) fresh from your tap, without the plastic taste or the price tag.
Cost Comparison: RO System vs. Buying Bottles
The biggest difference isn’t the water quality—it’s the price. Let’s look at the math for an average family of four.
The Cost of Bottled Water: If your family drinks the recommended amount of water, buying cases of water can easily cost $500 to $800+ per year. Over 5 years, that is thousands of dollars thrown away on single-use plastic.
The Cost of Reverse Osmosis: An under-sink Reverse Osmosis system is a one-time installation cost. After that, it costs pennies per gallon to operate. You only need to change the filters roughly once a year.
The Bottom Line: An RO system often pays for itself in less than a year compared to buying bottles.
Is Reverse Osmosis Safer Than Bottled Water?
This is the most important question. While bottled water is regulated, it has a major weakness: The Bottle.
Bottled water often sits in warehouses, delivery trucks, or on store shelves for months before you drink it. If those bottles are exposed to heat, the plastic can degrade, leaching microplastics and chemicals like antimony or phthalates into the water.
A home Reverse Osmosis System filters water on demand, seconds before you drink it. Our systems remove up to 99% of contaminants, including:
PFAS (Forever Chemicals)
Chlorine & Fluoride
You have total control over your filter maintenance, ensuring your water is always fresh and safe.
Unsure whats in your water? Our free water testing checks for all contaminants so that you can have all the facts.
The "Hassle Factor" & The Environment
Beyond the cost and health, there is the convenience.
No more driving to the store for water runs.
No more storing bulky cases in your pantry or garage.
No more filling your recycling bin with empty plastic bottles.
By switching to RO, you eliminate thousands of single-use plastic bottles from entering local landfills and waterways in the Chesapeake Bay region.
FAQ: Bottled Water vs. Reverse Osmosis
Does reverse osmosis taste like bottled water?
Yes! Because many bottled water brands use reverse osmosis, the taste is nearly identical—crisp, clean, and odorless. It makes your coffee, tea, and cooking taste better, too.
Is reverse osmosis water healthy to drink?
Absolutely. It removes harmful contaminants while providing essential hydration. If you prefer the taste of mineral water, we can even add a “remineralization” cartridge to your system to add healthy calcium and magnesium back in.
How much space does an RO system take up?
Very little. Modern systems fit neatly under your kitchen sink or in a basement, leaving plenty of room for your cleaning supplies.
Stop Buying Bottles. Start Filtering.
If you are ready to save money and enjoy unlimited purified water right from your tap, National Water Service is here to help. We have been the trusted water experts in Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia for over 47 years.