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View Graph comparing the total cost of several water treatment methods over time.

20 Gallons of water per Week Normal Yearly Maintenance

Total cost and cumulative gallons of treated water used after:

Water Treatment Method 1 year  
(includes purchase price, if any)
1,040 gallons
5 years

5,200 gallons

10 years

10,400 gallons

20 years

20,800 gallons

40 years

41,600 gallons

Bottled water, 
You haul

$0.25 per gallon

No ongoing maintenance costs - haul and store it yourself  $260 $1,300 $2,650 $5,200 $10,400
Bottled water, delivered 

$1.00 per gallon
If you rent a dispenser that would be an additional $52 per year $1,040  $5,200  $10,400   $20,800  $41,600
Bottled water, delivered 

$1.50 per gallon

If you rent a dispenser that would be an additional $52 per year $1,560  $7,800  $15,600   $31,200  $62,400
High-end solid block carbon filtration system, 

$330 initial cost
Replace a $50 filter cartridge periodically.
About $70/year
$349 $610 $960 $1,660  $3,060
Distillation

$0.30 per gallon
$250 initial cost
Periodically clean the distillation system $562  $1,810  $3,370  $6,740 $13,230
Mid-range Reverse Osmosis
$600 initial cost. 
If plastic, replace system after about 20 years
Replace the pre & post, filters and membranes periodically.  About $75 per year  $600  $900  $1,275 $2,025  $3,525
Popular pour-through "pitcher" filter

$30 initial cost
Replace pitcher after about 5 years
Replace $10 filter cartridge every 40 gallons $280  $1,310  $2,630  $5,270 $10,550
Plastic faucet mount, Solid carbon block filter

$30 initial cost
Replace entire filter after about 5 years
Replace $15 filter cartridge every 100 gallons $171 $780 $1,575 $3,105 $6,345