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

25 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)
1,300 gallons
5 years

6,500 gallons

10 years

13,000 gallons

20 years

26,000 gallons

40 years

52,000 gallons

Bottled water, 
You haul

$0.25 per gallon

No ongoing maintenance costs - haul and store it yourself  $325 $1,625 $3,250 $6,500 $13,000
Bottled water, delivered 

$1.00 per gallon
If you rent a dispenser that would be an additional $52 per year $1,300  $6,500  $13,000   $26,000  $52,600
Bottled water, delivered 

$1.50 per gallon

If you rent a dispenser that would be an additional $52 per year $1,950  $9,750  $19,500   $39,000  $78,600
High-end solid block carbon filtration system, 

$330 initial cost
Replace a $50 filter cartridge periodically.
About $86/year
$366 $674 $1,104 $1,964  $3,684
Distillation

$0.30 per gallon
$250 initial cost
Periodically clean the distillation system $640  $2,200  $4,150  $8,300 $16,350
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 $345  $1,635  $3,280  $6,570 $13,150
Plastic faucet mount, Solid carbon block filter

$30 initial cost
Replace entire filter after about 5 years
Replace $15 filter cartridge every 100 gallons $210 $975 $1,965 $3,885 $7,905