Why Filtered Water is the Best Choice: Unveiling the Hidden Costs of Mineral Water

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Cost and Accessibility
• Mineral Intake
• Filtration Process
• Safety Concerns
• Low TDS and Mineral Leaching
• Environmental Impact
• The Final Verdict
• FAQs

Water is something we all need, but have you ever thought about what’s in your glass? Is it filtered water or mineral water? This choice might seem small, but it has big effects on your health, your wallet, and even the planet. In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about filtered water and mineral water. We’ll look at the costs, the minerals, the way it’s made, and more. So grab a glass of water (filtered, we hope!), and let’s get started.

From the cost savings of filtered water to the environmental benefits, from the myths about Low TDS to the safety concerns, we’ve got it all covered. We’ll even dive into the filtration process and what it means for the minerals in your water. Ready to learn why filtered water is the best choice? Let’s dive in!

Cost and Accessibility: Filtered Water vs. Mineral Water

Filtered water isn’t just for the rich. It’s a smart choice for everyone. Why? Because it’s way cheaper than mineral water, and it’s available to more people, even in places where clean water is hard to find. Plus, the money you save from not buying bottled mineral water can pay for a water filtration system. Let’s dive into the details.

Mineral Water Costs

Here’s a quick look at the average price per litre of some popular mineral water brands:

• Acqua Panna 1L: R28.75
• VOSS 800mL: R125.00 (price per litre)
• Evian 1L: R42.50
• FIJI 330mL: R50.48 (price per litre)
• Mountain Falls 330mL: R36.00 (price per litre)
• Nestle 330mL: R23.36 (price per litre)
• San Benedetto 750mL: R33.33 (price per litre)
• THIRSTI 330mL: R24.62 (price per litre)
• Tsitsikamma 500mL: R14.58 (price per litre)

The average? R63.99 per litre. So, if you drink 1.5 litres of mineral water daily, you’ll spend R95.99. That adds up to R70,072.70 over 2 years, R175,307.75 over 5 years, and a whopping R350,615.50 over 10 years!

Filtered Water Costs

Now, let’s look at the costs for a common drinking water system called a reverse osmosis water filter system:

• Initial system cost: R2343.70
• Annual membrane replacement: R379.00
• Annual sediment filter replacement (twice): R180.00
• Annual granular activated carbon filter replacement (twice): R100.00
• Annual carbon block filter replacement (twice): R160.00
• Annual post carbon filter replacement: R60.00

Total annual maintenance? R879.00.
Over 2 years, that’s R4101.70.
Over 5 years, it’s R6698.70.
Over 10 years, it’s R11043.70.

The Smart Choice: Comparing the Costs

Here’s the exciting part. Over 2 years, you save R65,971.00 by using filtered water instead of mineral water. Over 5 years, you save R168,609.05. Over 10 years, you save R339,571.80.

That’s right! Filtered water is not only the affordable choice but the smart choice too. It’s significantly cheaper than mineral water in the long run, and it’s a win for your wallet.

Why Filtered Water Wins

These numbers don’t lie. Filtered water is the clear winner. It’s not only about saving money; it’s about making clean water accessible to more people. It’s about being smart with your choices and caring for the environment. So, why not make the switch to filtered water today? It’s a decision you won’t regret.

Mineral Intake: Why Mineral Water Isn’t Enough

Minerals in Mineral Water: A Closer Look

You might think that drinking mineral water is a great way to get those essential minerals your body needs. But guess what? The minerals you get from mineral water are pretty low. You’re better off getting them from a balanced diet. And if you’re lacking in something, a multivitamin is a more efficient way to fill the gap.

Let’s take Mountain Falls water as an example and see how much it really contributes to your daily mineral intake:

Calcium

• Mountain Falls Water: 14.2mg/l
• Recommended Daily Intake (RDI): Around 1000mg for adults
• Contribution from 1 litre of water: Just 1.42%

Magnesium

• Mountain Falls Water: 11.1mg/l
• RDI: 310-420mg for adults
• Contribution from 1 litre of water: Only 2.64% – 3.58%

Sodium

• Mountain Falls Water: 85mg/l
• RDI: 1500mg for adults
• Contribution from 1 litre of water: A mere 5.67%

Potassium

• Mountain Falls Water: 0.5mg/l
• RDI: 2600-3400mg for adults
• Contribution from 1 litre of water: Barely 0.015% – 0.019%

Chloride

• Mountain Falls Water: 115mg/l
• RDI: 2300mg for adults
• Contribution from 1 litre of water: Only 5%

Fluoride

• Mountain Falls Water: 0.4mg/l
• RDI: 3-4mg for adults
• Contribution from 1 litre of water: 10% – 13.33%

Iron

• Mountain Falls Water: 0.05mg/l
• RDI: 8-18mg for adults
• Contribution from 1 litre of water: Just 0.28% – 0.625%

Sulphate & Total Alkalinity

• Mountain Falls Water: 57mg/l for Sulphate and 25mg/l for Total Alkalinity
• RDI: Not specified, but generally safe up to 500mg/day for Sulphate.

TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)

• Mountain Falls Water: 345mg/l
• RDI: Not specified, but TDS mainly shows the overall water quality.

The Real Deal: What This Means for You

From this breakdown, it’s clear that Mountain Falls water does give you some minerals, but not much. Drinking a litre of this water meets only about 5.67% of an adult’s daily sodium needs, and even less for other minerals.

The Better Way to Get Your Minerals

Mineral water might taste great, but it’s not going to fill your mineral needs. A healthy meal will do more for you. So, enjoy that refreshing glass of mineral water, but remember, your real mineral heroes are on your plate, not in your glass. If you need more, a multivitamin is the way to go.

Want to see more mineral breakdown analysis? Click here to download the PDF.

Filtration Process: A Double-Edged Sword

The Reality Behind Mineral Water

When you think of mineral water, you might picture a crystal-clear stream flowing down a mountain, filled with natural minerals. But the truth? Many mineral water suppliers, even the big names, use filtration processes that can sometimes take away the very minerals that make their water special.

Why Filtration is a Must

Filtration isn’t just a fancy step in bottling water; it’s a must-do. It makes sure that anything that shouldn’t be in the water, like contaminants, gets taken out. It’s all about keeping the water safe and top-notch.

The Twist: Filtration’s Irony

Here’s where things get a bit tricky. Filtration is great for making water safe, but it can also take away some of the natural minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These minerals are what make mineral water different from the tap water you get at home. They give it that unique taste and health perks.

Take Fiji Water, for example. They have to find the perfect balance. They need to make sure their water is clean and safe but still keep those good minerals that people want.

What This Means for You

So, what’s a water drinker to do? You want water that’s clean and free from the bad stuff. But you’re also buying mineral water for those minerals. If filtration takes them away, is it worth paying more for mineral water?

A Clear Way Forward

Some brands, like Fiji Water, are open about what they do. They give you detailed reports on what’s in their water – the good minerals and anything else that might be there. They tell you about their filtration process and what it does. This honesty helps build trust.

Conclusion: The Complex World of Mineral Water

The way mineral water is made isn’t simple. Filtration is key to making it safe, but it can also take away what makes mineral water special. It’s a fine line to walk. As someone who drinks water (and who doesn’t?), it’s good to know what’s going on. Choose brands that tell you what they’re doing and what’s in their water. That way, you get the best of both worlds.

Want to know more about the filtration process of Fiji Water? Click here for detailed reports.

Safety Concerns: Filtered Water vs. Mineral Water

The Allure of Mineral Springs

Mineral water has been a favorite for ages. People love its unique taste and fizz, thanks to the natural minerals and carbon dioxide in it. Some even say it has health benefits. But recent studies, like one from the Central Victorian Mineral Springs Region in Australia, have started to raise some eyebrows about how safe and high-quality mineral water really is, especially when you compare it to filtered water.

A Historical Peek

The Central Victorian Mineral Springs Region is famous for its 100 or so bubbly springs. Each one tastes different because of its minerals. People used to think these springs could cure what ails you, and doctors even recommended them.

The Worry: Contamination

But here’s the thing: these springs might not be as pure as they seem. Tests since 1985 have found some pretty scary stuff, like arsenic. One spring had arsenic levels five times what’s allowed in Australia’s drinking water. And it’s worse when there’s not much rain.

Where’s It Coming From?

So, what’s putting the bad stuff in the water? A few things:

• Geology: The rocks in the area have minerals like arsenic and antimony sulphides. When water filters through these zones, it can pick up these metals.
• Mining: Old gold mines left waste behind that’s rich in sulphides. When it rains, this waste can get into the water.
• Urban Growth: More people and buildings mean more chances for contamination. Things like paved areas, septic tanks, and waste from farming can all add contaminants.

Filtered Water: The Safe Choice?

With all these worries about mineral springs, filtered water starts to look pretty good. Take FIJI Water, for example. They pump their water through a sealed system, so no one touches it. They filter out anything that shouldn’t be there and use ultraviolet light to kill germs. This makes sure the water is clean but still tastes natural.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

Mineral water might have history and taste on its side, but it’s not always the safest bet. Filtered water systems add an extra layer of safety, making sure what you drink is top quality. So, next time you reach for a glass of water, think about what’s in it. Make a choice that puts your health first.

Want to know more about water safety and quality? Click here for detailed report.

Low TDS and Mineral Leaching: Separating Fact from Fiction

Understanding TDS: What Is It?

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) might sound like a mouthful, but it’s just a way to talk about everything that’s dissolved in water, like salts, minerals, and metals. People often think that more TDS means more impurities in the water.

The Big Myth: Low TDS Takes Away Minerals

Here’s where things get interesting. Some folks believe that water with Low TDS, especially Reverse Osmosis (RO) water, can take essential minerals right out of our bodies. It’s a common myth, but is it true?

The World’s Health Experts Weigh In

The World Health Organization (WHO) knows a thing or two about health. They’ve looked into this whole low TDS thing, and guess what? They found no proof that drinking water with low levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium is bad for you. So, that idea that low TDS water can steal your body’s minerals? Not true.

Our Bodies: More Complex Than You Think

Our bodies aren’t that simple. How we take in and use minerals isn’t just about the water we drink. What we eat matters too. Even if our water doesn’t have many minerals, the food we eat makes up for it.

The Real Deal: Food’s Role

Water might have some minerals, but it’s not the main way we get them. Foods like green veggies, nuts, seeds, milk, and whole grains are packed with the minerals we need, like calcium and magnesium. So, a good diet makes sure we get what we need, no matter what’s in our water.

Conclusion: The Truth About Low TDS Water

Low TDS water isn’t going to take minerals from your body. It’s a myth that’s been busted by the experts at WHO. Our bodies are more complicated than that, and our food gives us the minerals we need. So, the next time you hear someone say that low TDS water is bad for you, you’ll know the real story.

Want to know more about water quality and health? Click here for the reference article.

Environmental Impact: A Green Choice

The Hidden Price of Bottled Water

Grabbing a bottle of mineral water might seem like no big deal, but it’s costing us more than we think. A study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) dropped some jaw-dropping facts. If everyone in Barcelona drank bottled water, the cost would jump to $83.9 million a year. That’s 3,500 times more than tap water!

Our Planet’s Cry for Help

It’s not just about the money. Bottled water is hurting our planet 1,400 times more than tap water. Our beautiful natural places and the animals that call them home are suffering because of our love for bottled water.

But Isn’t Bottled Water Healthier?

Some folks say bottled water is better for you. But here’s the kicker: the study found that the tiny health risks from tap water are nothing compared to the good we can do for the Earth by skipping the bottled stuff. Cristina Villanueva, who led the study, even said, “Health reasons don’t justify the wide use of bottled water.”

Plastic: The Ugly Truth

Let’s take a look at the US. Every year, they use 17 million barrels of oil just to make the plastic bottles for water. And in the UK? Bottled water costs 500 times more than tap water. That’s a lot of waste for something we can get from the tap.

Filtered Water: The Smart, Green Choice

So, what can we do? Villanueva thinks we need to change how we see water. By making it easier to get public water and using refillable bottles, we can cut back on bottled water. Advertisers have tricked us into thinking bottled water is best. It’s time to see through the hype.

Conclusion: Make a Difference with Filtered Water

Filtered water systems, like the ones you can have at home or work (like our whole house filtration systems), are a big step in the right direction. They can help us cut down on the harm we’re doing to our planet with bottled water. So, next time you’re thirsty, think about what your choice means for the Earth. Make a choice that’s good for you and the planet.

Want to know more about making green choices? Click here for the reference article.

The Final Verdict

Choosing between filtered water and mineral water is more than just a matter of taste. It’s about understanding the facts and making a choice that’s good for you and the planet. From the hidden costs of mineral water to the environmental benefits of filtered water, we’ve explored it all. The conclusion is clear: filtered water is not only a healthy and accessible option but also an environmentally responsible one. So next time you reach for a drink, make a choice that’s good for you and good for the Earth.

For more information on what your water filtration options are contact us today to schedule a consultation.

FAQs

Q: Is filtered water really cheaper than mineral water? A: Yes, over the long term, the cost savings of using a filtered water system can be significant compared to constantly purchasing bottled mineral water.

Q: Does Low TDS water take minerals from my body? A: No, this is a common misconception. The World Health Organization has found no evidence that Low TDS water can lead to harmful health effects.

Q: Is filtered water better for the environment? A: Yes, filtered water systems reduce the carbon footprint and plastic waste associated with bottled water, making it a more environmentally friendly choice.

Q: What about the minerals in mineral water? A: While mineral water does contain some minerals, the contribution to your daily intake is relatively low. A balanced diet is a more efficient way to receive essential minerals.

Q: Can I trust the filtration process in mineral water? A: Many mineral water suppliers use filtration processes to ensure purity and safety. While this is essential, it can sometimes remove the minerals that are the selling points of the water. It’s advisable to choose brands that are transparent about their filtration process and the contents of their products.

Q: What are the safety concerns with mineral water? A: Mineral water sources can sometimes be contaminated with harmful substances like arsenic, especially in regions with historical mining activities or specific geological conditions. Filtered water systems often have mechanisms to deal with such incidents, providing an extra layer of safety. Always be aware of potential contamination risks and make informed choices.