We compare the annual drinking water cost of a family of four with bottled water and a treatment unit: cost, carrying effort and plastic waste.
In Turkey many households still meet their drinking water needs with 19-litre bottles. It may seem convenient, but over the long term it can be an expensive habit for both budget and environment. Let's compare using a family of four as an example.
Annual consumption
Assuming five litres per person per day (drinking, tea and coffee, cooking), four people consume 20 litres a day and 7,300 litres a year. That equals about 384 bottles of 19 litres.
Bottled water cost
At 95 TRY per bottle, the annual cost is about 36,500 TRY. This excludes the effort of carrying, storage space and the cost of renting or buying a dispenser. Prices rise every year; with inflation, the same consumption may exceed 50,000 TRY in three years.
Treatment unit cost
The initial investment for a home seven-stage reverse osmosis unit is about 14,900 TRY. The annual filter set and service cost is about 1,900 TRY, and mains water including reject water costs about another 1,900 TRY. The total annual operating cost is around 3,800 TRY.
The comparison
- Annual saving: about 32,700 TRY
- Payback period: roughly five to six months
- Five-year total difference: more than 140,000 TRY
Convenience and hygiene
Bottles can be exposed to uncontrolled conditions in warehouses and transport; plastic is affected by light and heat. A treatment unit makes water on the spot and tells you via a filter-life indicator when maintenance is due. Carrying, storage and returning empty bottles are no longer needed.
Environmental impact
A household carrying 384 bottles a year also contributes indirectly to the carbon emissions of delivery vehicles. Even when bottles are reused, caps and packaging become waste. A treatment unit produces only a few filters and membranes a year, which our recycling programme collects and processes.
When does bottled water make sense?
For short-term use at summer houses or building sites, and places without plumbing, bottles can remain practical. In permanently occupied homes and workplaces, a treatment unit is both economical and environmentally friendly.
To see your own household's figures, use the Bottled Water Cost Comparison tool on our site.
An option for tenants
For those planning to move, our countertop models need no installation and can go with you. For workplaces, dispenser-type units are offered on monthly rental with maintenance included, based on headcount. This way you can begin saving from day one with no initial investment.
Finally, when deciding we recommend comparing not just the initial outlay but the five-year total cost of ownership; the difference is often surprisingly large.