If your family relies on bottled water delivery for drinking water, you already know how quickly those recurring costs can add up. Every empty jug means another delivery, another charge and another bottle to store and replace.

A reverse osmosis (RO) system takes a different approach. Instead of paying for drinking water by the bottle or delivery, an RO system filters your home's water right at the tap - giving your household filtered drinking water whenever you need it.

​

So, is it cheaper to keep paying for water delivery or install a reverse osmosis system?

​

For many households, an RO system can be the more economical option over time. And the benefits go beyond cost: you get filtered water on demand without waiting for deliveries or worrying about how many bottles you have left.

​

​

How Much Does Water Delivery Really Cost?

​

Water delivery may seem like a relatively small monthly expense, but it's a cost that continues for as long as you use the service.

​

Depending on your provider and household water consumption, you may be paying for:

• Bottled water or large water jugs

• Delivery charges

• Dispenser rental

• Fuel or service fees

• Additional bottles when you use more than expected

Even a modest monthly bill adds up.

​

If a household spends $40 per month, that's approximately $480 per year.

At $60 per month, that's $720 per year.

​

Over five years, that becomes approximately $2,400 to $3,600 spent on delivered drinking water—and the expense doesn't end after year five.

If your household starts drinking more water, you'll likely need to order more, too.

​

​

How Is a Reverse Osmosis System Different?

​

​

A reverse osmosis system requires an upfront investment for the equipment and installation, followed by routine filter replacement and maintenance.

But instead of purchasing your drinking water over and over again, your system produces filtered drinking water right in your home.

​

Most residential RO systems are installed under the kitchen sink and provide filtered water through a dedicated faucet.

​

Turn on the faucet, fill your glass, reusable bottle, coffee maker or cooking pot, and you're ready to go.

​

There's no delivery to schedule and no stack of water jugs taking up space.

​

​

Unlimited Filtered Water Without the Deliveries

​

This is one of the biggest differences between an RO system and water delivery.

With delivered water, you're purchasing a set amount. When those bottles are empty, you need more.

​

With an RO system, you're not paying for each additional bottle or jug of drinking water your family uses. You have filtered water available on demand from your own tap.

​

That can be especially useful for households that use filtered water for more than just filling a drinking glass.

​

You can use your RO water for:

• Filling reusable water bottles

• Cooking

• Making coffee or tea

• Making ice

• Filling pet bowls

• Washing fruits and vegetables

• Everyday drinking water

​

Instead of thinking about whether you're about to finish the last jug before delivery day, you simply turn on the faucet.

​

​

When Does an RO System Become Cheaper Than Water Delivery?

​

There isn't one break-even point that applies to every household. It depends on what you're currently spending on delivered water and the cost of the RO system that's right for your home.

​

But looking at your current spending can put the long-term cost into perspective.

​

Consider a household spending $50 per month on water delivery:

1 year: $600
3 years: $1,800
5 years: $3,000
10 years: $6,000

And that's assuming the price of delivery doesn't increase.

​

An RO system has a higher upfront cost, but after installation, the primary ongoing expenses are replacement filters and routine maintenance.

​

That's why it's worth comparing the long-term cost of owning an RO system against what you're already spending month after month on delivered water.

​

​

More Than Just Cost Savings

​

Potential savings are a major reason to consider switching, but they're not the only benefit.

​

No More Deliveries

There's no need to schedule deliveries, remember when the next one is coming or make sure someone is available when it arrives.

​

No More Storing Heavy Jugs

Large water bottles take up space and aren't particularly fun to move around. An under-sink RO system keeps the equipment tucked away while your drinking water comes directly from the faucet.

​

Water Whenever You Need It

Have family visiting? Filling everyone's reusable bottles before a road trip? Cooking a big meal?

​

You aren't limited by how many bottles were delivered that week.

​

Less Reliance on Bottled Water

Having filtered water readily available at home can also reduce your household's dependence on individual plastic bottles and delivered water jugs.

​

​

What Does Reverse Osmosis Filter?

​

Reverse osmosis systems use a semipermeable membrane along with additional stages of filtration to reduce a variety of substances found in drinking water.

​

Depending on the specific system and its certifications, reverse osmosis can reduce certain contaminants and dissolved substances, which may include lead, arsenic, nitrates and certain PFAS compounds.

​

Not every RO system performs exactly the same way, though.

If there's a particular contaminant you're concerned about, it's important to choose equipment designed and appropriately certified to address it.

​

​

Can Reverse Osmosis Reduce PFAS?

​

Certain reverse osmosis systems can reduce specific PFAS compounds in drinking water.

​

PFAS—sometimes called "forever chemicals"—have become an increasing concern in drinking water throughout the country, including communities in Illinois.

​

If PFAS is one of the reasons you're considering water treatment, the right solution depends on your water and the specific equipment being installed.

That's another reason we recommend starting with your water rather than simply choosing a system off the shelf.

Related: PFAS Removal: How to Protect Your Water

​

​

Is Reverse Osmosis the Same as a Water Softener?

​

No. They solve different water problems.

​

A water softener primarily addresses hardness minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals contribute to scale buildup, spots on dishes and fixtures, and other common hard-water problems.

​

A reverse osmosis system is primarily used to filter drinking water.

Depending on your home's water, you may benefit from one system or both.

Related: Water Softener or Reverse Osmosis: Which Do You Need?

​

​

Is an RO System Worth It?

​

If you're already paying for bottled or delivered drinking water every month, it's worth doing the math.

​

Look at what you've spent over the last six or twelve months. Then consider what that expense becomes over three, five or even ten years.

​

A reverse osmosis system can replace that recurring cycle with filtered drinking water available right from your own tap.

​

For many homeowners, the combination of potential long-term savings, convenience and having filtered water whenever they want it makes an RO system worth considering.

​

But the right system should be based on your home's water and your family's needs, not a one-size-fits-all recommendation.

​

​

Ready to Stop Paying for Water Delivery?

​

Hometown Soft Water helps homeowners throughout the Metro East Illinois area find water treatment solutions designed around their actual water needs.

We're local and veteran-owned, with more than 35 years of combined water and plumbing experience, and our systems are professionally installed by licensed plumbers.

​

If you're currently paying for water delivery, we'll help you compare your options and determine whether a reverse osmosis system makes sense for your home.

Schedule a free water test and estimate with Hometown Soft Water today.

​

📞 Call us today at 618-929-9190 or
🔗 Schedule your free water test online