Reverse Osmosis vs Bottled Water: Which Is Better for Your Home?

Side by side

	Reverse osmosis	Bottled water
Water quality	Consistent; certified systems reduce dissolved solids, lead, nitrates and more	Varies by brand; often filtered municipal or spring water
Convenience	On tap at the kitchen sink	Buy, carry, store and recycle
Plastic waste	Almost none	Ongoing bottles or jugs
Ongoing cost	Filter changes about once a year, membrane every 2 to 3 years	Every week, for as long as you buy it
Up-front cost	The system and installation	None

Where reverse osmosis is the clear winner

Homes with a water softener, because reverse osmosis removes the added sodium from drinking water
Well owners concerned about nitrates, common near farmland
Families that use a lot of water for drinking, cooking, coffee and ice
Anyone tired of hauling water jugs

When bottled water still makes sense

Renters who cannot install equipment under the sink
Very low drinking water use
As a short-term backup while a well is being disinfected

Things to know before you switch

Look for a system certified to NSF/ANSI 58, with the contaminants you care about listed. On well water, test first: hardness, iron or sulphur should be treated before the membrane, and reverse osmosis is not a substitute for disinfection if a well has bacteria.

Reverse osmosis removes most minerals. Many people prefer the clean taste, and an optional remineralization stage can add calcium and magnesium back.

Common questions

Is reverse osmosis water healthier than bottled water?

Both can be good drinking water. Reverse osmosis gives you consistent quality you control, while bottled water quality depends on the brand and source.

How long does a reverse osmosis system last?

With regular filter and membrane changes, a good system lasts many years. The housings and faucet rarely need replacing.

Can I connect reverse osmosis to my fridge?

Often, yes. A line can usually be run to the fridge water and ice maker at the same time as the install.