How Much Does It Cost to Have Bottled Water Delivered to Your Home?
If your water quality is poor or tastes bad, you can have bottled water delivered directly to your home. Available in several sizes from single servings to 5-gallon jugs, bottled water offers you more options for taste and quality than what may come out of your tap. There are several types of bottled water to consider, which impacts your delivery cost. The amount, frequency, and how the water is dispensed also affects prices.
The national average is $30 to $60 per month for bottled water delivery. Most homeowners pay $45 for five 5-gallon bottles of spring water delivered each month with a simple dispenser rental. The price varies depending on the quantity, type, and brand of water. At the upper price range, five 5-gallon jugs of high-end spring water with an advanced dispenser costs up to $115. A small delivery of two 3-gallon jugs of purified water without a dispenser rental costs just $10 per month.
Bottled Water Delivery Costs
| Bottled Water Delivery Prices | |
|---|---|
| National average cost | $45 |
| Average range | $30-$60 |
| Minimum cost | $10 |
| Maximum cost | $115 |
Updated:
What's new?
Bottled Water Delivery Cost by Project Range
Water Delivery Cost per Gallon
One of the main factors affecting your delivery cost is how much water you have delivered. Typically, water delivery services offer 3-gallon and 5-gallon bottles, and subscribers to these services choose the bottle size and how many bottles they want per delivery. You pay a lower price for larger deliveries, but the cost is also influenced by the water type. Expect to pay around $1.20 to $2 per gallon of water.
Bottled Water Delivery Cost by Type of Water
One of the benefits of having water delivered is that you choose which kind of water you want, and there are several options to choose from. All water must be free of impurities, and each water type is limited in what it can claim. Springwater must come from springs, while purified water must undergo testing to ensure its purity. Beyond that, it is largely a matter of preference and taste.
If you have water delivered, it is likely on a schedule. Large families may need two or three 5-gallon jugs delivered a week, while a single person likely needs less. Most companies sell water in both 3-gallon and 5-gallon quantities. Most dispensers are designed to hold either.
| Type of Water | Average Costs per 3-Gallon Bottle | Average Costs per 5-Gallon Bottle |
|---|---|---|
| Purified/Distilled Water | $5 - $10 | $6 - $15 |
| Mineral Water | $5 - $15 | $7 - $20 |
| Spring Water | $5 - $15 | $7 - $20 |
| Artesian Water | $5 - $15 | $7 - $20 |
Distilled Water Cost
Bottles of distilled water cost between $5 and $15. Distilled water is the most affordable option. It is made by boiling water into a vapor to remove impurities and contaminants and condensing it back into a separate container. The impurities remain in the first container, while the purified, distilled water enters the second. Several minerals can also be removed in this process, so distilled water does not have the same mineral content as mineral or spring water.
Mineral Water Cost
Bottles of mineral water range from $5 to $20 each, depending on the size and brand. Mineral water is sourced from a spring or well, and it contains constant amounts of minerals from the source, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. The official regulations for mineral water state that it must contain at least 250 parts per million (ppm) of trace minerals. These minerals give mineral water brands unique tastes and health advantages.
Spring Water Cost
Bottled spring water costs between $5 and $20 delivered. Like mineral water, this water is sourced from a natural spring. It is bottled directly at the source, but there are no minimum mineral requirements for spring water, so the exact mineral content of spring water varies. Many consumers enjoy the pure and natural qualities of spring water.
Artesian Water Cost
Bottles of artesian water can be delivered to your door for $5 to $20 each. Artesian water is sourced from wells that tap into natural underground aquifers where the water level is above the aquifer’s top. While regular wells use a pump to draw the water up, artesian well water flows naturally up to the surface. This water is naturally filtered and, like spring water, contains different amounts of minerals and has different tastes.
Cost of Water Dispenser
If you opt for a 3-gallon or 5-gallon jug of water, you need a way to dispense it. These jugs are the most cost-effective way of ordering water, and because the bottles can be reused, they are also the best for the environment.
There are several methods for dispensing this water. You can purchase your own dispenser or use one from the company.
Some companies provide the dispenser free of charge once you establish a regular water schedule, while others charge a monthly fee. You can also purchase it from the company or a third party for between $25 and $400, depending on which features you opt for. If you buy from the company, they may also offer warranties and service or maintenance packages. This is largely dependent on the company you order from and which services they offer.
Dispensers come with many features. Most of them keep the water cold, but others come with many additions and enhancements like instant hot water, bottom-loading designs, child locks, Energy Star certification to reduce energy costs, touchless controls, and even built-in coffee makers.
Expect to pay more money for advanced units. Basic dispensers that only disperse cold water can be bought for $25 to $100 on average. Those with hot water tend to cost $50 to $250, and those with extras like child locks and coffee makers range from $150 to $400.
Water Dispenser Rental Price
Instead of buying a dispenser, you might choose to rent one. This can be a more cost-effective option because many companies include maintenance, repairs, and replacements in the monthly fee. Rental costs for water dispensers range from $3 to $15 per month. The exact costs depend on which company you buy from and the dispenser you order. Simple cold water dispensers are the cheapest, often for $3 to $9 per month, but the dispensers with hot water and more features can be more expensive, ranging from $10 to $15.
Water Delivery Cost
These costs vary tremendously. The price depends on the quantity, whether you rent a dispenser, frequency, company, and distance.
It is common to have water delivered roughly once a month. A family of four may go through five 5-gallon jugs during this time. Assuming a standard cooler rental, monthly costs are approximately $45, assuming a $4 rental fee, $6 delivery fee, and $7 per jug for spring water.
A single person with a dispenser who uses two 3-gallon jugs of water may pay $15, assuming $5 per jug and delivery fee.
Water Delivery Cost by Brand
There are many water brands. These different brands offer different drinking experiences: some specialize in flavorful mineral water, others offer simple spring water, and some offer a full range of water types. Costs also vary from brand to brand, and some are much cheaper than others. The table below shows some popular water brands and average prices for their bottled water deliveries.
| Brand | Average Costs per 3-Gallon Bottle | Average Costs per 5-Gallon Bottle |
|---|---|---|
| Sparkletts | $5 - $8 | $7 - $10 |
| Culligan | $5 - $8 | $7 - $10 |
| Poland Spring | $5 - $8 | $7 - $10 |
| Alhambra | $6 - $9 | $7 - $10 |
| Primo | $6 - $9 | $7 - $10 |
| Costco | $6 - $10 | $7 - $12 |
| Absopure | $7 - $10 | $8 - $12 |
| Menehune | $7 - $10 | $8 - $12 |
| Arrowhead | $7 - $10 | $8 - $12 |
| Mountain Valley | $10 - $15 | $18 - $20 |
Sparkletts Water Delivery Cost
Sparkletts bottled water usually costs between $5 and $10. Sparkletts is a leading water provider in the Southwest, offering purified and spring water in a range of bottle sizes. This brand is known for its mineral content, containing magnesium sulfate, potassium bicarbonate, and potassium chloride.
Culligan Water Delivery Cost
Culligan bottled water ranges from $5 to $10 delivered per bottle, depending on the bottle size. This company is based in Rosemont, Illinois and sells its water around the globe. Culligan water is filtered through reverse osmosis to remove organic compounds, chemicals, and minerals.
Cost of Poland Spring Water Delivery
Expect to pay between $5 and $10 per bottle for Poland Spring bottled water delivered to your home. This is one of the most popular water brands in America, based in Poland, Maine and a part of Nestlé. This brand specializes in 100% natural spring water sourced from springs around the state of Maine.
Alhambra Water Delivery Cost
Alhambra bottled water usually costs between $6 and $10 per bottle. This company is known for its variety, offering a wide range of water types, including purified, spring, artesian, and distilled.
Primo Water Delivery Cost
Primo bottled water prices range from $6 to $10 delivered to your home, depending on the bottle size. Primo specializes in purified water filtered through reverse osmosis and enriched with minerals for more taste and health benefits.
Costco Water Delivery Cost
Costco water delivery costs between $6 and $12 per bottle. Costco does not produce its own water. Instead, it works with partner water delivery services around the U.S. to offer a range of water deliveries, including different brands like Poland Spring and Kirkland. The prices vary, with Costco members getting exclusive discounts.
Absopure Water Delivery Cost
Absopure bottled water ranges in price from $7 to $12 and is available in 3-gallon and 5-gallon bottles. This Midwest-based company has been around since 1908 and offers many water types, including distilled, purified, spring, and electrolyte.
Menehune Water Delivery Cost
Menehune bottled water costs between $7 and $12 per bottle. This company is based in Hawaii and was founded in 1985. They use pure Hawaiian water naturally filtered through the lava rock ground before being distilled and purified.
Arrowhead Water Delivery Cost
Arrowhead Water ranges from $7 to $12 per bottle. This brand is based in California and primarily sourced from the San Bernardino Mountains, along with other natural springs in locations like Colorado and Canada. Arrowhead spring water is known for its crisp taste and varied mineral content.
Mountain Valley Spring Water Delivery Cost
Mountain Valley bottled water costs between $10 and $20 per bottle on average. This is one of the more high-end spring water brands in the U.S., based in Hot Springs, Arkansas and founded in 1871. Mountain Spring Valley Water is distributed all over the U.S. in glass bottles and has won awards for its taste and health benefits.
Pros and Cons of Bottled Water Delivery
Like any purchase, bottled water delivery services have pros and cons. Having bottled water delivered to your home is convenient. You can choose the amount of water and the method of serving to best fit your family’s needs. If your tap water is contaminated, undrinkable, or tastes bad, bottled water delivery services provide fresh water for cooking and drinking. This water meets rigorous testing standards. You also have many more options for where your water comes from and how it has been treated.
Bottled water delivery services are more costly than filtering at home. They also use more plastics, particularly the single-serving delivery service. If you use a dispenser that keeps the water cold or hot, you need to pay for the energy it uses. If you opt for a dispenser that only gives you water, it will be room temperature unless you heat or cool it. Water delivery services can sometimes be interrupted by things like inclement weather. If you use more water than anticipated, you may need to pay a premium to deliver extra water.
Many homeowners who want to save money or opt for more eco-friendly alternatives may consider having a water purification system installed. A water purification system costs between $500 and $2,500 on average, but it can last for many years and helps purify and clean the water flowing through your home. These systems remove bacteria, sediment, excess minerals, and organic compounds, and unlike bottled water, you do not need to worry about running out.
Enhancement and Improvement Costs
Bottleless Water Dispenser
If you want purified water in your home but do not want to deal with plastic or jugs, you can purchase bottleless dispensers that filter water with no jugs. They start at around $300 on average.
Bottom-loading Water Dispenser
Some companies offer the choice of renting or purchasing a bottom-loading dispenser, which is easier to load. Slide the jug into the bottom instead of lifting it to the top. Rentals start at $5 a month, or you can purchase one starting at $150.
Additional Considerations and Costs
- Some companies have no delivery fee, some have a flat delivery fee, and others charge by distance. In the latter case, you pay more for delivery the farther you are from the service.
- You do not need to be at home when water is delivered. Leave your empty bottles in an area that is easy for the company to find and pick up.
- Some water delivery companies also deliver coffee, individual water bottles, and cans of sparkling water.
- If you are concerned about the water quality coming from your faucets, install a water treatment system instead of buying bottled water.
FAQs
- How much does bottled water delivery cost?
The average household spends between $30 and $60 a month on water delivery services.
- What is the best pH water to drink?
Water is considered a pH-neutral liquid, neither alkaline nor acidic. It has a pH of 7 when pure but may range from 6.5 to 8.5. Anything in this range is considered safe to consume.
- How much does Costco water delivery cost?
Costco water delivery starts at around $6 per bottle, but the costs vary based on your location, the brand and type of water you want, the amount of water, and your Costco membership level.
- How many 5-gallon water jugs do I need monthly?
This depends on your water drinking habits and the number of people in your home. Health experts recommend drinking about half a gallon of water per day, which works out to around 15 gallons per month. So, three 5-gallon jugs should provide sufficient water for one person.
- How much does a 5-gallon bottle of water weigh?
A single gallon weighs a little over 8 pounds, so a 5-gallon bottle of water weighs just over 40 pounds on average.
How much does it cost to hire bottled water delivery services in my city?
Cost to hire bottled water delivery services varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.
Updated:
