Is it cheaper to buy bottled water or have a water dispenser?

Whether you’re at home or work, its important to always stay hydrated. But when it comes to choosing between bottled water and a water dispenser, many people overlook one important factor, cost. While bottled water may seem affordable at first glance, the long-term costs can be surprisingly high when compared to a water dispenser.

The Cost of Bottled Water in the UK

Across the UK the cost of bottled water fluctuates based on brand, bottle size and where it’s purchased. On average bottled water:

• Costs 12p per litre when bought in bulk
• Ranges from 30p-£2 per litre for smaller single-use bottles

If you regularly drink water throughout the day, the cost can begin to stack up. Someone who drinks 2 litres of bottled water every day is spending over £85–£140 per year on bottled water, depending on where they buy from. This is before considering multiple employees in offices, schools or busy workplaces.

UK Tap Water Prices

By comparison, tap water in the UK is very cheap. On average, mains water costs around 0.4p per litre. That means you could drink thousands of litres of tap water for the same cost as a few cases of bottled water.

Even when filtered, chilled, or dispensed through a modern water dispenser, tap water remains dramatically cheaper than bottled alternatives.

Cost Comparison: Bottled Water vs Water Dispenser

Bottled Water:

• Averaged around 12p per litre
• Higher ongoing costs
• Have to buy regularly
• Creates plastic waste

Water Dispensers:

• Taps into UK mains water which is around 0.4p per litre
• Minimal ongoing costs
• No bottles to store or recycle
• Constant fresh water

When you compare bottled water and a water dispenser at the same volume, the price difference becomes very clear. 10 litres of bottled water in the UK typically costs around £1.20 when bought in bulk, and considerably more if purchased as individual bottles. By comparison, 10 litres of water from a mains-fed water dispenser costs roughly 4p, as it uses standard UK tap water. This means bottled water costs around 2,900% more than water supplied through a dispenser for the same 10-litre volume, making bottled water one of the most expensive ways to stay hydrated long term.

Are Bottle Water Coolers Cheaper Than Singular Bottles?

A bottled water cooler is the middle ground option. These work using large refillable bottles instead of single-use bottles which are typically between 11 and 18 litres, and can be delivered as needed based on your usage.

Whilst this option is more cost-effective than purchasing single-use bottles from supermarkets or shops, they’re still significantly more expensive than a water dispenser fed from the mains. Delivery costs, bottle hire and regular refills can still cost your business hundreds of pounds per year.

How Much Can You Save With A Water Dispenser?

Water dispensers save you money in the long run, without compromising on quality or convenience. 

Key benefits:

• Cost less per litre than bottled water
• Give you access to endless fresh drinking water
• Remove the need to store bottles or recycle them
• Helps cut down on plastic waste

If your business swaps from buying bottled water to a water dispenser, you could save your business hundreds of pounds a year on drinking water.

The Environment

When it comes to cost effectiveness, water dispensers are great. But there’s more to consider than just your bank balance. Bottled water contributes to plastic pollution through unnecessary single use plastics, transport emissions and excess packaging. By installing a water dispenser you can drastically cut down on your plastic usage and carbon footprint. This is especially beneficial for businesses in the UK who want to be more ethical and eco-friendly.

Is a Water Dispenser Cheaper Than Bottled Water?

Yes, significantly.

Whilst bottled water seems convenient, it's one of the more expensive ways to keep you or your employees hydrated. Bottled water costs dozens of times more per litre than water supplied through a dispenser.

By installing a water dispenser you benefit from:

• Much lower ongoing costs
• Better convenience
• Helps you become more eco-friendly

If you’re looking to save money while keeping fresh drinking water readily available, a water dispenser is the clear winner.