Fluoride Water Filters vs Bottled Water: The Real Cost Comparison

Bottled water marketed as fluoride-free can cost $1–3 per litre at retail. A home fluoride filter produces filtered water for a fraction of a cent per litre. Here’s the real cost comparison.

Browse our fluoride removal filter range or see our Reverse Osmosis Water Filters Guide.

The Cost of Bottled Water

A household of 4 drinking 2 litres per person per day needs approximately 8 litres/day of drinking water. At $1.50/litre for bottled water, that’s $12/day — or approximately $4,380/year. Even at $0.50/litre (bulk packs), that’s $1,460/year. And that’s before factoring in the environmental cost of single-use plastic.

The Cost of a Home Fluoride Filter

Gravity benchtop system with fluoride cartridge:

• System cost: one-off purchase (call us on 1800 789 781 for current pricing)
• Cartridge replacement: every 6–12 months. Browse our replacement fluoride cartridges.
• Cost per litre: a fraction of a cent (tap water cost + cartridge amortised over its service life)

Under-sink RO system:

• Higher upfront cost (system + plumber installation)
• Ongoing: pre/post carbon filters every 6–12 months, RO membrane every 2–3 years
• Cost per litre: still a fraction of a cent compared to bottled water

Break-Even Point

For most households, a gravity fluoride filter system pays for itself within 1–3 months compared to buying bottled water. An under-sink RO system typically pays for itself within 6–12 months. After that, the ongoing savings are significant.

Environmental Impact

A household buying 8 litres/day of bottled water goes through approximately 2,920 plastic bottles per year. A home filter eliminates this entirely. The environmental case for a home filter is as strong as the financial one.

Frequently Asked Questions