The Holiday Rush Is Coming — and So Is the Bottled Water Stack-Up

Every year, as the holiday season approaches, stores fill up with shoppers stocking up on everything — from pie crusts and paper plates to towers of bottled water. If you’ve ever hosted guests, you’ve probably been there: loading the cart with cases of bottled water so everyone has something “safe” and “convenient” to drink.

But as more homeowners learn what’s really inside bottled water — and the environmental cost that comes with it — that tradition is starting to change. Across the country, families are realizing there’s a cleaner, more sustainable, and more cost-effective solution right at home: a drinking water system.

Before the holiday chaos begins, here’s why it might be time to rethink that bottled water run.

The Growing Concern About Tap Water Quality

Recent research shows that 88% of people in the South and a majority of homeowners nationwide are at least somewhat concerned about what’s coming from their tap. Even more striking — 19% are more likely to reach for bottled water because they don’t trust their home’s water quality.

It’s understandable. News about PFAS contamination, microplastics, and aging infrastructure has people questioning how clean their water really is. But the reality is, bottled water isn’t necessarily the safer choice.

Bottled Water Isn’t What It Seems

For years, bottled water has been marketed as “pure” and “fresh.” The imagery of mountain springs and crystal-clear streams on the labels paints a picture of natural perfection — but in many cases, bottled water is just filtered tap water in a plastic container.

Even more concerning, multiple studies have found that bottled water can contain significantly higher levels of microplastics than what you’d find in tap water — up to 2,125% more, according to recent data.

That’s not exactly refreshing.

Microplastics: The Hidden Ingredient in Bottled Water

Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments that come from packaging, manufacturing, and environmental breakdown. These particles are found in 94% of tap water samples and are even more concentrated in bottled water due to the packaging itself.

The average person consumes about a credit card’s worth of plastic every week, and bottled water is one of the leading contributors. Those particles don’t just pass through your system — they can build up over time, affecting your health in ways researchers are only beginning to understand.

PFAS: The “Forever Chemicals” You Can’t Filter Out with a Bottle

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have earned the nickname “forever chemicals” for a reason — they don’t break down easily and can remain in the environment, and our bodies, for years.

• 54% of people know about PFAS,

• 82% are concerned overall, and

• 11% say PFAS is their #1 water quality concern.

Bottled water isn’t immune to these contaminants. In fact, testing has revealed PFAS in many major bottled water brands. Because bottled water regulations can be less stringent than municipal water standards, there’s often less oversight — meaning “purified” doesn’t always mean pure.

A drinking water system that’s certified to reduce PFAS provides a much more reliable and sustainable solution for your home.

The Environmental Cost of Bottled Water

Aside from the questionable purity, bottled water takes a heavy toll on the planet. Americans purchase about 50 billion plastic water bottles every year, and even though most of them claim to be recyclable, less than 30% actually make it through recycling programs.

The rest? They end up in landfills or oceans — breaking down into, you guessed it, more microplastics.

Now imagine that multiplied during the holiday season. With all the extra entertaining, travel, and family gatherings, bottled water consumption spikes dramatically, creating an even larger footprint.

Choosing a drinking water system means cutting back on plastic waste while still giving your family clean, fresh water they can feel confident drinking.

The Real Cost: Bottled Water vs. a Drinking Water System

Let’s talk numbers.

A family of four that drinks the recommended 64 ounces of water per person per day will go through nearly 2,000 bottles per month. Even if you’re buying in bulk at $0.50 per bottle, that’s about $1,000–$1,200 a year on bottled water alone.

By comparison, a drinking water system is a one-time investment that delivers clean water straight from the tap — no bottles, no waste, no recurring grocery trips. Over time, it’s not just the healthier option — it’s the smarter financial choice.

Convenience Without the Clutter

Hosting during the holidays already means a full house — extra chairs, air mattresses, and enough leftovers to feed a small army. The last thing you need is cases of bottled water taking up space in your pantry or garage.

A drinking water system eliminates that hassle entirely. Your guests can fill up from the sink or refrigerator dispenser with water that’s cleaner and better-tasting than anything that comes from a bottle. It’s convenience that doesn’t compromise quality.

The Taste Test: Why Filtered Water Wins

Even if you’re not thinking about contaminants, there’s one benefit everyone notices immediately — taste.

Many homeowners describe their tap water as “metallic” or “chlorine-like.” A drinking water system filters out the impurities that cause those flavors, leaving you with crisp, refreshing water that enhances everything you make — from coffee to cocktails to mashed potatoes.

During the holidays, when you’re hosting and cooking more than usual, water quality impacts almost everything:

• Coffee and tea: Filtered water brings out the full flavor.

• Baking: Cleaner water means purer taste and better texture.

• Cooking: No trace minerals or odors altering your dishes.

• Ice: Crystal-clear cubes for guests, not cloudy tap water.

It’s a small upgrade that elevates your entire kitchen experience.

Sustainability Meets Simplicity

In the rush of the holidays, it’s easy to overlook sustainability — but small changes can make a big difference. Choosing a drinking water system is one of those simple steps that helps reduce waste without adding extra effort.

Think about it:

• No more cases of water to haul or store.

• No more plastic bottles to toss or recycle.

• Just clean, great-tasting water on demand.

And when guests arrive and ask if your water’s filtered? You can confidently say, “Yes.”

Getting Ready for the Holidays: Your Water Matters

Before you finalize your holiday checklist, take a moment to think about what’s flowing from your tap. Clean water isn’t just a health choice — it’s part of how you care for your family, your guests, and your home.

A drinking water system gives you peace of mind through the busiest season of the year — so you can focus on what really matters: connection, comfort, and celebration.

Final Thoughts: A Better Way to Raise a Glass

The holidays are about gathering around the table, raising a glass, and making memories. Whether it’s sparkling cider, coffee after dessert, or that first sip of water after a big Thanksgiving meal, every drink deserves to be clean, safe, and worry-free.

This year, skip the bottled water and give your home the gift of lasting convenience and confidence. With a drinking water system, you’re not just improving your water — you’re improving your home, your health, and your holidays.

Ready to get your home holiday-ready?
Ask our team how a Dupure drinking water system can help you enjoy cleaner, better-tasting water this season — and all year long.

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