Seven Reasons Why More Des Moines Families Are Rethinking Bottled Water

If your household relies on bottled water for daily drinking and cooking, you already know how expensive it can become in the long term. The weekly cases of Aquafina, Dasani, or Pure Life, the monthly recycling pile, and the constant store runs make bottled water a habit that adds up. In Des Moines, growing concerns about nitrates, PFAS, and seasonal taste and odor issues have pushed more families to seek cleaner, more consistent drinking water.

During a recent KCCI News story, Culligan of Des Moines owner Steve Murtha explained that more Iowans are turning to at-home treatment systems because they want protection that goes beyond the municipal supply. He noted that reverse osmosis systems offer an affordable and convenient way to remove nitrates, PFAS, and other contaminants right at home.

This shift is not just about convenience. It is also about long-term savings and healthier water. Below are seven reasons a reverse osmosis system saves money and provides better value than buying bottled water in Des Moines.

Why Des Moines Families Are Choosing Reverse Osmosis Systems Over Bottled Water

• Lower Long-Term Cost

Buying bottled water feels inexpensive until you total up the real cost. A family of four often spends thousands per year on bottled water for drinking, cooking, coffee, and pets. A case of 3x 216.9fl oz Aquafina bottles at Walmart is about $7, and if one person drinks four bottles a day, that would cost a family of four $1,278 a year!

Tap water is, of course, cheaper. It costs around  32 cents a year per person. But many don’t trust it, hence they buy bottles in the first place. A reverse osmosis system has a one-time cost and minimal yearly maintenance. Once installed, your cost per gallon becomes a fraction of bottled water pricing.

• No More Heavy Lifting

Bottled water is inconvenient. You load cases into your cart, haul them into your car, unload them at home, then repeat the same process every week. Reverse osmosis water runs straight from your tap, giving you unlimited drinking water without the extra trips. Des Moines families especially appreciate this during the winter months when store runs are less appealing.

• Cleaner Water

Many people assume bottled water is the cleanest option available, but it is not always the case. Bottled water can contain microplastics from packaging and often comes from filtered municipal water rather than a natural source. Yes, not all bottled water is from a spring. Those brands that filter their water from a municipal source market themselves as ‘purified water’ and include Aquafina, Sam’s, Pathwater, Pure Life, Dasani, SmartWater, and most supermarket brands like Walmart’s “Great Value”.

Reverse osmosis systems installed by Culligan of Des Moines filter water through multiple stages that reduce contaminants, including nitrates, PFAS, chlorine byproducts, and sediment. Steve Murtha mentioned in the KCCI segment that RO systems offer a step beyond city treatment by removing contaminants that the municipal process does not fully address.

• Better Taste

If you love the crisp taste of bottled water, an RO system delivers that same refreshing quality without the premium price. RO filtration removes substances that affect flavor, including chlorine and minerals linked to bitterness. During the consultation, we will take in your personal preferences and can install a polishing filter to adjust the taste to your level. Overall, your water will taste smoother, cleaner, and fresher, making everything from coffee to soups taste better.

• Reduces Plastic Exposure

Every bottle used is another piece of plastic that needs to be recycled or ends up in the landfill. A single Des Moines household can easily go through thousands of bottles a year. And even if you think bottles can be recycled, a recent story by Axios highlighted that often, plastic bottles end up in landfills.

A reverse osmosis system reduces bottled water waste drastically. You get the same clean water without contributing to local recycling demands or plastic pollution.

This is also healthier for you. Avoiding plastic bottles means reducing microplastic ingestion, which researchers are increasingly concerned about. RO allows you to protect both the environment and your health with one simple system.

• Powered by Local Water Expertise

What sets Culligan of Des Moines apart is the service and ongoing care behind every installation. Culligan is known for its quality, long-term support, and helping families to make informed water decisions rather than simply selling a product.

Here at Culligan of Des Moines, we start with a free water test, then recommend the right treatment system for your home. We started here in 1951 and are still run by the same family, the Murthas, resident in West Des Moines. Like Ray wrote in this Google review in 2025: “(…) whole staff care about what they sell and service, they go above and beyond, it’s like the way it used to be, I’m 81 and have been lucky enough to have them since 1976 with excellent follow up and products, in my Lifetime, one of the best run businesses.”

• Reliable and Healthier

This is one reason why interest in RO systems has surged across the metro, especially after the lawn watering ban and rising nitrate levels we see so much in the news these days. Families want control and reliability at home, no matter what is happening with the municipal supply.

Amongst Culligan customers, we had folks tell us their skin conditions improved or disappeared, their hair looks healthier, and it is easier to clean the home. And as Clara said on Google in 2025: “the water for the house is softer so soap, shampoo and cleaning products last longer. “

Take the Next Step: Get a Free Water Test in Des Moines

Choosing the right drinking water solution starts with knowing what is actually in your home’s water. Culligan of Des Moines offers a free, in-home water test so you can see what you are dealing with and understand whether a reverse osmosis system is the right fit for your home.

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