[Water]--Staying hydrated on a budget!

[Kiki1992]

I am on a super tight budget: the kind of budget that has no in-comings, meaning, I don't work, and I'm a full-time college student. BUT, water is important, and one has to keep oneself hydrated. I can't drink tap water due to numerous reasons, and I have considered buying water filters. The problem is that I don't really have a water source all to myself, and I don't see installing a water filter when I need it and removing it when I don't.

So it comes down to this: I can either buy a twenty-four pack bottle water every now and then (I don't drive either, so public transportation or walking are my only options, which means I can't carry more than one pack, though it would be cheaper over time) OR I could start buying the gallons of water (I just realized this alternative two days ago) which are way cheaper. But the thing is I do have a sort of dehydration problem, and not all water gives me the "not-thirsty" feeling, which means I could keep drinking as much as my stomach will allow and still feel thirsty. I have never tried the water in gallons, so I'm skeptical.

So tell me. What is/are your water source(s) or mean(s)?
How much does it cost per month?
What would you recommend for a "piece of work" like me?

[hicaniplay]

I'm not in your situation and don't have any special need to buy water, but perhaps you could buy a pitcher that has a filter? I've seen ones that also come with four reusable water bottles.
Also, if you have an understanding roommate, the filters for tap can be "turned off" (or rather, has to be turned on by being flipped down or some such) so the water runs normally and doesn't waste your filter.
I have no idea what the costs are of either of these options though, having only seen them on tv commercials.

Perhaps you should try adding a drink mix to your water? There's lots of flavors out there, most cheap, sugar free, and that only add a few calories to your serving. Or tea? Or maybe get some of the mixes that are supposed to sub as a snack or vitamin replacement, that might help with your thirsty feelings?

[Azanne07]

i have a well. i would give the gallons a try you wont know til you try them. they also have pitchers w/ filtration systems that sit on top and you can take them w/ when you move

[squirrelgirl44]

I personally buy bottled water when they go on sale for $3.99. I also have a CamelBak that has those filter things. You can always drink out of that and fill up out of any "clean" water source and it filters water. Bottle is like $17 with one filter. They last like 3 months and I think replacements are around $6.

[dreamyxo]

I get free water from work but I usually just only take one bottle with me.   We buy water bottles to use at home and we also use a Britta pitcher.  You can get a small one for $20 but then you also have to buy the filters which you have to replace every few months.  I They also have water bottles with built in filters.  You could also just boil your tap water.

[potluck6]

maybe boiling water or buying bottled water on sale now i drink tap water my son will not but i don't have a problem hope you work things out funny the power of suggestion cause i'm now thirsty

[tantricia44]

My water, is not that great either, with no filter, it's like drinking iron or rust. Without, a built in filter, in which it would really cost a lot since my house is old. New homes have that built in filters now a days. So jealous! So, I started using that brita filter thing but filters get too costly. Now, I buy 1 2gallon water from publix for .79 & get it refill at publix in this refill water machine for .30 a gallon. It really helps & I use the jug at least 2  times before I go buy another 2gallon for .79. 

[cody0608]

I would try the gallon water idea or a water pitcher with a filter.  I think they have a rebate for a small Brita water filter you get $10 back if you buy one.  I have heard they are that price at Walmart & Target so it is like you get it for free.  I'm not sure of the rebate details or if has expired.  I usually just drink tap water.