In certain situations, purchasing water treatment equipment is not the best alternative. If the water has been contaminated by a spill, and permanent treatment is not required, renting equipment or buying bottled water are viable solutions.
Renting is a practical way to become familiar with the device prior to purchase. Renting allows you to determine maintenance requirements, costs and the effectiveness of the treatment system. Also, if you are renting your residence but you are not pleased with the water quality, equipment rental is reasonable. A rental agreement should clearly specify in writing the responsibility for maintenance, as well as any application of monthly rent to an eventual purchase. Insurance costs and periodic testing are other stipulations that need to be made.
Enforcement of chemical and microbiological standards for bottled water varies between states. Generally, standards for bottled water are no more stringent than those for public water systems. It is probably not cost-effective to purchase bottled water for health reasons when the normal supply is a municipal system, unless there is a health hazard within the home distribution system (such as lead pipes). There is no maintenance requirement with bottled water, nor any mechanical apparatus to operate, which appeals to some people.
Cost is a major determining factor in deciding to purchase or rent water treatment equipment, or to buy bottled water. The situation determines which may be less costly. Watch for hidden expenses such as separate installation fees or monthly maintenance fees. Additionally, the disposal of waste materials, such as reject water from reverse osmosis systems, spent cartridges from activated carbon units, and used filters, can add to the cost of water treatment and should be figured into the purchase or rental price.