Aren't you tired of lugging huge crates of bottled water in from the car after your weekly shop? 

Then having to find somewhere to stack them, not to mention disposing of the waste after their short-lived use. 

I'm going to show you how you can have all the convenience of buying bottled water in bulk without the cost and the heavy lifting.

In 2016, almost 30% of people in the UK admitted to using bottled water at home.

While the unprecedented growth in bottled water consumption over the past decade or so may be positive from a public health perspective, it is not without downsides. 

Cost Per Litre

Let's look at how much buying bottled water in bulk can cost.

The go-to platform for consumer goods these days, Amazon, sells 24x500ml bottles of Strathmore for £11.50. That works out at roughly 48p per bottle.

This may be relatively cheap when compared with the price of an individual 500ml bottle in your nearest convenience store, where bottles are generally priced around 80p+ these days. 

However, the cost per litre from Amazon for 500ml bottles is still a whopping 96p! 

More Cost Comparisons

Let's say you prefer 2L bottles because you don't want to carry around multiple 500ml bottles. 

At Aldi, for example, 4x2L bottles will cost you 99p. 

This works out at just over 12p per litre.

Even if you're miles ahead of the game and are buying your bottled water from a wholesaler or cash & carry, you're likely to be paying around £3.79 for 24x500ml cases. 

Cost per litre - 8p. 

Environmental Cost Per Bottle

Before we show you the cheapest way of buying bottled water in bulk, it's time to highlight the most important cost of single-use plastic bottled water - the cost to the earth. 

Bottled water is damaging to the environment. Single-use plastics have been the subject of intense media scrutiny in recent months - with everything from Sky's Ocean Rescue campaign to the BBC's Blue Planet. 

RELATED: UK Bottled Water Statistics 

The UK Government found in 2017, that 5.5 billion plastic bottles end up in landfill, litter or incineration. 

Plastic bottles make up one-third of all plastic pollution in the ocean and by 2050 plastic is on course to outweigh fish in the oceans. 

The amount of oil used in the production of a plastic bottle is equivalent to one-quarter of the bottle. Therefore, if you use just one 1L bottle of water, it took 250ml of oil just to get it into your hand. 

The Cheapest Way to Buy Bottled Water in Bulk...

What if you could get great-tasting mineral water for just 2.5p per litre without the need for single-use plastic bottles? 

The Phox water filter gives you mineralised, antioxidant water straight from your tap while removing the unpleasant contaminants and odours that make your tap supply so unpalatable. 

A cartridge filters 350L or 60 days of drinking, for £8.99. This means that after the initial purchase of the jug - probably the equivalent of one month's bottled water spend (depending on where you're buying it) - this is just 2.5p per litre. 

And with a Phox Go stainless steel, vacuum-sealed bottle you'll be able to keep your water at the desired temperature on-the-go. 

Wouldn't you feel much better if your family was hydrated on water which was not only cleaner in taste but also cleaner for the earth too?

If you think that your tap water can't be improved then this article isn't for you. In 2016, only 38% of participants said that 'tap water is good quality in terms of taste and smell' in the Consumer Council for Water's Attitudes to Tap Water Report.

Despite the comparatively good standard of drinking water we have available it still has several impurities. In the case of tap water, odours, heavy metals and cleansing chemicals such as chlorine can remain present, causing unpleasant smells and tastes. In addition to these drawbacks, there can be adverse health affects associated regular consumption of water which inhabits these contaminants. We have also seen in various water crises that tap water is never 100% reliable. 

You may think bottled water is the ideal solution, however, the cost of this both to your finances and the environment means that the best way to ensure your drinking water is of an adequate standard is to invest in a countertop water filter.

Here are 21 benefits you can access with filtered water:   

1. Eliminate Tap Water Odour

Do you ever turn on the kitchen tap in a bid to rehydrate yourself only to baulk at the odour emanating from the water? Tap water is treated with a range of chemicals and is exposed to heavy metals which give it that unpalatable smell and taste that make it almost unbearable.

The potency of this odour can vary depending on the water quality in your area but one of the best benefits of filtered water is that you can make this odour thing of the past and give yourself clean drinking water. 

2. Remove Chlorine

Chlorine is the most common cleansing chemical used to treat water supplies in the UK. While chlorine is vital to remove dangerous bacteria and diseases from the water, the tiny proportion that remains can contribute to that tap water odour we’ve already discussed.

The US Council of Environmental Quality once found that cancer risk was 93% higher among those who were exposed to chlorinated drinking water.

The World Health Organisation also found an increased risk of bladder cancer among populations drinking chlorinated water versus those not exposed to chlorinated water over half of their lifetimes.

3. Save Money on Bottled Water

Drinking bottled water has become popular culture in the recent decade. The explosion of the fitness industry has coincided and aided the growth of people consuming a lot more bottled water. While this is positive from a public health perspective because people are increasingly opting for water over fizzy soft drinks, it is still needlessly expensive.

Bottled water can be up to 30x more expensive than water from a filter. Whether you’re buying it by the crate or religiously buying a bottle per day, you are massively overspending compared to the price per litre you receive from a water filter. This financial benefit of filtered water not only saves you money but gives you the same revitalising taste you expect from bottled water, straight from your tap.

RELATED: NEW UK Bottled Water Statistics 

4. Reduce Plastic Footprint

The biggest problem with the surge in the bottled water market is that it’s ruining the environment. 1,000,000 plastic bottles are sold around the world every minute and less than half of the 480 billion plastic bottles sold in 2016 were properly recycled. It requires 17 million barrels of oil every year to produce the level of plastic bottles currently being consumed globally, and the amount of plastic produced each year is now the same weight as humanity!

Commentators suggest that the plastic crisis could soon be as a big threat as global warming to the future of the planet. A water filter allows you to get rid of the need for single-use PET plastic bottles for good. What better benefit of filtered water could there be than saving the planet?!

5. Remove Heavy Metals

Another common contaminant in tap water supplies is heavy metals. Quantities of mercury, lead, arsenic and dioxins, to name but a few, have all been found present in water supplies across the UK. Despite the fact that these are only found in small concentrations, the true extent of the implications of consuming them through water remain unclear. Lead, for example, is known to be extremely harmful and has been linked to a range of health problems in humans. A 2011 Clinical Biochemistry study found a link between postnatal lead toxicity and the development of autism. Other studies have also linked lead exposure to prostate problems in men and reproductive issues for both men and women.

6. Enhance Hydration

The key improvements a water filter can make to your drinking water quality are not limited to simply removing contaminants. Depending on the quality of the filter, your water can be enhanced to the point where you actually receive a much higher level of hydration than you would from standard tap water.

A 2010 study in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that drinking mineral-based alkaline water improved the hydration levels of a group who consumed it over a 2-week period better than a control group who were given non-mineralised ‘placebo’ water. Alkaline filters can enhance the mineral content of your tap water along with improving its pH level meaning a far superior level of hydration than basic tap water.

RELATED: 5 Effects of Not Drinking Enough Water 

7. Improved Digestion

Water with an enhanced mineral content can also aid in improving your digestion. As stated above proper hydration you can gain from a water filter makes it easier for your body to transport minerals and nutrients throughout your body. Gaining this optimal level of nutrients not only makes you feel better but also helps digest soluble fibre making the whole digestion process much simpler.  

8. Reduce Acid Reflux

While this improvement may not be possible with all standard water filters, alkaline water filters have been found to reduce the condition known as acid reflux or heartburn. As alkaline water alters the pH level of drinking water, it can help to neutralise the acidic build-up that causes that uncomfortable burning sensation in your oesophagus.

An interesting study by Kaufman & Johnston (2012) documented the acid-buffering capacity of alkaline water and found that water with a pH level of 8.8 could inactivate human pepsin more effectively than conventional pH water, which varies depending on your area but tends to be stable around 6.0-7.0.

9. Improve Skin Health

One of the most underrated tips for maintaining healthy, clear skin is drinking plenty of water. Now, as we’ve already established the benefits of drinking filtered water mean it is much better for your body in a range of ways and this is the case in terms of skincare too. Water with an improved mineral content has a direct effect on hydrating your skin by flushing toxins out of your body more effectively. The absence of chlorine in your drinking water will also aid your pursuit of healthier skin because chlorine is known to deplete the natural oils of your hair and skin. 

10. Aid Weight Loss

If you’re trying to lose weight and get in shape drinking more water is the most basic foundation. Drinking water alone can increase an adult’s resting energy expenditure by 24-30% just ten minutes after drinking. Drinking water is also reputed to be effective in reducing your appetite.

A range of studies have documented the effects of this, including one in the National Centre for Biotechnology Information which found that middle-aged adults who drank 500ml of water prior to each main meal for a period of 12 weeks, consumed 44% fewer calories than the ‘non-water group’.

11.  Anti-Oxidant Properties

Wouldn’t it be great if you’re water filter not only removed unwanted contaminants but also gained anti-oxidant properties in the process? How can water be anti-oxidant I hear you ask. Well, it’s measured by the Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP).

ORP is the ability of one liquid substance to reduce the oxidation levels of another. ORP ranges between -2,000 to +2,000, the more powerful the anti-oxidant capacity then the lower level of ORP. A Phox filter lowers the ORP level of your water, giving it anti-oxidant properties. 

RELATED: Discover the Science Behind Antioxidant Water

12. It Makes Better Tea

There are few things in life held in higher esteem than a good cuppa. We all have a very particular way that we enjoy tea and anyone who makes it had better know how we like it before they reach for the kettle! A very commonly referenced benefit of filtered water when people they’re first introduced to one is that it makes their tea so much better and we know how everyone loves their tea in the UK! In areas where the water is particularly hard or where limescale is a big problem, a water filter makes all the difference when it comes time for a cuppa.

13. Reduce Lime Scale

As we touched upon in reason 12, a countertop water filter can help you to remove limescale from your drinking water. In areas where water is particularly hard, the bigger problem limescale will be. Limescale is a residue left behind by calcium carbonate and is responsible for that horrible scaly layer found in your boiled water. With a water filter limescale in your drinking or cooking water will be a thing of the past. 

14. Reduce Cardio Stress

Yes, that’s right! The powers of a water filter even extend into the realm of fitness and endurance. While this is not the case with all types of water filters, scientific research has found that alkalising supplements can reduce cardio stress in period of intense physical output.

A study by Daniel P Heli (2010) split up two groups of twelve professional skiers to ascertain whether ingestion of an alkalising substance could improve cardiorespiratory and other performance markers. The test group experienced substantially lower cardiorespiratory stress, lower blood lactate levels and higher levels of upper body power than the placebo group. 

15. Make Drinking More Water Easier

One of the less reputed benefits of a countertop water filter is that it will help you drink more water. Reviews of water filters have shown that people are surprised by the increase in their water intake after purchasing their new filter. Having mineral-rich clean drinking water at the ready in your kitchen, means you don’t have to run to the shops to stock on bottled water or reach for that unpleasant tap water when you’re in need of hydration.

16. Eliminate Dissolved Organic Contaminants

Besides the main water contaminants like heavy metals and chlorine, a growing concern in tap water supplies is dissolved organics such as drug, pesticide and hormone residues. This is a relatively new problem that has yet to be fully investigated. Whether the trace amounts of these residues are harmful when consumed through water is not scientifically proven but there is no doubt a water filter would help towards reducing their effect. The higher the quality of the filter then the more capacity it will to potentially removes these contaminants. The more layers and elements contained within the filter then the higher number of contaminants it is able to remove.  

17. Tastier Food

Removing chemicals and contaminants from your water supply prior to cooking can mean that the natural flavours of your food should be better preserved. Cooking with unfiltered water means that the contaminants like heavy metals & chlorine may absorb some of the natural flavours of your food. It is a common thought that boiling water prior to cooking is adequate to reduce contaminants however this is not the case in terms of heavy metals and chlorine.

18. Make Healthier Smoothies

It might not seem like an obvious benefit, but using filtered water is a great idea for those of you who make smoothies at home. Instead of using fruit juice bases, which have a very high sugar content and can overpower the taste of the fruit in the smoothie, filtered water will be a much cleaner, healthier alternative. Giving the smoothie a refreshing, low sugar taste your body will get the full benefit of the fruit!

19. Protect Your Teeth

An alkaline water filter which raises the pH level the of your water can help protect against the acidic properties of low or neutral pH water. A 2017 study by Fischer et al. studied the varying pH levels of bottled water in relation to use by patients suffering from dry mouth. They concluded that doctors should be aware of the pH level of bottled water that patients are drinking to relieve dry mouth because those with acidic pH levels may cause further deterioration and demineralization of tooth structure.

20. Stave off colds and flus

Drinking adequate levels of water is so vital for bodily function, and as we know filtering your water will make it so much easier to drink more. Dr David Lewis carried out research on this issue and stated: "The first line of defence is the mucus membrane in the nose," he said. "This acts like a sticky fly paper to trap things like dust, dirt and bacteria and prevent them getting to the lungs. "If you are dehydrated the mucus membrane will dry out and when this happens it is half as effective in stopping the potentially harmful particles entering the system." 

21. Increase Your Energy

Staying adequately hydrated with revitalising filtered water will help you raise and maintain your energy levels throughout the day. So often when we feel a little tired or suffer a lack of focus during our everyday routines the cause is dehydration and yet we often try to solve it with stimulants like coffee, which can further dehydrate us. A water filter can help you stay alert all day by maintaining optimum hydration.

Give Your Body The Water It Deserves

You can access healthy, filtered mineral water free of odours and contaminants but without the price or waste involved in bottled water, by clicking here. 

What's the one thing that's harder than keeping up your tan during the summer? 

It's getting that beach body that you long for, isn't it?

Every New Year, gym memberships spike and we flock in our thousands to fitness classes and kickstart diets with the aim of attaining that ideal physique that you dream of.  

We've put together a list of 7 simple steps to help you get there. 

1. Replace Juice with Water 

This is the easiest step of them all! And the perks are endless...

First of all, it's summer - hydration is so important in spells of hot weather. Dehydration can cause a lot of subtle irritations in our day-to-day lives. Nothing can hydrate you as well water can and that's why it's important to be drinking as much as you can throughout the day.

How often do you say 'I feel tired all the time!'? It's probably dehydration.

More importantly for getting into shape for summer though, ditching liquid calories will do your body a power of good and will really help you maintain that tone you've been chasing in the gym. 

When your kidneys aren't hydrated properly, the responsibility for removing toxins falls on your liver. This leads to the liver storing fat because the liver is doing the job of your kidneys instead of metabolising fat into energy. 

2. Squat!

I know it's really simple, and if you've been in the gym recently you've probably been doing some. But I can't emphasise enough, just how powerful this compound exercise is. 

Not only will they tone your legs - hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, glutes - they will also strengthen bone density and boost muscle growth throughout your body. 

A 2012 study on the impact of the functional movement of squats with whole-body vibration training on elderly individuals with osteoarthritis found that they improved pain, balance and inflammation. 

3. Add to Your Diet 

Tips for getting into shape often seem so unappealing because the emphasis is always on less. Cut back on this, don't eat that etc, etc. However, it's also important to add the right things to your diet and this doesn't have to always be the really healthy things that don't taste good. 

This is something that dietician and blogger Anne Mauney from fANNEtasticfood.com highlighted to us when we asked her for advice about getting in shape for summer: 

"Rather than thinking about what to subtract from your diet - which isn't sustainable long term, or very fun! - consider what you can add to improve your health. For example - add more protein to breakfast to make it more satisfying. Or add more veggies to your meals to amp up the nutrition and make them more filling." 

This can be really simple like adding nuts, seeds and fruit to your porridge, or swapping that morning coffee cup for a revitalising smoothie - you can even add some yogurt for a little extra protein boost. 

4. Sleep Well 

Sleep deprivation is a sure fire way to disrupt your hormones, moods and increase your appetite. 

We all want to make the most of the long summer nights but make sure you don't get into a routine of inconsistent sleep patterns because that won't help you in any way, shape or form. 

There are also countless scientific studies which have proven the link between sleep deprivation and increased appetite, like this 2013 study by SM Greer which concluded:

"Sleep deprivation lead to marked decreases in the anterior cingulate, left lateral orbital frontal cortex and anterior insula reactivity to food desirability"

For the non-scientists amongst us - less sleep makes you eat more. 

5. Get NEAT-er

Non Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT) is the phrase used to describe all other activities outside sleeping, eating and exercising. Increasing the energy expenditure in the rest of our daily actions can have a great impact of calorie burning. 

It's easy to think that going to the gym 2-3 times per week and think that our work is done. However, 3 hours of activity out of 168 isn't going to magically give us our dream physique. That's where increasing your NEAT can act as a great supplement to your workouts.

Some simple ways to increase your energy expenditure and burn some extra calories:

• Walk to work (or get off at the next closest public transport stop)
• Clean the house
• Do some gardening 
• Take regular breaks from sitting down 

6. Go Plant-Based

If you're fed up with being stuck in the same old food routine, shake it up and revolutionise your diet by going plant-based.

Veganism is on the rise across the globe, with a 350% increase in the UK alone in the decade between 2006-2016. 20% of people under the age of 35 are said to have tried a vegan diet too. So it's clear that the trend of changing to a plant based is becoming ever more popular. 

Adele, from whole foods blog everythingspeachy.co.uk, recommends a plant-based diet as her number one tip for getting healthy this summer:

"My number one tip for those looking to achieve better health this summer would be to cut out (or at least reduce) animal products, and adopt a predominantly wholefoods, plant-based diet.

Plant-based diets are so much higher in vitamins, minerals and fibre. By eating a diet based on fruits, vegetables, whole-grains, legumes, pulses, nuts and seeds, you'll find it easy to reach your ideal weight, and the need for calorie counting becomes redundant. It's also a delicious way to live!"

7.  Plan & Set Goals 

Set out what you're going to do and stick to the plan. 

It's too easy to give up with your exercise program if you haven't planned it out.

And if you haven't set goals or deadlines, how are you going to know if anything you've done has been worthwhile?

Decide what your targets are and when you want to achieve them by, then work towards them and reward yourself at regular intervals.