Cost Comparison: Water Delivery vs Bottled Water vs Filtration Systems for Singapore Offices
When it comes to keeping your Singapore office hydrated, the monthly water bill can quickly add up. With the tropical heat and humidity, employees need constant access to clean drinking water, but which solution offers the best value for money? Whether you're a startup in Raffles Place or an established company in Jurong, understanding the true cost of your office water supply is essential for making smart budgeting decisions.
Let's break down the real costs of three popular options: water delivery services, bottled water, and filtration systems, so you can make an informed choice for your Singapore office.
Understanding Water Delivery Services in Singapore
Water delivery services provide large bottles (typically 18.9 litres) delivered directly to your office, along with a dispenser for hot and cold water. The average cost in Singapore ranges from SGD 8-12 per bottle, depending on your provider and delivery frequency.
For a typical office of 20 employees consuming approximately 2 litres per person daily, you'd need roughly 40 litres per day, or about 880 litres monthly. This translates to approximately 47 bottles per month, costing between SGD 376-564 monthly, plus dispenser rental fees of SGD 20-40.
Total monthly cost: SGD 396-604
The benefits include no upfront investment, regular delivery schedules, and minimal maintenance. However, you'll need storage space for bottles and must coordinate delivery times with your office schedule.
The True Cost of Bottled Water
Many offices opt for individual bottled water, purchasing cases from supermarkets or wholesale suppliers. A 500ml bottle typically costs SGD 0.40-0.80 in bulk purchases.
Using the same 20-employee office scenario with 2 litres per person daily, you'd need 80 bottles (500ml) per day, or approximately 1,760 bottles monthly. At an average price of SGD 0.60 per bottle, this amounts to SGD 1,056 per month.
Total monthly cost: SGD 1,056
While bottled water offers convenience and portability, it's the most expensive option and generates significant plastic waste—a growing concern for environmentally conscious businesses in Singapore.
Filtration Systems: The Long-Term Investment
Water filtration systems filter Singapore's tap water, which is already safe to drink according to PUB standards. Options range from basic countertop filters to sophisticated reverse osmosis systems with hot and cold dispensing.
A quality office filtration system costs SGD 800-3,000 for installation, with filter replacements every 6-12 months costing SGD 150-400. Monthly tap water costs are negligible—approximately SGD 15-20 for 880 litres based on PUB rates.
First-year cost: SGD 1,030-3,420 (including installation)
Subsequent years: SGD 330-680 annually (SGD 27.50-56.67 monthly)
While the upfront investment is higher, filtration systems become significantly more economical after the first year, offering the lowest long-term costs.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Beyond the obvious expenses, each option carries hidden costs that impact your bottom line:
Storage and Space: Water delivery requires dedicated storage for bottles, while bottled water needs refrigeration space. Filtration systems have a small footprint, typically just the dispenser unit.
Staff Time: Someone must be available to receive deliveries, replace bottles, and manage inventory. This administrative burden has a real cost in terms of productivity.
Environmental Impact: Singapore's Zero Waste initiative encourages businesses to reduce plastic consumption. Bottled water generates the most waste, while filtration systems are the most sustainable option.
Reliability: Delivery services depend on schedules and can be disrupted during public holidays. Filtration systems provide consistent access regardless of external factors.
Practical Tips for Choosing Your Office Water Solution
Assess your actual consumption: Track water usage for two weeks before making decisions. Overestimating leads to waste; underestimating leaves employees thirsty.
Calculate break-even points: For filtration systems, divide the installation cost by monthly savings versus other options. Most offices break even within 6-12 months.
Consider your lease terms: If you're in a short-term office space, water delivery might make more sense than installing a permanent system.
Negotiate bulk rates: Whether choosing delivery or bottled water, negotiate contracts based on volume commitments for better pricing.
Factor in growth: Choose a solution that scales with your team. Filtration systems handle increased demand without proportional cost increases.
Test water quality: While Singapore's tap water is excellent, some offices in older buildings might benefit from filtration for taste improvement.
Making the Right Choice for Your Singapore Office
For most Singapore offices, water delivery services offer the best balance of cost, convenience, and flexibility, especially for small to medium-sized teams. Bottled water, while convenient, is significantly more expensive and environmentally problematic. Filtration systems represent the most economical long-term solution for established offices with 15+ employees.
The right choice depends on your office size, budget, lease duration, and sustainability goals. For offices planning to stay in the same location for over a year, filtration systems offer unbeatable value. For flexible workspaces or smaller teams, water delivery provides hassle-free hydration without major upfront investment.
Ready to find the perfect water solution for your Singapore office? Contact us today for a free consultation and customized quote based on your specific needs. We'll help you calculate exact costs and recommend the most cost-effective option for keeping your team hydrated and productive.