Hi -- This could be the most ridiculous question ever, but here it goes.

My husband and I have a budget and we stick to it. One area where we are trying to decrease our costs is our monthly grocery bill. I'm getting smarter about looking for loss leaders, buying in bulk when food we typically eat is on sale, we're freezing/drying food from our garden, we only eat out at restaurants once every few months, etc.

One item I just can't seem to decrease the cost is bottled sparkling natural mineral water. My husband absolutely loves mineral water (he drinks Perrier or San Pellegrino) and -- while it costs $1.38 for a 750 mL bottle -- I'm happy he's drinking something healthier than soda. We're currently buying it at Walmart. The Walmart manager says she can order it by the case if we call ahead (he drinks about 30 bottles per month), but there is no discount for buying in bulk, just the convenience. I've looked online but I can't find it cheaper. Does anyone have any suggestions on how/where I can buy it for less?

By the way, my husband and I have had many discussions about why he doesn't just drink our tap water -- we have a well and the filtered water, to me, tastes fabulous. However, he just loves the taste of mineral water. So, while we both know the water from our faucet is great (and free!), he wants to continue drinking the mineral water. Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

I use tap water with a soda siphon to make it bubbly. It costs less than mineral water, though it's not the cheapest thing in the world; I tend to not like drinking tap water, either.

One of the big reasons I do it this way is that I don't drive, and it's a lot easier to carry chargers than bottles of water. YMMV.

This is a classic WANT vs NEED. But to put a twist on it....If you WANT to save money, then you don't NEED expensive mineral water. But seriously he doesn't need the mineral water it's what he wants.

If it is a health argument that the mineral water is better or better for you, then I would suggest a simple google search of 'truth about mineral water' and read up. Much less regualtion of bottled water than there is in public drinking water. A simple Brita filter or similar will save you money and give you clean water with no after taste.

jkf, i think you're missing the point. I believe it's been identified as a want already - they realize this, are still willing to buy it, but want to find the best deal they can. There's nothing wrong with purchasing/consuming something that is a want and certainly nothing wrong with trying to do it cheaper!

I'm a soda water fan also. I used to buy Pellegrino by the case at Costco for just under $1 per bottle. Lately, for convenience as well as cost, I've switched to buying the cheapest, generic seltzer available at my local grocery store. After a few days, I didn't really remember the taste difference between the high-end and cheap stuff anymore.

Thanks to all who have responded, so far. I appreciate your suggestions and comments.

I've already learned something new -- I never heard of a "soda siphon." I've looked it up and already have been to a few websites where I could possibly purchase one. In the long run, if my husband would like the water from the soda siphon, it could save us money.

I also liked the Costco suggestion. I don't live near a Costco but I will try going out to their website to see if I could order by the case and if I can, determine if it would be cheaper (including shipping).

Thanks again.

I use a Brita Water Filter Unit within my ice-maker. Got the refills off of eBay in bulk. Just refill the bottle everytime. Simple and cheap, but not mineral water. You can buy the 4C packs in Bulk at costo, but that is still like .40 a pack plus water.