Cost of 5-gallon Walmart water jug exchange? (North Chelmsford, MA / 550+ PPM tap water)
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I live in an apartment in North Chelmsford, MA, and our tap water sits at an average of 550+ PPM. We are a family of four, and drinking it isn't an option.
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I tried using a Zero water filter, but because the water is so hard, a single filter only lasts us 2 days. At $26 for the pitcher and $38 for a 4-pack of replacement filters, it's completely burning through my budget. I also tried the self-refill station at Hannaford, but it's $3 per 5 gallons and frequently out of service, so I can't rely on it.
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I’m on a tight budget and considering switching to the 5-gallon water jug exchange at Walmart, but I don't know the upfront and weekly costs. Could anyone tell me:
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How much is the initial 5-gallon jug purchase?
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How much does it cost to exchange an empty jug for a full one each week?
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Are there any other budget-friendly water alternatives you'd recommend for this area?
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Any advice would be incredibly helpful!