Bottled Water

• Bottled water -- a $10 billion business in the U.S. in 2005 -- has become increasingly more available each year as businesses soak up the natural springs or purify tap water in bulk. The problem with bottled water is that the bottle is often not recycled, causing more waste than before. Allowing corporations to control natural water supplies at their will often upsets locals and always causes more pollution than before.
  
  

Other Water Filter Brands

• More and more brands are making water filters in competition with Brita. Pur, Aquasana and Whirlpool are the closest competitors in personal water filtration. Whirlpool primarily creates filters that go inside the refrigerator's water dispensing mechanism. Companies also produce faucet-attached water filter systems, which reduce the contaminants in the water as soon as you turn the faucet on.
  
  

Do-It-Yourself Cleaning

• You can save money and get clean water when a filter is not available by cleaning the water yourself. This method is certainly not the most accurate, but very effective and could even save your life. You can clean your water by boiling it for a few minutes. Even when camping, you can clean somewhat dirty pond water by boiling it and pouring it through a coffee filter.
  
  

Whole House Water Filter

• Whole house water filters do just what the name says, they filter all of your home water. These systems are the most expensive Brita alternatives, typically costing thousands of dollars. This alternative works because every ounce of water you use in your home will now be much cleaner -- without any further effort. This system could save you money in the long term.
  
  

Water Stores

• Many cities have a water store or an automated water purifying and dispensing device. You can purchase clean water for around 25 cents a gallon, which is much cheaper than the cost of bottled water. Alternatively, companies such as Ozarka can deliver gallons of spring or purified water to you on a regular basis.