[zakity]

We have an osmosis filter. It makes our water taste really good. It is decent without the osmosis filter, but i prefer it with it. We do buy water, but it is more for emergencies and replacing "damaged" bottles. We reuse the bottles. I partially fill them and throw them in the freezer to use as ice for the cooler and to top off and use as water so we don't buy it when we are out.

Also, I have a child who can't have corn syrup or dye so if we have the water when we are out, we don't have whining about wanting a soda pop. One good "side effect" is that when they spill in the car, it doesn't matter because it is water and it will just dry.

To mark water bottles, use finger nail polish. It works better than permanent markers. We use a dot system but I know of a family that uses a color coded system and another that uses initials.

Edited to say: We have a high iron content in our water and that is supposed to be bad for boys (like really really high), that is part of the reason for the osmosis filter.