Not all Money Savers actually save money

This morning as I went to make coffee, I noticed a built in filter basket for my coffee maker. This little basket is removable and is a permanent filter that we can simply fill with grounds and there is no need for paper filters. I can see the reasoning behind this invention as four fold.
1) Cost: Never buy coffee filters again
2) Eco-Friendly: No waste of paper filters
3) Convenience: Never run out of filters, never need to add them to the grocery list
4) Space saving: One less item to make room for in your cupboard

However, here is a reality check based on our experience with this machine.

The built in filter basket has to be cleaned out after each use. I don't mind except that the old grounds don't completely dump out, and I have to spray out the basket with water. Since I live in town, and pay a city water bill, I think the cost of the water used might exceed the cost of the paper filters. I would also say that I think the water used exceeds the eco damage done by the paper filters (they are thin and nearly disintegrated by the water and grounds by the time they hit the trash can).
I have not thoroughly tested this theory, but started with these facts: 200 filters cost $1.99, plus tax @ 6% $2.11 - about seven months worth; our water bill is about $40 per month.
Note: This apparently is very conservative, another family of 7 (we are 8) pays double that - when I heard this, my first question was 'have you checked for leaks?',but that is just how much they use; twice as much as us.
So, I figured that a $ amount wasn't a very accurate measure.

The actual cost of water is about $.0079 per gallon (just about 8/10 of a penny).
I used the filter and rinsed it out, measuring the water used at 3.5 cups.
200 uses would take 700 cups or 43.07 gallons.
At a cost of $.0079 per gallon, It would cost me about 34cents for 200 uses.

So, my assumption was incorrect! This little basket is actually a BIG money saver. $1.77 might not seem like much but that is like getting 84% off - you would be crazy to bypass that kind of clearance sale.

So, in conclusion:
Cost? yes
Convenience? throwing out is more convenient than cleaning out, but not by much.
Eco friendliness? I don't know. Does 200 paper filters do more or less damage than 43 gallons of water wasted?
On the issue of space saving? The built in filter wins here too.

This blog is all about spending as little money as possible, preferably none.
The author: Corinne Johnson is a Christian homeschooling mother of six, help meet to her husband, and author of Vacation Education Books; travel guides for families who love to learn, unit studies for families who love to travel.
www.vacationeducationbooks.net