Bottled water

Bottled water is drinking water packaged in plastic or glass containers.

This category includes many types of water, such as well water, distilled water, or mineral water. It can be carbonated, meaning it has bubbles, or still. People choose bottled water for several reasons. They value its convenience for travel and its specific taste. Some people also buy it because they perceive it as safer than municipal tap water.

The industry provides various sizes, from small single-serving bottles to large carboys used in water coolers.

There are many distinct types of bottled water defined by their source and process. Mineral water comes from a spring and contains natural minerals like salts or sulfur. This water must come from a protected underground source, and no minerals may be added. Spring water flows naturally from underground formations to the Earth's surface. Artesian water is a special type of groundwater from a confined aquifer. This water stays at a high level and flows naturally because of pressure. Purified water is created through processes like distillation, deionization, or reverse osmosis.

Some water is also alkaline, meaning it has higher pH levels produced through electrolysis.

Water chemistry played a major role in the development of these products. Early scientists studied natural mineral waters to try and replicate them for sale. Joseph Priestley, who discovered oxygen in 1775, made early contributions to chemistry by dissolving carbon dioxide in water. He later worked with Johann Jacob Schweppe to develop "aerated" waters for commercial use. This process allowed companies to create carbonated water that mimicked natural spring water. In 1809, Joseph Hawkins received the first U.S. patent for "imitation" mineral water. These scientific steps helped turn natural resources into consistent commercial beverages.

History shows that bottling water has been a practice for a long time. The first recorded water bottling began in the United Kingdom at the Holy Well in 1622. During the 17th and 18th centuries, demand grew because of the popularity of spa-going and water therapy. People believed drinking from mineral springs could treat many common ailments. In 1767, Jackson's Spa in Boston sold the first commercially distributed bottled water in America. By 1850, the Saratoga Springs company was producing more than 7 million bottles annually. This growth happened because many people feared water-borne diseases like cholera and typhoid in city supplies.

Technological changes revolutionized how water is packaged and sold. In 1973, DuPont engineer Nathaniel Wyeth patented Polyethylene terephthalate, known as PET plastic.

PET is the first plastic bottle that can withstand the pressure of carbonated liquids. Today, PET has largely replaced glass because it is lightweight and resistant to breaking. This lightweight packaging allowed water marketing to spread globally by the late 1990s. In the United States, bottled water is now the most popular commercial beverage. It holds about 25% of the consumption share, which is higher than the 18.7% held by soft drinks.

Managing the environmental impact of packaging is a major part of the industry. PET plastic is marked with resin identification code number "1" and is 100% recyclable. In 2014, the United States collected about 1.8 billion pounds of post-consumer PET bottles. The European Union collected approximately 1.75 million metric tons during that same year. In Europe, more than one-third of recovered PET is used to make polyester fibers. Recycled plastic can also be used for egg cartons, fruit boxes, and new bottles. Some people use purified water vending machines to fill their own containers and reduce waste.

Bottled water also serves important roles in safety and resource management. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) calls bottled water a very reliable source during natural disasters. Experts recommend storing enough water for one person per day for at least three days. This supply should cover drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene. While water has an indefinite shelf life if unopened, manufacturers often print a two-year date. This is often a precaution regarding plastic degradation or to ensure the water tastes fresh. Finally, producing bottled water requires specific amounts of resources. On average, it takes 1.32 liters of water to produce 1 liter of bottled water.