Bottled water has become an irreplaceable commodity in our daily lives, without which we cannot imagine surviving for a day. Drinking water is essential for our survival, and we all know that, but bottled water has become an integral part of our lives, and it is now difficult to survive without it. But have you ever wondered when did bottled water begin? Let’s explore the fascinating story of how bottled water began and evolved over the years.
The Origin of Bottled Water
Bottled water has been around for centuries, with the first known use dating back to civilisations in ancient Rome and Greece. Evidence shows that the ancient Roman elites were the first to store and transport water in glass bottles. However, the widespread use of bottled water did not become popular until the 18th century in Europe.
The 18th Century
During the 18th-century, bottled water emerged as a luxury item among the European middle-classes. Many European spas and resorts started bottling and selling sparkling water. These places claimed the water’s high mineral content to have medicinal properties and good for health. This was the time when companies like Perrier, Evian, and Vittel entered the market and started selling water commercially.
The 19th Century
The 19th century marked a significant change in the history of bottled water. It was in 1859 that the first U.S patent was granted for bottled water. These bottles had a rubber stopper and were used for transporting carbonated water. However, it was only in the 1970s that bottled water became widely popular in the United States.
Rise of Bottled Water Industry in the United States
The bottled water industry experienced a surge in production and consumption in the United States during the 1970s. The rise in bottled water consumption can be attributed to several factors, including:
- The growing health and fitness industry encouraged individuals to drink more water.
- The alarming environmental conditions and the fear of contamination and pollution in traditional sources of water helped establish bottled water as a safe alternative.
- The increasing trend of convenience-oriented lifestyles fuelled the demand for portable and plastic bottled water.
The 21st Century
The 21st century marked a new era for the bottled water industry, with the introduction of various new products, flavours, and packaging. The industry has evolved from just providing bottled plain drinking water to providing water infused products, such as sparkling water, flavoured water, and mineral water. The industry has also shifted its focus towards environmental sustainability with eco-friendly production and packaging methods.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bottled water has come a long way from being a luxury product to becoming a necessity. The fascinating journey that began centuries ago with the ancient Romans has now evolved into an industry worth billions of dollars globally. Today, bottled water is a symbol of convenience, health, and safety. We cannot deny that without bottled water, our lives would be far more challenging than they are today.
Most Common Questions Related to the Origin of Bottled Water
- When was bottled water first used?
- What is the history of Evian Water?
- Is bottled water safer than tap water?
- When did bottled water become popular in the United States?
- What are the different types of bottled water available?
- Is it better to drink bottled water or filtered water?
Answers to these questions can be found in the article above or through further research.
References
- ‘The History of Bottled Water,’ The Water Delivery Company. <https://www.thewaterdeliverycompany.com/water-cooler-talk/2017/05/30/history-bottled-water/>
- ‘The History of Bottled Water,’ Pure Water Occasional. <http://purewateroccasional.net/bottledwaterhistory.htm>
- ‘The History of Bottled Water – Who Invented It?’, The Fact File. <https://thefactfile.org/bottled-water-history/>