Water—an essential part of our lives, it not only helps to regulate temperature, but it also maintains a number of bodily functions. Constantly used by your cells and tissues, it’s recommended for individuals to consume eight 8-ounce glasses per day, according to health authorities.
When it comes to drinking water, there are a few options. For instance, tap water (preferably filtered) can be safely consumed in many countries—the U.S. included. Other options include distilled water, spring water, purified water, and bottled water. Heck, some even contain carbonation!
As accessible as water is, however (assuming there’s no shortage), did you know that a few certain brands can set you back a few hundred dollars? That’s right—believe it or not, not all bottled water can be bought with a five dollar bill. In some cases, water is sourced from a specific area in the world, which allows for a huge markup. Interestingly, however, there are many people who choose to buy these luxurious brands of waters—mostly collectors.
Curious to know what some of these expensive bottled water brands are? We’ll be taking a look at the top 10 below.
Debuted in 2005, the Fine brand can be found in Japan, where it is collected from deep below Mount Fuji. Naturally filtered through volcanic rock, the water is both pollutant-free and mineral rich. Extremely pure, it never comes into contact with man-made pollutants, something that often occurs with water collected from shallower springs.
Soft to the pallet, most who have consumed Fine bottled water have described that there is a distinct, yet subtle flavor. One of the pricier options when it comes to drinking water, the Japanese company currently charges $5 per 750ml, which makes it more expensive than most typical brands.
#9: ELIE SAAB & Evian – $7 for 750 ml
A tribute to purity in design, this limited edition bottle is a collaboration between Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab and luxury mineral water producer Evian. Decorated with the signature Elie Saab lace pattern, the bottle was made available in select restaurants for a short period in 2014. Unfortunately, this means that it’d be hard to come by nowadays.
Noted for its transparent design, it allegedly took 26 sketches and 16 prototypes before the product was finalized. An “ode to purity”, it marked the seventh year that Evian has collaborated with some of the world’s most high profile designers.
#8: Aquadeco – $12 for 750 ml
A premium brand, Aquadeco is the brainchild of Arnold Gumowitz, an art collector, and real estate businessman. Debuted in 2007, the company sources its water from the Muskoka Natural Spring in Gravenhurst, Canada. One of the purest spring waters in the world, it is said to contain no undesirable compounds at the atomic level.
Granted the “Spring Water” designation under strict Canadian regulations, it features a unique bottle design that resembles an Art Deco building. Exceptionally pure, it won two gold medals for “Best Bottle Design” and “Best Taste” at the 2007 Berkeley Springs International Water Festival.
#7: 10 Thousand BC – $14 for 750 ml
As its name implies, 10 Thousand BC sources its water from beautiful British Columbia, Canada.The world’s finest premium glacier water, it is sourced from the Costal Glacier Range, which is located 200 miles north of Vancouver. Incredibly remote, the environmentally protected area is only accessible from the water.
Untouched, uncontaminated and exceptionally pure, the water is not filtered through the ground, which allows for superior quality. One of the world’s purest natural bottled water, it has a total dissolved solids rating of 4 parts per million.
#6: Veen – $23 for 750 ml
A Finnish brand, Veen sources its natural mineral water from Lapland, a northern area that is known for being sparsely populated. Among one of the purest waters on the planet, it is no less than superior in originality with zero nitrates per liter, according to its official website. In terms of its mineral content, it is extremely low at only 17.22mg per liters, which is exceptional on the global level.
In 2014, the brand discovered a second natural spring in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. Rich in minerals such as magnesium and calcium, it is perfect for everyday hydration.
#5: Bling H2O – $40 for 750 ml
The brainchild of Kevin G. Boyd, a Hollywood producer, Bling H2O was created after he noticed that a lot can be learned about a person by the water that they drink. Designed to make a defining statement (did we mention that the bottle is decorated with Swarovski crystals?), the brand’s mission is to offer a product with an exquisite face to match exquisite taste, according to their website.
Endorsed by a number of athletes and actors, the brand has been present at a number of celebrity events such as The Emmy’s and the MTV Video Music Awards. Known for its hint of sweetness, the water is sourced from Chestnut Hill, Dandridge.
#4: Tasmanian Rain – $60 for 750 ml
Captured on the pristine island of Tasmania, where the air has been recognized by the World Meteorological Organization as being the cleanest in the world, Tasmanian Rain is collected by a custom-designed facility—meaning that it never touches the ground. As a result, it is more than nine times purer than some of the world’s leading artesian and spring waters.
Poured into sleek glass bottles, the rainwater is available for purchase at a number of top hotels, spas, and restaurants around the world. For those who prefer a little carbonation in their water, there is also the sparkling Tasmanian Rain.
#3: Fillico – $219 for 750 ml
A high-class mineral water brand, Fillico Jewelry Water is sourced from a high-quality spring in Kobe, Japan. Inspired by The Trulli of Alberobello in Italy, the bottle design resembles the elegant frame of a woman and is decorated with Swarovski Crystals.
Known for its smooth and refreshing taste, the water is bottled at the Nunobiki Waterfall, which is near Osaka. To date, Fillico is one of only two brands that is allowed to use the name “Kobe Water”—a synonym for premium water. Debuted in 2005, its original style has carefully been built up with Japanese craftsmanship.
#2: Kona Nigari Water – $400 for 750 ml
Collected from thousands of feet below the surface off of Hawaii, Kona Ginari Water is said to improve skin quality, reduce stress, and help with losing weight. A brand of distilled seawater, the brand is only available in Japan, where it is manufactured and sold.
Advertised as a skin enhancer and toner, it remains popular among customers, though its hefty price tag might turn away some. Want to try some of this exotic water? If so, prepare your wallets—for it will set you back $400 a bottle!
#1: Acqua Di Cristallo Tributo a Modigliani – 750ml bottle for $60,000
Easily the most expensive bottled water in the world, the Aqua Di Cristallo Tribute a Modigliani owes its high price to its handmade, 24k gold bottle. Inspired by the late Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani, the water is sourced from Fiji and France and is sold in a specially designed bottle—one that resembles an abstract human face. The king of bottled waters, the unique design is created by none other than Fernando Altamirano.
The brainchild of Paolo di Verachi, this bottle of water even has its own blurb in the Guinness World Records books! Unfortunately, however, it’d be hard for the majority of us to get a taste.
