Health & Lifestyle

EXCLUSIVE: Water rip off! They cost up to $200 a bottle and claim to have a host of health benefits… but are these exorbitantly priced waters really any better than the tap?

  • Types of waters range from tap from the sink to bottles costing nearly $200 
  • The most expensive waters come from icebergs and ancient springs
  • READ MORE: Secret to anti-aging: Drinking eight glasses of water every day

Bottles that cost more than $100, specially curated menus and skilled sommeliers.

While these things have long been a part of the world of fine wines, a market for ‘fine water’ is emerging. 

Paris Hilton, Jamie Foxx and Gabrielle Union are among A-listers who have been pictured holding a 750ml bottle of Bling H2O’s water that costs $184.
Bling H2O markets itself as the ‘Rolls-Royce Phantom of all waters’ and its price point reflects its motto: ‘Not for everyone…only for those who are bling.’

Others – such as Apsu and Svalbardi – will set you back more than $100 per bottle.

The luxury brands justify their high price points by explaining their sourcing exclusivity, limited supplies and claims their water is the most pristine on Earth, sourcing it from Amazon air, ancient springs and polar icebergs. 

While some may think water is simply clear liquid packaged in plastic bottles that you grab when you’re thirsty, there are actually more than one dozen types of H2O, ranging from hard water to alkaline.

And each touts its own benefits, claiming they are the best to hydrate and fuel your body. 

The most expensive waters come from all over the globe, including the remote waters of Patagonia and untouched waters from Arctic icebergs.

The most expensive waters come from all over the globe, including the remote waters of Patagonia and untouched waters from Arctic icebergs. 

Some waters contain nothing but the liquid’s elements – hydrogen and oxygen.

But others contain minerals such as potassium, calcium magnesium and sodium, all of which can benefit the human body by protecting against cancers, promoting healthy digestion, lowering blood pressure and supporting natural bodily processes. 

Despite the hype, registered dietician nutritionist Veronica Rouse told DailyMail.com: ‘Just consume water. You don’t have to purchase anything different than what comes out of the tap.’

She said people do not need to shell out hundreds to be healthy and hydrated because the minerals companies tout are in their waters can be consumed by eating whole foods. 

In fact, fancy waters are not the best source of minerals and don’t contribute to overall mineral intake, Ms Rouse added. 

‘In my opinion, they are not worth the big price tag’ and there is no scientific evidence to support additional benefits.’

However, Ms rouse added, different types of water may have a different taste due to their makeup, and while there is no nutritional value, she said if people prefer one taste over another and that will help them drink more water – ‘then go for it.’ 

Ms Rouse told DailyMail.com fancy or expensive waters have become a trend, with people paying more money for designer water as a status symbol, but she said this leads to confusion and her clients often come to her for water advice. 

‘They’re not sure what the best advice is. It’s too bad because a lot of time they could be spending their money on whole foods…but they focus more on what’s trendy.’ 

Below, DailyMail.com reveals the most expensive bottles from around the world and explains the difference between common types of H2O. 

Most Expensive Bottles of Water 

Bling H2O's water is slightly alkaline and 'pleasantly light with a delicately sweet note'

Bling H2O’s water is slightly alkaline and ‘pleasantly light with a delicately sweet note’

Bling H2O The Original Water ($184 for 750 ml bottle)  

Bling H2O’s motto, ‘Not for everyone…only for those who are bling’ is reflected in its high price point and decadent bottles.

While nearly $200 for a bottle of water seems outlandish, The Original is not even Bling’s most expensive product, with a line ranging from $184 to $920 depending on its bottle design.

Marketed as handcrafted alkaline water and the ‘Rolls-Royce Phantom of all waters,’ bottles of Bling H2O have been seen in the hands of celebrities like Paris Hilton, Jamie Foxx and Gabrielle Union.

The water is harvested from a spring near Knoxville, Tennessee on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

It is filtered no less than nine times and is bottled directly at the source before ‘it makes its way to the upper class, upscale restaurants and hotels in the luxury bottle.’

The water is slightly alkaline and ‘pleasantly light with a delicately sweet note.’

Apsu Origin Water ($140 for 750 ml bottle)                                                

Apsu Origin Water comes from glaciers in Chile and will set you back $140 per bottle. Said to be ‘luxury water,’ and ‘exclusivity at its finest,’ it is bottled in limited quantities, and has won multiple awards for its taste and design.

Apsu Origin Water comes from glaciers in Chile and will set you back $140 per bottle

Apsu Origin Water comes from glaciers in Chile and will set you back $140 per bottle

Apsu’s founders wanted to find water sources unattainable by standard bottling procedures and the company says its Origin water is ‘harvested from the heart of Patagonia.’

He added, a University of Texas study found their source region to have some of the cleanest sources of water in the world and the company is committed to researching and preserving the source its water comes from.

In addition to raising funds to support environmental projects, the company follows a ‘leave no trace rule,’ and has no equipment or construction site at their source.

Due to rough terrain and dangerous weather, the founders visit their source for only two days per year and and produce just a few thousand bottles.

All of this, the founders say, contribute to the water’s hefty price tag.  

Svalbardi Polar Iceberg Water ($116.99 for 750 ml bottle) 

While the company is no longer in business, there are still some bottles of Svalbardi Polar Iceberg Water floating across the globe, which originally sold for $116.99. The low mineral, rare and ‘ultra premium’ iceberg water is the world’s northernmost bottled water, the company claimed, harvested from icebergs in Norway’s Svalbard islands.

Svalbardi Water caught the attention of celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres who was shocked by its price tag

The water is described as being like the taste of snowflakes landing on the tongue

Svalbardi Polar Iceberg Water shuttered its operations in February 2023 but a coveted few bottles remain in circulation, with one selling for $9,200 

Because the water is taken from ‘ancient snow’ it has a low mineral content and ‘the highest purity.’ It has been preserved as ice inside glaciers for up to 4,000 years and never touches the ground. The company claims this gives it an ‘ultra-light, fresh taste and smooth mouthfeel.’

It is described as tasting like ‘snowflakes landing on the tongue’ Because it was preserved as ice, it is protected from modern pollution and is extremely pure.

When Svalbardi Polar Iceberg Water was first introduced worldwide in 2016, it quickly caught the attention of celebrities, including Ellen DeGeneres and Jimmy Kimmel, who were taken aback by its hefty price tag.

The company went on hiatus at the end of 2020 for two years after selling out of its water and facing distribution and financial hurdles. It shuttered its operations in February 2023 but a coveted few bottles remain in circulation, with one selling for $9,200.

ROKKO NO MIZU Water ($91 for 600 ml bottle) 

Just under $100 for a bottle, this water from Japan flows in the Mount Rokko mountain range 3,000 feet above sea level. A number of centenarians live in the surrounding area, leading many to believe the nearby water is a ‘supposed fountain of youth.’

Described as having a smooth, natural and delicious taste, the water is ‘suitable for every occasion.’ 

Orezza Natural Mineral Water ($90 for 500 ml bottle) 

 Orezza Natural Mineral Water has been ‘known since ancient times’ and enjoyed by the Romans, ‘who valued its exceptional qualities,’ and the company says it has therapeutic powers. 

Orezza water's source is a UNESCO World Heritage protected site and the water is touted as the official water for the Monaco royal family

Orezza water’s source is a UNESCO World Heritage protected site and the water is touted as the official water for the Monaco royal family

When establishments opened that provided baths and showers with Orezza water, it was claimed the water cured anemia, malaria and liver disorders. 

And during WWII, it was even sent to North Africa to provide strength to troops.

Hailing from springs in Corsica, a French island in the Mediterranean Sea, the mineral water is naturally carbonated.

The company claims it has one of the highest iron levels in the world and can combat anemia and promote healthy digestion.

Because it is low in sodium, it is also extremely refreshing to drink.

Orezza water’s source is a UNESCO World Heritage protected site and the water is touted as the official water for the Monaco royal family.

Minus 181 Water ($46 for 681 ml bottle)

 Taking its name from the 181-meter drill plunged into the well to obtain the water, Minus 181 is harvested from northern Germany where it flows over deep rock shaped by the ice age. 

The water has been naturally filtered by the earth over centuries to create a pure and crystal-clear liquid chock full of minerals, according to the company.

Minus 181 water is bottled untreated in glass bottles in a small factor directly above the fountain it’s taken from.

The artisanal spring it comes from makes the water soft and pleasant to drink and a good partner for delicatessen and aromatic foods.

The spring Minus 181 comes from makes the water soft and pleasant to drink and a good partner for delicatessen and aromatic foods

With its finely sparkling carbonic acid, NEVAS water offers an 'unforgettable, tingling drinking experience,' the company claims

Both Nevas and Minus 181 waters come from sources in Germany

NEVAS Cuvée Carbonated Water ($28.99 for 750 ml bottle) 

Coming in a bottle that more resembles a high-end champagne, NEVAS water combines the water of two natural springs in Germany, claiming this leads to the best mineralization and taste. 

Both of the artisanal wells are hundreds of years old and give the water a high natural calcium content due to the layers of rock surrounding the sources. 

With its finely sparkling carbonic acid, NEVAS water offers an ‘unforgettable, tingling drinking experience’ and impresses with its ‘unmistakable’ taste and high quality, and has previously won an award for its taste. 

ROI Sparkling Water ($25.50 for 750 ml bottle) 

ROI warns the maximum daily consumption of its water should be no more than 0.5 liters and the water is not meant to be consumed to quench thirst

ROI warns the maximum daily consumption of its water should be no more than 0.5 liters and the water is not meant to be consumed to quench thirst

his magnesium-rich water comes from a spring in Slovenia and the company claims it regulates the entire nervous and muscle system, but says it should be ‘consumed in moderation.’

Due to its high content of minerals, it has a rich and distinctive taste.

‘All the elements in the water are in a harmonious balance and in a soluble form that your body can easily absorb.

Your metabolism can easily dissolve minerals and quickly pass them on to cells, ready for action,’ the company claims. 

Benefits of drinking the water, ROI says, include reducing or eliminating a hangover, lowering cholesterol, aiding the metabolism in the digestion process, calming stress, enhancing athletic performance and keeping brain cells energized to increase focus.

For each of its benefits, ROI outlines a recommended time when the water should be consumed and how much you should drink. 

But ROI also issues a warning. The maximum daily consumption of its water should be no more than 0.5 liters and the water is not meant to be consumed to quench thirst.

Drinking too much of this water may cause diarrhea and people with kidney failure should not drink ROI. 

Berg Water worked with local artists to design the bottle and packaging to embody the nature, purity and coldness of the north

Berg Water worked with local artists to design the bottle and packaging to embody the nature, purity and coldness of the north

Berg Water ($22.99 for 750 ml bottle)

While it doesn’t have a triple digit price tag, at $23 a bottle, it’s still pricier than the convenience store stuff.

The ‘luxury brand of bottled water’ was founded in 2005 and hails from Newfoundland, Canada.

The water is sourced from icebergs formed from ancient glaciers in western Greenland and is stored in the ice cap.

The isolated location makes harvesting the water nearly impossible, but when large pieces of iceberg break off into the ocean, the company melts the ice and bottles the water.

‘The remoteness of the island has made Newfoundland one of the most pristine environments on earth, untouched and unspoiled,’ the company writes.

Because icebergs have a very tough consistency, ocean salt water does not penetrate and contaminate the ice. The water is harvested directly from bergs and is not exposed to ground contaminants, making it extremely pure.

Berg water was ‘designed for the selected high market’ and ‘is the perfect companion in an exclusive setting.’

Common Types of Water 

Tap Water

As its name implies, this water comes straight from your faucet. It is typically taken from a dam or river and supplied to homes through pipes. While it can be used for household tasks like watering plants or cooking, not all tap water is safe to drink and it needs to be tested to ensure it meets standards set by local water authorities.

In the US, tap water is filtered to remove contaminants and is sometimes referred to as purified water.

Spring Water

Just as it sounds, this type of water comes from natural springs formed from an underground source. It is the most common type of bottled water. What makes spring water different is you get it straight from the source and it is considered pre-purified because it has traveled through natural filters like limestone, sandstone and clay.

Spring water is popular because it naturally contains traces of minerals, such as magnesium, potassium, calcium and sodium, which play essential roles in bodily functions.

Mineral Water

Mineral water is similar to spring in that it comes from groundwater. While spring water is considered to be naturally purified, mineral water needs to be filtered through a process that includes adding minerals or salts to it. While spring water comes from a natural formation of water, mineral may come from a manmade formation of water.

Some mineral waters may also be referred to as electrolyte water, and vice versa. Electrolytes are charged minerals that conduct electricity in the body and regulate blood pressure, help the heart contract and maintain a healthy pH level in the body. These include the same nutrients as spring water.

While some brands may specifically market electrolyte water, most people can get the same benefits and taste for a lower price with mineral water.

Distilled Water

This type of water usually has a bland taste as it has been stripped of important minerals such as calcium, sodium and magnesium. It contains just water’s elements: hydrogen and oxygen. Because distilled water lacks the minerals that support bodily processes and give water its refreshing taste, health experts say there are limited benefits to drinking it and the taste is often quite bland.

Alkaline Water

The term alkaline refers to a water’s pH level, which measures how acidic something is. It contains electrolytes, or charged minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium or iron, all of which determine its alkalinity. Alkaline water often has a pH level of eight or nine, compared to natural water’s level of seven.

While there is no definitive ruling on alkaline water’s health benefits, some studies have found it may lead to better blood flood and improve bone density in women. One mouse study found those that consumed this type of water had improved markers of aging in their DNA.


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