In the US alone, bottled water brings in an estimated $8.3 billion in revenue in 2003 alone, compared to only S1.1 billion in 1984.
The UK bottled water market is estimated to be worth $1.1 billion.
In 1998, the UK market was estimated to be worth only 360 million.
It's the fastest growing sector of the drinks market.
The volume and value of the bottled water marketing the UK is expected to double by 2011.
Within the bottled water sector, there are a number of different types of product offering: still, sparkling, sport bottles, kid's packs, flavourings and even light sparkling.
80% of bottled water is sold as still water.
Water with added flavours and minerals is a huge growth area. Some waters are classified as bealth waters, while others are aimed at the fitness sector (e.g. Reebok Fitness Water).
Volvic is the UK market leader, followed by Evian, Highland Spring, and Vittel