The first bottled water can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where people collected and stored water in containers made from animal skins, gourds, or other natural materials. However, the concept of commercially packaged and distributed bottled water as we know it today emerged much later.

The first documented instance of bottled water being sold on a large scale dates back to the 17th century in the small town of Jackson's Spa in England. Bottled water from a natural spring was sold for its perceived health benefits and was popular among the wealthy elite who visited the spa.

In the 19th century, the demand for bottled water increased as public concerns grew over the safety and quality of drinking water in cities. Companies began to bottle and sell water from natural springs as a safer alternative. The first commercially successful bottled water brand was Saratoga Springs, established in Saratoga, New York, in 1872.

However, the widespread consumption of bottled water took off in the late 20th century, driven by advancements in plastic technology and growing consumer interest in health and convenience. Bottled water became widely available in various sizes and types, including purified, mineral, and flavored water.

Today, bottled water is a multi-billion dollar industry and is consumed globally. However, it is worth noting that the environmental impact of plastic waste from single-use water bottles has raised concerns, leading to increased efforts in promoting reusable alternatives and improving recycling infrastructure.