Colorado River Aqueduct: Brings water from the Colorado River to Southern California.
State Water Project: Transports water from Northern California to drier areas in the south.
Owens Valley Diversion: Los Angeles infamously took water from the Owens Valley, a move that led to ecological disasters.
There have been proposals to import water from Alaska or Canada, but these remain impractical.
Carlsbad Desalination Plant (Largest in the U.S.) supplies drinking water from the Pacific Ocean.
Some have proposed towing icebergs from Antarctica as a freshwater source.
They could import tankers of fresh water from FIJI to drink, bathe in and fight fires with. Amazing Canada has the best water in the world and I can go to the corner store and buy water shipped from FIJI. Why not go to FIJI and enjoy the water there?
Fiji Water could cease production in FijiFiji Water, a favourite drink of celebrities from Barack Obama down, may cease production in the South Pacific island nation amid a bitter row with the ruling military junta.
The drink has become highly fashionable among the celebrity classes, including Nicole Kidman and the Obamas Credit: Photo: PA/GETTY IMAGES
The Los Angeles-based company announced the immediate shutdown of its only bottling plant, on the main island of Viti Levu, with the loss of 400 jobs after Commodore Frank Bainimarama, Fiji's self-appointed interim prime minister, slapped a punitive new tax on its operations.
In a budget shock, the Fiji government said it would be imposing a tax of 15 Fiji cents a litre (5 pence) on the bottled water, instead of the current rate of less than one-third of a Fiji cent.
The Fiji Water Company, which is owned by southern California billionaires Lynda and Stewart Resnick, reacted with fury, saying: "This new tax is untenable and, as a consequence, Fiji Water is left with no choice but to close our facility."
John Cochran, the company president, described Fiji as "increasingly unstable and a very risky place in which to invest".
Fiji Water extracts more than 3.5 million litres a month from its deep aquifer on the island, which sell for a typical retail price of US$3 to US$4 (2 pounds to 2 pounds 60 pence) a litre in the United States.
The drink has become highly fashionable among the celebrity classes, including the Obamas, pop stars Justin Timberlake and Mary J Blige, as well as Nicole Kidman and Scarlett Johansson.
Product placement in American films and television shows has also boosted Fiji Water's popularity, and its distinctive bottles sell in more than 40 countries.
The company claims to account for one fifth of Fiji's exports.
Despite threatening closure of its factory, Mr Cochran held the door open for discussions, saying: "Fiji Water remains willing to work through this issue with the Fiji government, as it would be our preference to keep operating in Fiji."
But Commodore Bainimarama appeared unmoved, declaring that Fiji Water has had it easy in the past and threatening to "call for international tenders from credible and reputable private sector companies to extract this valuable resource".
He claimed the company had paid less than a million Fiji dollars in total corporate tax over the past two years If Fiji Water does permanently close down its operation on Viti Levu, the company could move to New Zealand.
In September 2008 it bought a bottled water brand sourced from an artesian aquifer at Tai Tapu, in the South Island.
The dramatic tax increase may stem from the fact that the Fijian economy, beset by international sanctions in the wake of Commodore Bainimarama's continued refusal to allow a return to democratic government, is in serious trouble.
Government debt and contingent liabilities are running at 91.2 per cent of gross national product
Here are some of the world's top bottled water picks:
1. Best Overall: Acqua Panna- Source: Natural spring in Tuscany, Italy.
- Mineral Content (TDS ~131 mg/L):
- Rich in calcium and bicarbonates, which enhance taste and hydration.
- pH ~8.2 (alkaline) – smooth and refreshing.
- Taste: Silky, light, and balanced.
- Why It’s Better?
Naturally alkaline & balanced minerals.
Smooth, refreshing taste.
Trusted by sommeliers and premium restaurants.
2. Best for Alkalinity: Essentia Water- Source: Purified U.S. water, enhanced with electrolytes.
- pH Level: 9.5+ (highly alkaline) – great for reducing acidity.
- Why It’s Better?
Ultra-hydrating due to high alkalinity.
Good for people with acidic diets (e.g., coffee drinkers).
Ionized for enhanced absorption.
3. Best for Pure Glacier Water: Svalbarði- Source: Arctic Icebergs (Norway) – collected near Svalbard, Norway, from melting 10,000-year-old icebergs.
- Mineral Content (TDS ~21 mg/L): Extremely pure and low in minerals.
- Why It’s Better?
The cleanest water on Earth.
Hand-harvested ice from Arctic glaciers.
Ultra-premium ($100+ per bottle!).
4. Best High-Mineral Water: Gerolsteiner Sparkling- Source: Volcanic springs in Germany.
- Mineral Content (TDS ~2,500 mg/L!):
- Rich in calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonates.
- Strong natural carbonation.
- pH ~6.5 (slightly acidic due to CO2).
- Why It’s Better?
Best for bone health (high calcium/magnesium).
Naturally carbonated – refreshing and crisp.
Electrolyte-rich for athletes.
5. Best Luxury Water: ROI Water- Source: Slovenia.
- Mineral Content (TDS ~7,481 mg/L!!!)
- Highest natural magnesium content of any bottled water.
- Helps digestion, stress relief, and muscle relaxation.
- Taste: Strong mineral taste, not for casual drinkers.
- Why It’s Better?
Medicinal-grade hydration.
Amazing for muscle recovery & gut health.
Rare & exclusive.
|
