Another one of our favourite water design books. 'H2O Water Package Design' highlights a selection of contemporary bottled water brands, chosen for their unique packaging design. Also contains information about the water’s source, bottling method, composition, and other background information that helps better understand the design, historical context and contemporary influences.

For ten years we had a physical store on Mt Eden Road, a couple of blocks from the base of Mt Eden. Every working day we drove or walked past Water Street to the Water Shop. I often thought that Water Street would be an apt address for our business, but it was a short dead-end street lined with ageing warehouses and ending at a railway line bordering Auckland's Mount Eden prison. Probably not the ideal location for a retail water store! There are many Water Streets. So how did this Water Street get its name?  According to history, Water Street marks...

The alkalinity of water is decided by the minerals it contains. Alkaline minerals include calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. The higher the levels of these minerals, the more alkaline the water will be. Alkaline water (as opposed to acidic water) has a pH of 7 and above. pH (“potential Hydrogen”) is a measure of acidity/alkalinity ranging from 0-14, with a pH of 7.0 being neutral. Our body’s blood and cells are naturally slightly alkaline (pH 7.4). However, the foods and beverages we consume tend to be acidic, upsetting the body’s natural balance. Consuming an alkaline water helps keep the body...

The quality of brewed tea (and coffee) is strongly influenced by the quality of the water used to make it. Hard waters, high in calcium and magnesium carbonates can cause the formation of a surface scum. Softened water can over extract the tea and give it a salty flavour. The ideal water has a low mineral content, and a pH close to neutral, so that the final brew will have moderately acid pH, just right to support and balance the other flavours. Spring waters that are low in minerals are the best for making tea. Look for a TDS (total dissolved...