There is an awful lot of opinion in here.  Status symbol?  I don't know too many Canadians who buy water in a bottle because Jennifer Aniston does it.  Is this really statistically relevant?  (yes companies spend a lot of money on celebrity endorsements.  It helps differentiate them from their competitors.  It doesn't mean such a move generates customers who wouldn't have bought water otherwise).  Are there many people afraid of water?  Have any data on that?  Public access is limited?  Because it is a necessity in some communities.  These are valid.  How about convenience? I am walking around downtown and don't happen to have my own water bottle with me.  That scenario seems like it be quite common.  How about taste?  Highly chlorinated city water tastes awful. Seems like a common reason people would opt to buy water.   Canadians aren't stupid; suggesting we are for buying water in a bottle doesn't endear me to your publication.