TAP water is cheap. At most restaurants, cafes and bars, it's free. But ordering tap water is just so... ordinary.
The thirst-quencher of choice among trendsetters these days is exotic, unique and branded bottled water.
Designer water is already a big trend in the US and Europe, and it's only just starting to take a foothold in Singapore.
Of course, long-time industry leaders like Evian and Perrier are still widely sold, but others, like artesian water, are starting to infiltrate the market.
By definition, artesian water comes from a source deep within the earth.
Protected by layers of clay and rock, it has to be pumped out and, as a result, the water does not come into contact with the external environment.
Artesian water includes brands like Tau from Wales, Japan's Fine, Wattwiller from France and Antipodes from New Zealand.
But isn't all water the same? Will this trend last?
Ms Yenni Budhiwindarti, managing director of Eternair Water which imports and distributes Purence, believes it's a trend that's here to stay.
'I believe there is and will be a big demand for bottled water in Singapore and elsewhere.'
Ms Budhiwindarti said one reason bottled water is in such high demand is consumers' increasing health awareness.
She said: 'Purence is pure water virtually free from inorganic minerals, heavy metals and contaminants that can be harmful to our body.'
For Ms Bing Lam of Red, White & Pure, the different components of such water also play a part.
Said the certified chef and traditional Chinese medicine nutritionist: 'For example, Wattwiller from France is known as a water with a soul. Physicians recommend this nitrate and ammonium-free water to those needing low-salt diets.
Meanwhile, Fine is known as a very 'still and quiet' water.
'It does actually have that calming characteristic,' she said.
Some of these brands also appeal because of slick packaging and marketing.
Mr Michael Tan, president of Fiji Water Asia, said: 'Bottled water is an evolution of consumer beverage preference that is linked to the demands of a modern lifestyle.
'We are seeing this more and more in Asia.'
BIG IN EUROPE
In Europe, the trend is already big.
Newsweek reported this week that at London's Claridge's Hotel, guests will likely be served a litre of expensive water - instead of wine - if they ask for 'a bottle of the house'.
The hotel also recently launched a 30-bottle water menu, which includes 420 Volcanic from New Zealand, which sells for 71 euros ($153) per litre.
At Paris' super-hip fashion and design boutique, Colette, there's even a water bar, stocking more than 100 different brands.
However, in Singapore, restaurants say it will need some time to take off.
Ms Lam said: 'People who already know about the brands get excited when they come in and see that we offer them.
'But there are still some casual diners who insist on tap water as they see no difference between the bottled and tap versions.'
Mr Raymond Lim, corporate communications manager of the Les Amis group, said that fewer than 10per cent of its customers ask for specific brands.
'Not all will drink bottled water,' he said. '(If they do) they will usually order not more than two bottles for a group of four.'
What about incorporating a water sommelier?
Mr Lim said: 'It's very rare and more gimmicky than a necessity. So, we will not have one.'
His outlets serve the Panna and San Pellegrino brands, priced between $8 and $10 depending on the size of the bottle.
MIXED FEELINGS
Partygoers and diners The New Paper spoke to have mixed views on bottled water.
Said Ms Lynn Yeow, director of Silver Spoon Communications and a fan of Fiji Water: 'Fiji has a very clean taste, soft texture and the purity of the water amazes me.
'Bottled water has actually been used for years and with the awareness of its minerals and the unique benefits to the consumer, this trend may stay.'
But Perth-based architect Tim Wang, 25, said: 'It's a huge trend and I can appreciate why others would buy into it.
'But personally, $8 to $9 for a litre is too much. I'd pay around $3 to $4 for a litre.
'Plus, I'm not all that sure whether the bottling is going to be safe.'
No ordinary thirst quenchers
FIJI WATER (right)
From deep underground chamber in Viti Levu, largest island in Fiji
Frontrunner here available at many restaurants, hotels & bars
Retails at $1.50 for 500ml bottle, $2.80 for one litre. Typically costs more at restaurants, bars
PURENCE (main picture)
Not artesian
Recently made debut in local market
Produced with state-of-art US technology that captures moisture from atmosphere to form dew droplets
Costs $1.95 for 389ml bottle at major supermarkets
WATTWILLER
From spring that rises from beneath 10m layer of clay
FINE
From underground aquifer heated by geo-thermal heat, below Fuji volcanic belt in Japan
Available in different bottle sizes, costs between $4 and $10.50 per bottle
No ordinary thirst quenchers
