There are few things sweeter in life than independent choice, especially pertaining to bottled water selection. How delightful it is to note that in a city as small as Phnom Penh, there are at least over 120 different types to choose from! Well, that's how many I've logged anyway.

In order of appearance: K.S. La Vie Lucky Sports Omexs Oral Phnom Meas Eurotech ZITA Fresh ALO Baleine Bayon Hong Leang ice Kong Kear Mini Water Navy New R Day NEW VITA Super Popwat UY MEY Eau de Nature Hi-Tech Joy Sothary TADA BOKOR Water O Steve Amical Heng Tech L.K UFO Dy Tech Sang Tech O2 Olympic Phnom Penh E-Zone Eau de Vie i-Water Fun Tech Lucky Orchid Lyyon Minere Osinlair Super Fresh V-Star Heng Nin Maxi-Life Palm Springs Prima Tech Snowy Mountain Sports Talking Gold Eagle Amrith Winter Evian Leisure Relax Tong Tong Win Win Amarit Anodat Blue Zone Borey Spring Win Tech Happy HI-Fresh LP Water Oda Ozi Paradise Royal White Horse Life 888 (Record Pure) Altech Antarctic Aqua Kova Aquatien Asia Water Bokor Fresh Clear Zone Daily Water F4 Fresh HI-Zone KK (Kheang Kheang) KV New Day One Tech Ozone Phnom Choup Phnom Penh Refresh Sapaco Tourist Steang Meas Tourist Vishua Visoth Elvis Help HengHeng Mey Jing SPA Super Pop Zone Super Tech The Crocodile VESA Angkor Water Camtec Cool Sip Green Master Phnom Oudong Picphatana Preah Atith Rabit RO Sang Hy TC Vital YOU

So, my research so far isn't really looking at which water companies have the best quality. Although I did notice that only 1/3 actually have any water quality certification. This project stemmed more from the sheer amazement at how many companies there actually are. You can seriously buy a different kind every day!

Note that these waters are ones that are available locally. Yes, there are 4 or 5 pictured that are imported but I've still counted them because they are in the mix of competition. Be assured, 85% of these are manufactured around Phnom Penh and another 10% in other provinces.

So here are my theories so far which I will continue to investigate:

1) Manufacturing bottled water in Cambodia is pretty much the best business around.

Logic: There is hardly any regulation (especially that's enforced) regarding water quality. So you just have to make sure that the water you're obtaining looks clear, then get some bottles made just like everyone else, and make up a company name, a stupid slogan, fake some purification standards on the back and you're in business!!

2) Companies switch names often (maybe every production sequence!)

Logic: One month a certain type of water, say, "Steve" Water will be in everyone's hand. Then a month later (like now) you can't buy it anywhere. New companies are coming in every day.. I just saw cases of Elvis Water hitting the shelves everywhere around Central Market the other day! This is the best way to avoid anyone coming after you.

Nearly all the bottles have poor English but here are some of the funnier:

Steve Water: The Quality Drops!

Elvis Water: Drinking reverse osmosis is water is the high standard well above the laid by any country in the world and perfect mixer for all concentrate syrup and fruit. Drinking water that is safe and refreshing bottled under managerment and inspection of the food expert.

Hi-Zone: Produced from fresh water source, treated by RO system and Ozone, sterilized by UV on full automatic of the USA technology.

Borey Spring: Our water has been carefully made through technology, that's why the Borey Spring water has become the best tasting and healthy water for you.

Omexs: Improve Energy of the Body

-steve-