Starting a Bottled Water Business in India: A

Comprehensive Guide
Starting a bottled water business (such as filtering natural waterfall water and selling it in bottles)
requires careful planning across several domains. You will need to address legal permissions,
equipment procurement, product formulation (e.g. adding minerals/vitamins), packaging design, and
funding. This guide breaks down the key steps and considerations to help you launch your venture in
India.

Planning Your Location and Water Source

Choosing an appropriate location is one of the first decisions. If you plan to source water from a
natural waterfall or spring, ensure the site has clean, abundant water and that you can obtain rights
or permission to use that source. Ideally, the location should also be accessible for distribution and
have basic infrastructure (road access, electricity, etc.). A typical small bottling plant may require at least
1,000 sq. ft. of space, so ensure adequate land availability 1 . Being near your target market or
distribution hubs can reduce transport costs 2 – however, this must be balanced with proximity to the
water source.

Water source quality: Have the raw source water tested for purity and mineral content. If the waterfall
water is pristine, you might qualify as a natural mineral water business (water from a natural source with
inherent minerals) 3 . Natural mineral water often contains beneficial minerals like calcium,
potassium, and magnesium, and these should be preserved if possible 3 . If the source water quality is
inconsistent or contains contaminants, you’ll need robust filtration and possibly consider a different
source or using borewell/municipal water that you purify.

Regulatory considerations for water source: In India, using groundwater or surface water for a
commercial plant may require permits. For example, you might need a No Objection Certificate (NOC)
for groundwater extraction or surface water use from local authorities. Ensure you comply with state
water laws and, if the site is in an ecologically sensitive area (forest or near a natural waterfall), check if
any environmental clearances are needed. Responsible sourcing is important both legally and ethically –
over-extraction of water can harm local communities and ecosystems, so plan for sustainable water use
and even consider recharge measures (as some companies do via rainwater harvesting or groundwater
recharge) 4 .

Legal Requirements and Documentation

Setting up a bottled water business in India involves multiple licenses and regulatory approvals. It is
illegal to sell packaged water without meeting these requirements 5 . Key steps include:

• Business Entity Registration: Formally register your business as a proprietorship, partnership,

or company. This will give you a legal identity to operate. Many entrepreneurs opt for a Private
Limited Company or an LLP for liability protection, but even a sole proprietorship can work
initially. Registering also helps in opening bank accounts, applying for loans, etc.

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 • ISI Certification (BIS): You must obtain the ISI mark certification from the Bureau of Indian
Standards (BIS) for your bottled water product. BIS certification is mandatory for both
“Packaged Drinking Water” and “Natural Mineral Water” in India 5 . In fact, the food safety
regulator (FSSAI) now classifies packaged water as a high-risk food, and you cannot get an FSSAI
license without first obtaining BIS approval for the water 6 7 . BIS certification involves
meeting Indian Standard specifications (IS 14543 for packaged drinking water, or IS 13428 for
natural mineral water) and passing rigorous tests. Inspectors will visit your plant to verify
compliance and may take water samples for testing 8 . Ensure you set up an in-house lab or tie
up with a lab for regular water quality testing 9 , as this is part of the BIS requirements.

• FSSAI License: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license is
compulsory for any food or beverage business, including bottled water 10 . You will need to
apply for a Central FSSAI license (since bottled water is typically manufactured centrally and
distributed widely). FSSAI ensures you follow hygiene and safety standards under the Food
Safety Act. As part of FSSAI compliance, you must adhere to specific norms for packaged water –
for example, FSSAI mandates adding certain essential minerals (like calcium and magnesium)
to packaged drinking water (if it’s not naturally mineral-rich) to promote public health 7 .
(Natural mineral water sources like springs often already have these minerals and are bottled
without RO treatment, in line with FSSAI guidelines 11 .) The FSSAI application will require details
of your business, water test reports, plant layout, etc., and an inspection of your facility 12 .
Operating without an FSSAI food license can lead to severe penalties 10 , so this is a non-
negotiable step.

• Environmental and Safety Clearances: You may need a Pollution Control Board consent to
establish and operate (commonly called CTE/CTO from the State Pollution Control Board) since
the plant could generate wastewater (e.g., reject water from RO process) and will use plastic for
bottling. Additionally, under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules, packaged water
companies must register with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for plastic waste
management 13 . This means you should have a plan for recycling or properly disposing of the
plastic bottles you introduce into the market (many companies partner with recyclers to fulfill
EPR obligations). Also, ensure fire safety NOCs and other local municipal permits (like a Factory
License or Shop & Establishment registration) as applicable.

• GST Registration: Since you will be selling a product, obtain a GST registration so you can
charge GST on bottled water (currently, packaged water falls under a certain GST slab) and claim
input tax credit on your purchases. This is required if your turnover will exceed the threshold
(₹40 lakh as of current rules, and practically any serious business will cross this).

• Quality Testing Documentation: Keep documentation of water test reports (both raw water
and processed water). You will need to get your water tested by an NABL-accredited lab regularly
to ensure it meets BIS standards for chemical, microbiological, and physical parameters 8 .
These reports are often needed for license renewals and during inspections.

• Label Approvals: FSSAI has specific labeling guidelines for packaged water. Your bottle labels
must include information like the brand name, type of water (packaged drinking water or natural
mineral water), ISI license number, FSSAI license number, manufacturing date, expiry/use by
date, batch number, volume, customer care details, etc. Ensure your branding and labels
comply with these norms to avoid regulatory issues.

In summary, the critical licenses are BIS (ISI mark) and FSSAI – secure those first 5 6 . Plan for
periodic audits: FSSAI may require annual third-party food safety audits since this is a high-risk category

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 14 . Setting up all documentation may seem tedious, but it establishes trust and legality, which is vital

for a food business.

Setting Up the Water Treatment Plant and Machinery

To process raw water (even if it’s from a clean waterfall) into safe bottled drinking water, you will need to
set up a water treatment plant and a bottling line. This involves multiple types of machinery and
infrastructure:

Illustration: Equipment needed in a typical water bottling plant – including raw water storage, sand and
carbon filters, reverse osmosis unit, UV sterilizer, ozone generator, and an automated bottle filling and
capping line.

Water Purification Process & Equipment: A typical purification setup for packaged drinking water
includes: - Pre-treatment filters: e.g. sand filter (to remove sediments), activated carbon filter (to
remove odor, chlorine, organic impurities). - Water softener or iron remover (if the source water is
hard or has high iron content). - Micron Cartridge filters to catch fine particles. - Reverse Osmosis
(RO) system: This is commonly used to eliminate dissolved solids and any contaminants. However, note
that RO also strips minerals; if you aim for natural mineral water and your source is good, you might
avoid RO and use alternative filtration to retain minerals. Otherwise, RO is a reliable way to ensure
purity. - UV Sterilizer and/or Ozone generator: These are disinfection units. UV light kills bacteria/
viruses as water passes through, and ozone gas is often injected into the water as a strong disinfectant
that leaves no residue (ozone reverts to oxygen). Many plants use both for safety – ozone is often added
right before bottling to keep the water sterile inside the bottle. - Storage Tanks and Pumps: You’ll need
food-grade stainless steel tanks to store raw water and treated water, along with pumps to move water
through the system. - Dosing systems: If you need to dose any chemicals (for example, adding a tiny
amount of chlorine in pre-treatment, or alum for coagulation if water is turbid) or minerals (post-RO
mineral dosing), you’d have dosing pumps for that. - Bottle filling machine: Once water is purified, it
goes to the bottling line. This usually consists of an integrated rinser-filler-capper machine (often
called an RFC machine). It rinses empty bottles, fills them with water, and caps them, all in one
sequence. These come in various capacities (measured in bottles per hour or per minute). For example,
you could start with a smaller semi-automatic filler or a fully automatic 24 BPM (bottles per minute)
machine, and later scale up to 60 BPM, 120 BPM, etc., machines as demand grows. - Bottle sealing and
packaging: After capping, bottles usually get a shrink sleeve or label applied, and a batch code
printed (via inkjet or laser printer) on the bottle or cap. Then they may go through a shrink-wrapping
machine to bundle bottles (e.g., 12 or 24 per case) in plastic film for transport.

Sourcing machinery: For all the above, you have multiple sourcing options. India has many reputable
machinery manufacturers (several based in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu) that make water
treatment and bottling equipment. Buying “Made in India” machinery can be beneficial for easier
support and spares. For instance, a 24 BPM semi-automatic bottling plant setup (including filters, RO,
and filler) might cost on the order of ₹5–10 lakh, whereas a higher capacity 60 BPM fully automatic line
could be ₹20 lakh or more. (On trade platforms, one can find small mineral water plant equipment
listed from around ₹5.5 lakh to ₹18 lakh, depending on output and automation 15 16 .)

You also have the option to import from abroad – China is a popular source for cost-effective bottling
machinery. Chinese manufacturers on platforms like Alibaba list complete turnkey 3-in-1 bottling
machines in the range of \$8,000–\$30,000 (approx ₹6–25 lakh) for small to mid-scale plants 17 . These
can be good value, but consider factors like shipping costs, customs duties, and after-sales service. If
importing, ensure the machines meet Indian standards and that you have access to technicians who

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can install and maintain them. Alternatively, second-hand machinery is another avenue if you are on a
tight budget – sometimes established beverage companies sell old equipment when upgrading. Just be
cautious to inspect used equipment for wear and compliance.

Utilities and layout: Plan the plant layout such that there is a logical flow: raw water inlet -> treatment
area -> bottling area -> storage for finished goods. You’ll need a sterile room for the filling machine (to
avoid contamination), often achieved by using a small clean room enclosure or at least maintaining
positive air pressure with HEPA-filtered air. Ensure you have stable electricity (consider a generator for
backup, since downtime can spoil batches or disrupt continuous processes) and a reliable water source.
You will also need an area for washing bottles (if using reusable 20L jars or if you plan to blow your
own PET bottles from preforms, allocate space for a bottle blowing machine and compressor).

Lastly, factor in waste management: an RO system can waste 30-50% of water as reject; plan how to
reuse or treat this (maybe use for cleaning or gardening if safe). Also have a drainage system for
wastewater and a plan for any chemical handling (like safe storage for cleaning agents, etc.).

By setting up the machinery correctly, you ensure the final product water is safe, pure, and consistent in
quality. This infrastructure is a significant part of your startup cost and operational planning, so
research suppliers and maybe visit existing plants if possible to learn best practices.

Ensuring Water Quality and Unique Formulation

One way to stand out in the market is by offering water that is somehow better or different – for
example, richer in certain minerals, or infused with safe, healthful additives. You mentioned wanting to
add ingredients (like vitamins or minerals) that make the water healthier without harming nature or
the human body, all while keeping it affordable.

Retaining and adding minerals: If your source water naturally contains desirable minerals (like
calcium, magnesium, potassium at healthy levels), design your treatment process to retain these
natural minerals. For instance, natural mineral water is often just filtered for particles and sanitized,
but not put through RO (which removes minerals). If you must use RO (common in packaged drinking
water plants), you can add minerals back after purification. In fact, FSSAI regulations encourage
adding essential minerals in packaged water for health – typically calcium and magnesium are added to
meet a certain minimum level 7 . The amounts are small and food-grade mineral salts (like calcium
chloride or magnesium sulfate) are used. These minerals not only provide health benefits but also
improve taste; completely demineralized RO water tastes flat, so most brands add minerals for a fresher
taste 18 . Minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium give water a more pleasant flavor and
can be marketed as “fortified with minerals for health” 18 . Do note, however, that the concentration of
minerals in water is usually too low to replace dietary sources – so avoid making outlandish health
claims. But it does no harm to highlight that your water contains, say, calcium for bone health (as long as
factual and within allowed limits).

Vitamins and other additives: Some companies have created “enhanced” or “functional” waters by
adding vitamins (like Vitamin C or B-complex), electrolytes, antioxidants, or even herbal extracts. This
can differentiate your product, but be cautious: adding such ingredients might reclassify your product
from just “packaged water” to a health supplement or beverage, which could invoke different
regulatory scrutiny. If you keep the additives minimal and still call it water, ensure you follow FSSAI’s
fortification guidelines and labeling rules (you may need to list the amounts and %RDA of any added
vitamins/minerals). Also, some vitamins (like Vitamin C) are unstable over shelf life, and could degrade
especially in clear bottles exposed to light; using UV-resistant packaging or adding only stable

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compounds is important. Generally, electrolytes (sodium, potassium) and vitamin C are common in
“vitamin water” products. These should be added in modest amounts that are safe for all ages. For
example, an enhanced water might have a few milligrams of vitamin C – enough to claim “contains
vitamin C” but not enough to cause any harm. Always use food-grade, water-soluble forms of any
nutrient.

That said, keeping it simple is often best. Customers often prefer a pure, clean water unless you are
explicitly branding as a flavored or vitamin water. As one industry analysis noted, the top enhanced
water brands tend to use short ingredient lists and minimal additives, focusing on just a few key
nutrients to avoid turning off health-conscious consumers 19 . So you might choose one angle – e.g.,
“naturally alkaline mineral water with added magnesium for hydration” – rather than trying to add ten
different things.

Health and safety: All additives must be proven safe. Stick to minerals that are commonly added to
water or recommended by health authorities (calcium, magnesium, fluoride in small qty if local govt
allows, etc.). Avoid anything that could cause allergies or alter the water’s nature drastically. Since you
specifically said “without damage to nature and human body,” also consider the source of your
additives – e.g., using natural mineral sources vs. synthetic chemicals (some marketing suggests
“natural” mineral sources are better, although chemically they’re similar). For instance, you could
dissolve a little Himalayan rock salt in large batches to add trace minerals naturally, instead of adding
processed mineral salts – but you’d need to control the consistency.

Maintaining purity: Vitamins and minerals aside, the core of your product is water that is safe.
Implement a rigorous quality control schedule: test daily for basic parameters (pH, chlorine, ozone
level), test each batch for microbial safety (total plate count, etc.), and do full spectrum lab tests
periodically. Consistency is key to building trust. All the “extra” ingredients mean nothing if the water is
not microbiologically safe or has contaminants. So never compromise on the purification steps, and run
trial runs to ensure any introduced ingredient (like a vitamin) doesn’t destabilize the water or react over
time.

Environmental friendliness: “Without damaging nature” can also pertain to how you operate. Use
additives and processes that do not pollute – for example, dispose of RO reject water responsibly. If you
use cleaning chemicals for the plant (e.g., for sanitizing tanks), ensure proper neutralization before
disposal. Also consider using eco-friendly packaging (discussed later) to align with not harming
nature. Sustainable practices can be a selling point (many consumers care that their water comes from
an eco-conscious brand).

Affordability: Adding minerals in the small quantities used costs only a tiny fraction per bottle (pennies
at most) 18 , so that shouldn’t impact price much. However, if you were to add expensive vitamins or
use novel packaging, that could raise costs. Since you want a budget-friendly product accessible to
all, it may be wise to start with a standard purified water with essential minerals (which is already an
improvement over some competitors who might use basic RO water). Once you achieve scale, your unit
costs will drop, allowing you to maybe introduce a special variant (like a premium vitamin water) while
keeping a main product line affordable. Remember, the bottled water market in India ranges from low-
cost 20-liter dispenser jar refills to premium glass-bottled import waters – you need to decide your
target segment. If you aim for the mass market, focus on quality with competitive pricing rather than
exotic ingredients.

In summary, ensure your water meets all quality standards and consider modest enhancements like
mineral fortification to differentiate it. Highlight any natural advantages (e.g., “sourced from natural

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springs, retains essential minerals for a crisp taste”) in your marketing. This will set your brand apart
without over-complicating the product or driving up costs.

Bottle Design and Branding

The packaging design of your water bottle – including its shape, label, colors, and logo – is crucial for
attracting customers in a crowded market. Established brands put a lot of thought into making their
bottles visually appealing and distinctive.

Bottle shape: An attractive or unique bottle shape can catch consumers’ eyes on the shelf. Many
standard bottles are cylindrical with slight grooves (for grip) – easy and cheap to make. But some
successful brands have broken the mold with unique forms. For example, one popular premium water
uses a sleek cylindrical glass bottle; another uses a square-shaped bottle (Fiji Water’s square PET bottle
became part of its identity). Even boxed water (water in carton packaging) has been used as an eco-
friendly branding approach, immediately standing out by not being in a bottle at all 20 . The key is to
stand out without sacrificing function. The bottle should be practical: comfortable to hold, stable
when upright, and efficient to pack/ship. If targeting on-the-go consumers, a 500 ml or 1L bottle that
fits in car cup-holders and refrigerator doors is wise. You can consider a subtle custom shape – e.g., a
silhouette that evokes a waterfall or a wave to match your brand theme. Keep in mind that custom
bottle molds cost more, so you might start with an existing preform shape and gradually introduce
more uniqueness as you grow. Thinking outside the traditional round bottle can pay off in
marketing 20 , but balance it with cost and manufacturability.

Labels and branding: Your label design and brand name/logo should convey purity, freshness, and
trust. Most water brands use a cool color palette – blue is common (signifying water, purity) and
sometimes green (for nature, if emphasizing a natural source). You can choose any color scheme, but
ensure the contrast is good (so text is readable against the background). Since you haven’t chosen a
brand name or theme yet, consider names that evoke clarity, nature, or health (for example, names like
“Himalaya Pure” or “SpringFresh” – something along those lines – though be sure to create a unique
name not already trademarked). Logo: Create a simple logo, perhaps incorporating a water droplet or a
mountain/waterfall icon to symbolize your source. A strong brand identity helps build consumer trust
and loyalty 21 . Keep the logo and font clean and professional – water is consumed by all
demographics, so a clear design works better than overly fancy or hard-to-read fonts.

Include all required info on the label (as discussed in legal section) but you can also add a marketing
blurb – e.g., “Bottled at the source in the lush hills, our water is filtered by nature and enriched with
essential minerals for a crisp taste.” This story element can differentiate your brand. Consistency in
branding across your bottle, outer cartons, and marketing materials will make your product
recognizable.

Example: Branded natural mineral water with distinctive bottle shape and labeling (Aava water). Note the use
of soothing colors, clear branding, and information on water’s origin and qualities.

Attractiveness to customers: Besides shape and color, consider practical features that customers
appreciate. For instance, using a tamper-evident seal for trust, or a slightly thicker bottle so it doesn’t
crinkle too easily in hand (cheaper thin bottles often dent, giving a low-quality feel). However, thicker
bottles use more plastic – which raises cost and environmental impact. A compromise is using a 100%
recycled PET (rPET) or bioplastic, if you want a sustainability angle, though those can be pricier. Some
brands differentiate by offering glass bottles for premium segments (good for hotels or restaurants),
but for mass market, PET plastic is the norm due to cost and convenience.

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Logo and name importance: As you rightly noted, “company name is very important.” Check that your
desired name is available for trademark registration in India – you should protect your brand name and
logo by registering them to prevent imitations. A strong name, a memorable slogan (if you want one),
and a professional logo will form the identity that customers recall. For instance, “Bisleri” became
synonymous with bottled water in India largely due to branding and distribution; newer brands must
carve out their niche via branding too.

Marketing and theme: Since you haven’t thought of a specific theme, you could build one around your
source or health benefits. A nature-based theme (waterfall, mountains, purity) is always appealing for
water. You could design your labels with imagery of a waterfall or a droplet. If you add vitamins or have
a unique property (say alkaline pH), that could be the theme (e.g., “Wellness Water – ionized for better
hydration”, just as an example). Whatever theme you choose, make sure it aligns with your target
audience. If you position your water as a premium healthy lifestyle product, the design should look
elegant and upscale; if it’s a budget everyday water, the design can be simple and focus on trust (maybe
incorporate quality seals, ISO certification icons, etc., to reassure consumers of safety).

Finally, packaging innovation can attract eco-conscious customers. Using recyclable materials, or
offering bulk options (like 5L, 20L reusable jars) can be part of branding as a responsible company.
Some brands highlight that their bottles are BPA-free, or use 50% less plastic, etc. These could set you
apart from competitors, especially if “not harming nature” is part of your mission.

In essence, invest time in designing a bottle that is both attractive and functional, and create a
branding strategy that emphasizes what makes your water special (be it the natural source, the added
minerals, the purity, or all of these). Strong branding and eye-catching packaging will help draw
consumers to try your product at least once.

Funding Options and Finding Partners

Launching a water bottling business can be capital-intensive – you need funds for land, construction
or rental, machinery, raw materials (bottles, caps, etc.), labor, and initial marketing. Since you
mentioned your investment range is not fixed and you plan to seek a loan or government startup
scheme, here are some funding avenues:

1. Government Loan Schemes: The Indian government and public sector banks offer several schemes
to support new businesses and MSMEs (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises). A few notable ones:

• Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY): Under Mudra, entrepreneurs can get collateral-free
loans up to ₹10 lakh for micro enterprises. It has categories like Shishu (loans up to ₹50,000),
Kishor (up to ₹5 lakh), and Tarun (up to ₹10 lakh) with reasonable interest rates 22 23 . For a
water plant, you’d likely need beyond Shishu level, so Kishor or Tarun loans could apply
depending on scale. Mudra loans are offered via banks and NBFCs – you apply through any bank
(typically they ask for your project report/business plan).

• 59-minute MSME Loan: There’s a government-enabled portal that promises approval of MSME
loans (up to ₹1 crore) in principle within 59 minutes 24 . In practice it takes a few days to
weeks to disburse, but the idea is a quick assessment. The interest rate is around 8% onwards
25 . This scheme requires you to have some financial documents (GST records, income tax

returns, bank statements) even as a new business, but if you have an existing business or are
starting under a company, you may try this fast-track route. It usually leads to a loan from a
public sector bank with CGTMSE (Credit Guarantee) cover (meaning largely collateral-free).

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 • Stand-Up India Scheme: This is specifically for women entrepreneurs or SC/ST entrepreneurs.
If you (or a co-founder) qualify, Stand-Up India facilitates bank loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹1
crore for greenfield enterprises. So if you are a woman or belong to SC/ST category, this is a
great scheme to tap – each bank branch is supposed to promote at least one such loan. It can
cover working capital, plant and machinery, etc., with a longer repayment term and sometimes
interest subsidy.

• PMEGP (Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme): If your project is smaller (say,
up to ₹25 lakh for manufacturing), PMEGP can be useful. It offers a mix of bank loan and
government subsidy (15% to 35% of project cost as a grant, depending on your category and
location). You apply through KVIC/KVIB or DIC for this. The upside is the subsidy (which
significantly reduces the effective loan burden if approved), but the process is a bit lengthy and
requires creating some jobs to fit the scheme’s goal of employment generation.

• State Govt Startup Schemes: Depending on the state you set up in, there might be incentives.
For example, some states have capital subsidy for setting up plants in certain areas, or interest
subsidy for women entrepreneurs, etc. Check your state’s MSME or startup portal. Also, Startup
India (DPIIT-recognized startups) primarily provides recognition and some tax benefits (like tax
holiday, rebate on patent filing, etc.) which might not directly fund you, but if your business has
an innovative angle you might want to get recognized as a startup for these benefits.

• Credit Guarantee Schemes: If you take a loan from a bank, ask if it can be covered under
CGTMSE (Credit Guarantee Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises). This scheme assures the bank
so that they can give you a collateral-free loan (or with minimal collateral) up to ₹2 crore. Many
of the above loans like Mudra or MSME loans use this. Essentially, the government backs your
loan, which helps if you don’t have assets to pledge.

2. Private Bank/NBFC Loans: Beyond government schemes, you can approach banks or finance
companies with your business plan for a term loan or working capital loan. Having a solid project report
(detailing costs, projected sales, profitability, etc.) is important. Compare interest rates and terms.
Sometimes, NBFCs might fund machinery purchase (leasing or equipment finance) if banks are slow,
though interest might be higher. Since you plan to leverage government startup support, try those first
as they often have better terms.

3. Finding Investment Partners: If you’re open to equity partners or investors (people who invest
money for a share in the business), there are platforms and networks to find them. In India’s startup
ecosystem, many investors use online platforms like AngelList India and LetsVenture to discover
opportunities. On AngelList or LetsVenture, you can create a profile for your startup, pitch your idea,
and potentially connect with angel investors or VC funds 26 . These platforms host thousands of
investors and even allow syndicates (group investments), and some of them can help you find co-
founders as well 26 .

Aside from online platforms, consider startup incubators or contests. While bottled water is a more
traditional business (not a tech startup), if you have an innovative twist (say eco-friendly packaging or a
unique health angle), you might attract angel investors interested in D2C (direct-to-consumer) brands
or FMCG. You can network through events (like TiE conferences, startup meetups) to find a mentor or
investor. For example, Indian Angel Network or Mumbai Angels might invest in consumer product
companies with a solid plan.

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Crowdfunding could be another approach if you have a compelling story – platforms like Indiegogo or
Kickstarter are more product-focused globally, but in India there’s a platform called Tyke for equity
crowdfunding where many small investors can fund your startup for a small stake 27 . However,
crowdfunding for a water business may be challenging unless you have a very novel concept that
captures public interest.

If you prefer a more straightforward partnership, you could look for a business partner who brings
capital. Websites like IndiaMart or LinkedIn have groups where people seek business partners, though
caution and due diligence are needed. Another idea: suppliers or distributors sometimes invest or
advance money if they believe in your product, essentially becoming partners (for instance, a large
distributor could fund your initial production in return for profit share or exclusive distribution rights).
This is more of a private negotiation route.

4. Budget planning: Whichever funding route, prepare a detailed budget. Include one-time setup costs
(land, building, machinery, permits) and operational costs for at least 6–12 months (salaries, raw water
charges if any, electricity which can be significant for running RO and chillers, packaging materials like
bottles, caps, labels, transportation, marketing). This will determine how much money you actually need
to raise. Often entrepreneurs underestimate working capital – ensure you have enough to operate until
you start getting revenue from sales. If a loan covers machinery and setup but not enough working
cash, you might struggle, so plan accordingly or arrange a line of credit for operations.

In summary, take advantage of government schemes for easier loans (Mudra, MSME loans, etc.) and
consider bringing in an investor if you need additional funds and expertise. With a good business plan,
you can convince banks or partners of your venture’s potential. Many water startups have begun with
government-backed loans 24 22 , and as they grew, some attracted private equity to expand – you can
follow a similar path. Be sure to keep good financial records and comply with loan conditions (like timely
EMI payment, usage of funds for stated purpose) to maintain credibility.

Conclusion
Starting a bottled water business in India involves clear planning and diligent execution across
multiple fronts: identifying a suitable water source and location, securing all necessary licenses (BIS,
FSSAI, etc.), setting up reliable purification and bottling equipment, formulating a product that is safe
and perhaps uniquely enriched, designing attractive packaging that builds a strong brand, and
arranging financing to turn your plans into reality. It is a challenging but achievable venture – the
demand for safe drinking water is high and still growing in India 28 , so a new brand with the right
strategy can find its place.

By meticulously following regulatory norms (ensuring quality and legality) and innovating in areas
like product quality or sustainability, you can differentiate your business in the market. Remember to
keep the water affordable as you intended, which will help in gaining wide customer acceptance. Use
government support where available to lighten the financial load, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance
from experts or existing entrepreneurs (many are willing to mentor if approached professionally).

Every step from sourcing to labeling contributes to the success of your bottled water brand. Focus on
building trust with consumers – through quality, consistency, and transparency about your water’s
source and benefits. A well-thought-out product with a memorable brand can gradually earn customer
loyalty in this competitive industry. Good luck with your water bottling venture, and may your business
flow as smoothly as the waterfall that inspired it!

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Sources:

• Corpbiz. “Packaged Drinking Water vs Mineral Water Plant… Blueprint to Setup Mineral Water Plant
Business in India.” 3 1

• DTPPL. “How to Get ISI (BIS) and FSSAI License for a Mineral Water Plant?” (Licensing requirements)
29 30

• Aava Water Blog. “A Consumer Guide to Bottled Water in India… bottled water regulations and
certifications.” (Importance of ISI and FSSAI) 5 7

• ETHealthworld. “Packaged water classified as high-risk food, mandates BIS certification.” (Regulatory
update by FSSAI) 6

• Carico Blog. “Mineral-Enriched Bottled Water – Is it worth the hype?” (Reasons for adding minerals
to water) 18

• MetaBrand. “5 Top Insights from Leading Enhanced Water Brands.” (Packaging and branding
insights) 20 21

• Groww Blog. “Top Government Business Loan Schemes in India 2025.” (Summary of MSME loans
and Mudra) 24 22

• APStartup. “Best Ways to Find Startup Investors in India.” (Platforms like AngelList, LetsVenture) 26

1 2 3 8 10 28 Step by Step Guide to Start Mineral Water Plant in India

https://corpbiz.io/learning/start-mineral-water-plant-in-india/

4 5 7 11 13 A Consumer Guide to Bottled Water In India: Make Ethical, Safe, and Healthy Choices -
Aava Water
https://www.aavawater.com/blog/a-consumer-guide-to-buying-bottled-water-in-india?
srsltid=AfmBOooaPup2QuCwG_UWgmvJvjM5mdipG4S0nVyTd2xObcZJoVDDfY_w

6 14 Packaged Drinking Water: FSSAI classifies packaged water as high-risk food, mandates BIS
Certification, ETHealthworld
https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/policy/fssai-classifies-packaged-water-as-high-risk-food-mandates-bis-
certification/115927021

9 12 29 30 How to Get ISI (BIS) and FSSAI License for a Mineral Water Plant?
https://dtppl.com/how-to-get-isi-bis-and-fssai-license-for-a-mineral-water-plant/

15 16 Mineral Water Bottling Plant - Get Latest Price

https://www.tradeindia.com/manufacturers/mineral-water-bottling-plant.html

17 Mineral Water Plant in China - Full Automatic & Reliable - Alibaba.com

https://www.alibaba.com/showroom/mineral-water-plant-in-china.html

18 "Mineral-Enriched Bottled Water: Is It Worth the Hype?" - Carico

https://www.carico.com/mineral-enriched-bottled-water-is-it-worth-the-hype/

19 20 21 5 Top Insights from Leading Enhanced Water Brands

https://metabrandcorp.com/things-to-learn-from-top-enhanced-water-brands/

10
22 23 24 25 Top 5 Government Business Loan Schemes in India 2023
https://groww.in/blog/top-government-business-loan-schemes-in-india

26 27 Best Ways to Find Startup Investors in India: Proven Channels & Smart Tips
https://apstartup.in/best-ways-to-find-startup-investors-in-india-proven-channels-smart-tips

11