Pluto Water

Pluto Water was a type of mineral water that was produced and marketed in the United States during the early 20th century. The water was bottled at the French Lick Springs in Indiana, which was known for its high mineral content. The water was named after Pluto, the Roman god of the underworld, due to its supposed health benefits and healing properties.

History

Pluto Water was first bottled and sold in 1904 by the French Lick Springs Hotel Company, which was owned by Thomas Taggart, a former mayor of Indianapolis and chairman of the Democratic National Committee. The water was marketed as a laxative due to its high mineral content, which included magnesium sulfate, sodium sulfate, and lithium. The water was sold in distinctive green bottles, which featured an image of Pluto, the Roman god of the underworld.

Marketing and popularity

The marketing of Pluto Water played a significant role in its popularity. The water was advertised with the slogan "When Nature Won't, PLUTO Will". This slogan, along with the image of Pluto on the bottle, emphasized the water's supposed health benefits and healing properties. The water was popular throughout the United States and was even exported to foreign markets.

Decline and discontinuation

The popularity of Pluto Water began to decline in the mid-20th century due to changes in medical knowledge and health regulations. The water's high mineral content, which had once been its selling point, became a concern due to the potential health risks associated with consuming high levels of certain minerals. In particular, the water's lithium content became a concern after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned the sale of beverages containing lithium in 1948. The production of Pluto Water was discontinued in 1971.

Legacy

Despite its discontinuation, Pluto Water remains a part of American cultural history. The water's distinctive green bottles are collectible items, and the French Lick Springs where the water was bottled is now a historic site.