Sparkling water seems to be leading the charge for growth within the bottled water category.

Concord, Mass.-based Drinkmaple launched maple., an all-natural, plant-based water sourced from North American maple trees. The new water now is available in 8.45-ounce cartons at retail throughout the greater Boston area as well as online at www.drinkmaple.com.

During National Drinking Water Week from May 4 to 10 this year, the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA), Alexandria, Va., is highlighting bottled water as a healthy, on-the-go, refreshing beverage.

Sparkling Ice, a brand of Preston, Wash.-based TalkingRain Beverage Co., announced the completion of its U.S. direct-store-delivery (DSD) distribution network. Comprising more than 250 distributors, this DSD network will bring Sparkling Ice beverages to grocery stores, drug stores, convenience stores, and other retail and non-traditional outlets in all 50 states.

Hydrive Energy Water, a brand of Austin, Texas-based Big Red Inc., launched two new flavors: Honey Lemonade and Mango Peach.  Each of the new flavors contains energy-boosting caffeine, enhanced nutritive formulas, and 30 calories in each bottle, the company says.

Balance Water Co. added Balance Cleanse to its line of functional unflavored waters.

In an effort to provide more options for consumers, Avitae USA LLC developed a bottled water with higher caffeine content than its two existing varieties to its line of Avitae Caffeinated Waters.

Leawood, Kan.-based private equity firm Great Range Capital acquired Mountain Valley Water Co. of Hot Springs, Ark. Mountain Valley is the oldest continuously operated bottled water company in the United States, according to the company. The premium bottled water company serves individual consumers, major retailers and foodservice operators in all 50 states and in select international markets, it says.

Flash back to elementary school when science teachers emphasized that while white was the presence of all colors because it reflects light, black is the absence of color because it absorbs light.

Wat-aah!, a New York-based bottled water brand for kids, and its Founder and Chief Executive Officer Rose Cameron announce “Taking Back the Streets,” a national art campaign developed to further support the goal of Drink Up , an initiative of the Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) and its honorary chair first lady Michelle Obama that encourages Americans to drink more water more often.