Ethos water starte out as a local bottled water company, established in California in 2003. In 2005 Starbucks purchased the company for $8 million and its products are now sold throughout North America. After Stabucks' acquisition, the brand has become known for its campaign to raise ten million dollars by donating between five and ten cents from every sale to a non-governmental organization working to increase access to clean drinking water in the developing world.