1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                           [ERNST & YOUNG LETTERHEAD]




         We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and
to the use of (i) our report dated November 19, 1997 to the directors of
Sparkling Spring Water Group Limited (the "Company") on the consolidated
financial statements of the Company as at December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for
each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 1996, (ii) our
report dated July 11, 1997 to the directors of Sparkling Spring Water Limited on
the financial statements of Canadian Springs Water Company Limited as at January
17, 1996 and March 31, 1995 and for the 292 days ended January 17, 1996 and the
year ended March 31, 1995, (iii) our report dated October 10, 1997 to the
directors of Sparkling Spring Water Limited on the financial statements of
Cullyspring Water Co., Inc. as at December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for the years
then ended and (iv) our report dated October 10, 1997 to the directors of
Sparkling Spring Water Limited on the financial statements of D&D and Company,
Inc. as at December 31, 1996 and for the year then ended, in the Registration
Statement (Form F-4) for the registration of $100,000,000 of the Company's
11 1/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007.



/s/ Ernst & Young

Halifax, Canada
December ____, 1997