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                                                                 EXHIBIT 23.1(a)

                           [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 (except for notes 20 and 21 which
are as of February 24, 1998) 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 Ltd. 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, (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, and (v) our report dated February 27, 1998 addressed to the
directors of Sparkling Spring Water Group Limited on the financial statements of
Coastal Mountain Water Corp. as at October 31, 1997 and for the year then ended,
in Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement (Form F4) for the registration
of $100,000,000 of the Company's 11-1/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007.

                                             /s/    Ernst & Young
                                             --------------------------
                                                    Ernst & Young

Halifax, Canada
March 18, 1998