The mineral springs of Tehuacan have been exploited since at least the 19th century, when the first commercial bottling operations began. "Agua de Tehuacan" became so synonymous with sparkling mineral water across Mexico that the brand name effectively became the generic term — like Kleenex or Thermos. The two major brands, Garci-Crespo and Peñafiel, both originate here and both still bottle in or near the city.
The springs bubble up from the valley's limestone geology, naturally carbonated and mineral-rich. The Garci-Crespo springs and bottling facilities on the edge of town offer tours and have a small museum about the water's history and chemistry. It is a niche attraction, but there is something pleasingly specific about visiting the source of a product that has appeared on virtually every restaurant table in Mexico for over a century.