In the early 20^th century, Lithia water was piped into Ashland, Oregon from local mineral springs in hopes of developing a spa-based economy. Although that dream has long since faded, Lithia water serves as an integral part of the analytical chemistry lab sequence at Southern Oregon University. Students use titrimetric and ion-selective electrode methods in order to determine the major cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺) and anions (Cl^-, HCO₃^-) in Lithia water. Students discuss the impact of Lithia water on the history of the area, and the use of univariate statistics and error propagation to support the principle of electroneutrality. In the instrumental analysis laboratory, students use an inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer to determine the major cations in Lithia water, including lithium. Students investigate the effect of ionization suppression in the determination of Lithia water cations by constructing calibration curves in the presence and absence of 500 ppm Cs.