Nestlé Stealing America’s Water At Alarming Rate
In a recent video titled "Nestlé Stealing America’s Water At Alarming Rate," journalist Farron Cousins discusses the controversial practices of Nestlé, which has been accused of depleting water resources in California. Activists are increasingly concerned about the company's water extraction operations, particularly at a site in the San Bernardino National Forest, where Nestlé reportedly extracted 32 million gallons of water for its Arrowhead bottled water brand in 2016 alone.
The video highlights the ongoing drought conditions in California, raising alarms that Nestlé's activities are exacerbating a critical lack of groundwater in affected regions. Cousins explains that the extraction first began with a permit that has not been renewed since 1988. While Nestlé pays an annual fee for the permit—about $600—this does not reflect the true value of the water they extract. Essentially, Cousins argues, the company is extracting water for free while selling it back to consumers at significant markups.
Cousins also points out that Nestlé's practices of seizing water from local sources are not limited to California; they have set a precedent worldwide, exploiting water supplies in places like Bolivia and Mexico where regulations may be less stringent. By operating in vulnerable locations with manipulated authorities, the company has faced little resistance.
The legal struggles against Nestlé's activities have involved several environmental groups who filed lawsuits aiming to challenge the company's operation. However, a judge ruled that although the company’s permit has long expired, Nestlé could continue to extract water citing failure from state regulators to address its reapplication. This legal loophole permits Nestlé to operate under outdated conditions, with fears growing as water scarcity issues persist in the state.
As water shortages are expected to worsen in the future, the implications of this situation raise concerns about corporate America's role in natural resources management. The video calls for public awareness and activism to address such critical environmental issues.
What do you think about the legal and ethical implications of Nestlé’s water extraction practices? Have you encountered any similar situations in your area? Let’s discuss!