What are Others Saying

Local environmentalists say the pipeline is removing precious water that would otherwise flow

in Strawberry Creek and nourish the ecosystem. After nearly seven years of fighting against the

extraction of water, the activists hope California regulators will eventually order BlueTriton

Brands to drastically reduce their operation in the national forest. Amanda Frye, one of the

leading activists, believes that if all the springs were just allowed to naturally flow, there would be a lot

of water in the area. I agree with Amanda's position. A company should bear minimum

responsibility for the land that they are using to profit. In this situation, Nestle pays a $600

annual license fee to make billions off harming the land. Government officials should have the

power to step in and balance the power of such corporations.

California's State Water Resources Control Board has issued a draft Cease and Desist order

against Nestlé. The order is the culmination of a years-long battle between Nestlé and

environmentalists who say Nestlé has been taking water away from Strawberry Creek for next

to nothing under a permit that expired in 1987 as mentioned above. When asked about the

water sourcing issue; Nestle responded by saying, “Water is a very emotional issue”. This

response in my perspective is a very unsympathetic response to a sensitive issue that’s

undoubtedly affecting millions of people. I would have appreciated a more vulnerable approach

from them where they display some sort of humility for what they are doing. It seems as though

they have no morals.

Lastly, a resident in Michigan who has been there since 1969 mentioned that she “used to be

able to stand up here, and hear that creak run”, and that she has witnessed the water levels

decrease throughout the year due to Nestle sourcing their water. She said the fight for the rights

of water sourcing is a very big and important fight now with all that's happened in Flint Michigan.

I agree with this as Nestle has taken major advantage of two states both in need of their water

supply; Michigan and California.

Sources:

Stephanie HeiermannApril 7, 2023 at 8:09 AM
With all the water shortages around the country, it's amazing to me that water is allowed to continue to be taken from areas that need it.
Graham CullenApril 7, 2023 at 1:16 PM
It seems like there is an overwhelming disapproval from the public of Nestle's water practices. I found it very interesting how they described it as a "very emotional issue", especially considering how inconsiderate some of there business or ecological choices have been.

Nestle's Ethical Choices