We comprehensively manage our water resources. It starts with how we select our springs, and continues through daily monitoring of our sources and the surrounding environment. This protects the health and helps ensure the sustainability of the springs, and connected surface and groundwater supplies, including related community wells. It also ensures that surrounding plant and animal habitats, wetlands and riparian (downstream) areas remain vital and diverse.
Selecting a Spring Water Source
When considering a new source, we look for a healthy and protected ecosystem, an abundant water supply, and spring water that is exceptionally pure and great tasting.
Finding a Healthy and Protected Ecosystem
The siting process includes studies of aquatic life, soils, wildlife, wetlands, riparian areas and surface waters. We conduct extensive research, including historic and cultural influences, and land-use practices dating back more than 100 years.
Water Quantity
We take only what nature can replenish. We research historical and geologic records for information on abundant resources, and then conduct extensive hydrologic studies. Recharge patterns are critical in determining the amount of water a spring can safely yield.
Taste Tests
Each spring has a unique "taste fingerprint" defined by its natural mineral composition. In addition to extensive chemical analyses, experienced water tasters within the company conduct taste panels to confirm that the best tasting springs are used.
Water Monitoring Programs
Water is a renewable resource, and the bottled water industry in Canada uses only 0.02% of all freshwater that is drawn per year. Nestlé Waters Canada has spent millions of dollars building and developing our plants; moving them is not an option. Because of this, we very carefully monitor our water and other resources to ensure long-term viability.
Data Collection
Water resources management is the heart of our business. As an example, at our Puslinch, Ontario facility, Nestlé Waters Canada monitors more than 60 points (including temperature, water levels and flow) around our production well (including creeks, springs, and private wells) and shares data with Ministry of the Environment and local authorities. We collect daily, weekly, monthly and yearly data, both manually and electronically, which is entered into computer models. This allows us to manage the resource for today and for the future.
Precipitation Rates
Rain and snowfall are carefully measured for their potential to recharge groundwater to gauge how much water can safely be withdrawn from the aquifer.