Statement from Nestlé Waters North America on United States Forest Service Lawsuit Ruling

ONTARIO, Calif., Sept. 21, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- While Nestlé Waters is not a party to the case, we are pleased that today's ruling confirms the United States Forest Service can continue to move forward with the permit renewal process related to our Arrowhead brand.

With origins in Southern California dating back to the late 1800s, Arrowhead® Mountain Spring Water is deeply rooted in the history of California and is enjoyed or relied upon by many Californians. The production of the brand generates direct employment for some 1,200 Californians. Arrowhead has been sustainably bottled water from the springs in Strawberry Canyon for more than 121 years—since before the creation of the San Bernardino National Forest.

We take our responsibility as a water steward in California seriously and that is why we do not pump water from the Arrowhead Springs, but rather only source water that flows to the surface. This ensures we only bottle what is naturally available. Across California and the West, we carefully monitor all of our spring sources and balance their function based on local conditions to make sure we do not overly rely on any single spring source. This supports long-term sustainability and healthy habitats.

We recognize the impact the drought is having across the state, and we have implemented new technologies in our California facilities that will conserve 55 million gallons of water each year.

It is because of our commitment to sustainability that we have also proposed a voluntary, science-based environmental adaptive management plan for Arrowhead Springs. This thorough and transparent plan builds on our track record of careful management.  The plan is designed to protect the forest environment by using recognized, scientifically-based standards to monitor the surrounding environment and reduce water collection when conditions require.

The Forest Service has acknowledged that our permit is in full force and effect until the renewal process is concluded. We look forward to working in close cooperation with them to continue to manage the Arrowhead Springs in Strawberry Canyon sustainably for the long-term.

SOURCE Nestlé Waters North America