Past News New Nestle Contract Seen as Opportunity for McCloud
California Progress Report, May 31, 2008
Nestlé’s announcement that it will reduce the size of its planned water bottling plant in McCloud and reopen its contract with the McCloud Community Services District is welcome news. While it is not certain that this scaled back project is right for our town, it does provide a great opportunity for McCloud: to ensure that we fully evaluate the risks of a proposed plant to the health of our watershed; to understand what a fair price for our water would be; and to lay the groundwork for long-term economic vitality in our community.
Nestle looking at water: Company wants to bottle city resource, operate a plant here
Enumclaw Courier Herald, May 28, 2008
ENUMCLAW, Washington -- The huge Nestle Corporation would like to tap into Enumclaw’s pristine water supply, pull millions of gallons of the cool liquid from a natural spring each week and bottle the natural beverage in a facility on the city’s east side.
Watershed Awareness Month
On May 6th, the Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to declare May Watershed Awareness Month. See their declaration here, or call Rick Costales, Siskiyou County’s Natural Resource Policy Specialist with comments and questions.
530-842-8012.
Nestle proposes much smaller bottling plant
Mt. Shasta Herald, May 14, 2008
Nestle Waters North America announced Monday that it plans to significantly reduce the scale of its proposed McCloud water bottling plant, which would have been the largest of its kind in the country.
Bottled Water Backlash: Environmental Concerns are Sending People Back to Their Taps
EMagazine, May 6, 2008
Jennifer Phillips always felt guilty that her large Nashville law firm didn’t recycle. So after big client meetings, she collected all the empty plastic water bottles, took them home and added them to her own curbside recycling bin. Now, she is proud to report that her firm, Bass, Berry & Sims, serves an icy pitcher of tap water during meetings. “We even have glasses with the company logo on them,” she says. Phillips estimates switching to tap keeps 3,000 plastic water bottles per week out of the landfill.
Cal Trout: Monitoring should start soon for new Nestle report
Siskiyou Daily, Monday, May 5, 2008
MCCLOUD - When the draft Environtental Impact Report (EIR) on the proposed 1 million-square-foot Nestle spring-water bottling plant in McCloud was first released in July of 2006, it received over 4,000 comments from the public.
THE U.S. CONFERENCE OF MAYORS EXAMINES THE IMPORTANCE OF MUNICIPAL WATER
The Nation’s Major Cities Investigate the Economic and Health Benefits of Public Investment in
Clean Water, Water Infrastructure
New York City, N.Y. – The U.S. Conference of Mayors convened today in New York City a joint meeting of the Mayors Water Council and the Municipal Waste Management Association, an environmental affiliate of the Conference, to examine new information on the economic and public health benefits of local government investment in municipal water and sewer infrastructure and services.
[Note: The Department of Water Resources (DWR) final snow survey of 2008 indicates snow water content is just 67 percent of normal for the date, statewide. Snow depth and water content have declined since April, when statewide snowpack water content figures were just under 100 percent of normal, despite a dry March...]
DWR Press Release, May 1, 2008
SACRAMENTO – The Department of Water Resources (DWR) final snow survey of 2008 indicates snow water content is just 67 percent of normal for the date, statewide. Snow depth and water content have declined since April, when statewide snowpack water content figures were just under 100 percent of normal, despite a dry March.
Flaws in Clean Water Restoration Act Exposed in Congressional Hearings
National Center Blog, April 30, 2008
From Mike Hardiman comes this roundup of information about recent Congressional hearings on the Clear Water Restoration Act
Both the United States Senate and House of Representatives recently held hearings on the Oberstar/Feingold Clean Water Restoration Act. These hearings are a clear sign that the environmental community intends to push this controversial legislation to a vote in both houses of Congress sooner rather than later.
Vermont Deals a Blow to the Bottled Water Industry
Christian Science Monitor. April 29, 2008
The state's legislature has passed a bill that limits how much groundwater bottlers and other companies can draw.
Unions Aim to Push Nestle Out of Russia
BusinessWeek, April 25, 2008
Nestlé in Russia is involved in a bitter industrial dispute with its workers. The food giant is refusing to negotiate on the issue of increasing real wages. Russia's labor union federation is now threatening to strike and says the "anti-worker" company shouldn't be allowed to operate in Russia.
EBMUD may start rationing water if no rain
SFGate, April 23, 2008
San Francisco -- Nearly 1.3 million East Bay residents could be forced to ration water as early as next month if rains don't increase.
McCloud Watershed Council & California Trout Enlist Manatt: National Law Firm Joins Efforts to Protect Communities Rights against Nestle Waters North America
MCCLOUD, Calif., April 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The McCloud Watershed Council and California Trout, who, along with Trout Unlimited, comprise the Protect Our Waters Coalition, announced today that they have engaged the national law and consulting firm of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP. The firm will represent the Coalition in their fight to safeguard the rights and quality of life for residents of McCloud, California and beyond who would be affected by operation of a planned Nestle Waters North America water bottling plant in the Mt. Shasta area. Progress on the proposed plant, which would be the nation's largest, is mired in unanswered questions and conflicting economic and environmental assessments.
Town turns down Nestle Waters offer
Boston Globe, April 17, 2008
The town of Clinton has turned down a proposal from Nestle Waters North America Inc. that would have allowed the company to pump 240,000 gallons of water daily out of underground aquifers for bottling.
Bottling plants face opposition as fears grow over water supplies
Associated Press, April 9, 2008
McCLOUD, Calif.—Like many small towns across America, this was a community that once rallied around high school football. Today, the school enrolls too few students to even field a team.
BusinessWeek, April 3, 2008
Tucked into the foothills of Mount Shasta, the Northern California town of McCloud has no stoplights and one grocery store. A former logger's El Dorado, McCloud fell on hard times in the 1980s when it started running out of trees to cut down. But with its drop-dead panoramas and crisp, clean air, the burg started to limp back in the 1990s. Today it is a world-renowned paradise for trout anglers, a respite for burned-out boomers looking to escape the status race, and a hotbed of New Age seekers, some of whom jet in from Japan to meditate and chant in what they regard as a spiritual vortex. Read more...
McCloud divided on reports
Mt. Shasta Herald, April 2, 2008
Since the Nestle Waters bottling plant contract was signed in 2003, many McCloud citizens feel the community has become divided into two separate groups: those who support the project and those who oppose it.
[Note: The town of McCloud and the local Nestle debate has hit the international media scene, with the release of a great article in the International Herald Tribune on March 19th. This media outlet reaches 180 countries, and is the largest international publication in the world! Just goes to show that this issue has garnered far-reaching interest and implications for those outside looking in, and not just for us.]
Nestlé's thirst for water splits small U.S. town
International Herald Tribune, March 21, 2008
SAN FRANCISCO: McCloud, a former lumber company town in the far north of California, has the charm of a small village and a breathtaking setting among pine and fir trees on the southern flank of Mount Shasta.
Rising sales of bottled water trigger strong reaction from U.S. conservationists
International Herald Tribune, March 19, 2008
Bottled water sales in the United States reached 8.82 billion gallons in 2007, worth $11.7 billion, making the U.S. market for bottled water the largest in the world, according to Beverage Marketing, a provider of beverage industry data. Worldwide, water bottlers sold 47 billion gallons, or 178 billion liters, in 2006, up from 43 billion gallons in 2005.
The water in a bottle can spring from just about anywhere
St. Petersburg Times, March, 15, 2008
If you buy a bottle of Zephyrhills Brand Natural Spring Water, it may not come from Zephyrhills. It may not even be "natural spring water," it may be well water.
Better read the fine print.
Water's trip to your glass is complicated Tampa Bay Times, March 15, 2008
Nestle came into Florida and managed to pull off quite the coup.
The company got a permit to take water belonging to Floridians — hundreds of millions of gallons a year from a spring in a state park — at no cost to Nestle. No taxes. No fees. Just a $230 permit to pump water until 2018.
Diesel fumes can affect your brain Reuters, March 11, 2008
London – Inhaling diesel exhaust triggers a stress response in the brain that may have damaging long-term effects on brain function, Dutch researchers said on Monday.
Candidate, MCSD directors disagree on selection process
Mt. Shasta Herald, March 5, 2008
Following his unsuccessful bid to fill the vacant seat on the McCloud Community Services District board of directors, former candidate Brian Stewart said he believes the board's decision was based on a candidate more consistent with the board's interests than the interests of the people of McCloud.
Nation's First Bottled Water Tax Hits Chicagoans The Heartland Institute, March 2008
Chicago has become the first city in the nation to tax bottled water. The 5 cents a bottle tax took effect January 1.
Battle Over Massive Nestle Water Bottling Plant to Protect Mount Shasta Headwaters in Tiny Northern California Community of McCloud
California Progress Report, March 2008
Nestle has made some important concessions in recent days regarding its proposed massive water bottling plant in McCloud, CA, indicating that the company is willing to complete more rigorous environmental review than previously promised before building a massive water bottling facility in McCloud. But, like all large-scale projects, the devil is in the details.
Bottled Water Vs. Tap Water: Chemicals, contaminants, pollution, price: new reasons to rethink what you drink and beware of bottled water
Reader's Digest, February 2008
Remember the drinking fountain, that once ubiquitous, and free, source of H2O? It seems quaint now. Instead, bottled water is everywhere, in offices, airplanes, stores, homes and restaurants across the country. We consumed over eight billion gallons of the stuff in 2006, a 10 percent increase from 2005. It's refreshing, calorie-free, convenient to carry around, tastier than some tap water and a heck of a lot healthier than sugary sodas. But more and more, people are questioning whether the water, and the package it comes in, is safe, or at least safer than tap water—and if the convenience is worth the environmental impact.
Bottlers Making Millions Off Dwindling Florida Water Supply WFTV, February 26, 2008
Every day millions of gallons of Florida water is bottled, wrapped, and shipped out of state. It's a troubling trend for environmental watchdogs who are warning the state's aquifer is expected to exceed its capacity just five years from now.
Connecticut legislators urge state to end bottled water contract with Nestle
BevNet, February 25, 2008
Connecticut state legislators last week urged the state to break its 3-year contract with Greenwich-based Nestle Waters North America in favor of asking state employees to drink their water from the tap.
Nestle sues over imported waters
SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, February 25, 2008
THE supermarket giant Woolworths is in a legal fight with one of its biggest suppliers over its decision to import an upmarket brand of mineral water rather than buy it locally from the Australian licence holder. Water forum in McCloud draws crowd
Mt. Shasta Herald, February 24, 2008
More than 100 concerned citizens attended a water forum Tuesday of last week in McCloud that included viewpoints from Nestle project manager Dave Palais, the McCloud Watershed Council, and Kristen Lee of ECONorthwest Consulting of Eugene, Ore.
City traffic fumes 'can cause heart attacks'
Times Online, February 18, 2008
People living in big cities are “breathing in an oil spill” every day because of air pollution that can have significant effects on cardiovascular health, scientists said today.
Water bottling is creating jobs — for lawyers
Redding Record Searchlight, February 15, 2008 - Editorial
If you habitually root for underdogs, you have to give a big round of applause to the fish lovers, tree-huggers and assorted skeptics of the proposed water-bottling plant in McCloud, who this week won a major victory.
Good studies worth the time - Letter to the Editor
Friday's editorial once again distorts the facts surrounding the "concessions" by Nestle Waters regarding its bottling project in McCloud. While the so-called "tree huggers, fish lovers and assorted skeptics" are pleased that Nestle is taking this first step in preparing the appropriate California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents, more work needs to be done.
Nestle needs to tell truth - Letter to the Editor
I have read your editorial of Friday several times looking for some positive thought in it. First of all, I am not a "fish lover, tree-hugger or an assorted skeptic." I have been a homeowner in McCloud for over three years and a full-time resident of one year. If the north state needs the type of economic boost Nestle will provide, I'm out of here.
Nevada water 'grab' hearings wrap up
Thomson Financial, February 15, 2008
CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - State hearings into a plan to pump billions of gallons of rural Nevada water to Las Vegas ended Friday with proponents saying they're entitled to the water and opponents warning that the pumping could have a catastrophic impact.
Nestle proposes reopening bottling plant EIR process
Record Searchlight, February 14, 2008
MCCLOUD -- An overflow audience in the multipurpose room of McCloud Union Elementary School was stunned Tuesday evening when Nestle Waters North America asked to reopen the environmental review process for its proposed water-bottling plant on the site of the California Cedar Products lumber mill in McCloud.
Maude Barlow: The Growing Battle for the Right to Water
AlterNet, February 14, 2008
From Chile to the Philippines to South Africa to her home country of Canada, Maude Barlow is one of a few people who truly understands the scope of the world's water woes. Her newest book, Blue Covenant: The Global Water Crisis and the Coming Battle for the Right to Water, details her discoveries around the globe about our diminishing water resources, the increasing privatization trend and the grassroots groups that are fighting back against corporate theft, government mismanagement and a changing climate.
Maude Barlow: The Growing Battle for the Right to Water
AlterNet, February 14, 2008.
From Chile to the Philippines to South Africa to her home country of Canada, Maude Barlow is one of a few people who truly understands the scope of the world's water woes. Her newest book, Blue Covenant: The Global Water Crisis and the Coming Battle for the Right to Water, details her discoveries around the globe about our diminishing water resources, the increasing privatization trend and the grassroots groups that are fighting back against corporate theft, government mismanagement and a changing climate.
Report on Nestle request to re-open EIR process
KDRV NewsWatch February 13, 2008
Groups respond to Nestle's plan to change project
Mt. Shasta Herald, February 13, 2008
The following statement from McCloud Watershed Council, California Trout and Trout Unlimited was released yesterday in response to Nestle concessions regarding proposed water bottling facility in McCloud. It was received too late to be used in the article that starts on page A1. (Read the actual press release here.)
Report points to positive economic impacts of fishing
Mt. Shasta Herald, February 13, 2008
Southern Siskiyou County business owners agree in concept with a report published earlier this month that details the importance of recreational fishing to the local economy.
Nestle to change project
Mt. Shasta Herald, February 13, 2008
Nestle Waters of North America announced in a press release Monday that community feedback led to its decision to make changes to the proposed water bottling plant project in McCloud. (Read the actual press release here.)
Board candidates interviewed in McCloud
Mt. Shasta Herald, February 13, 2008
The McCloud Community Services District took another step in the process of replacing former director Dennis Dalton during their meeting Monday night.
Proving Mark Twain wrong in the MST
Napa Valley Register, February 12, 2008
Mark Twain said “Whiskey is for drinking, and water is for fighting.” With the rains hopefully tapering off soon, it may be time to turn our thoughts to the dry season and the possibility of overcoming the depletion of the aquifer in the lower Milliken-Sarco-Tulocay (MST) water basin.
Poland Spring looks for water in Shapleigh: The company, which is seeking permission to test 150 acres, would pay the town a per-gallon fee
Associated Press, February 7, 2008
Poland Spring is eyeing a piece of town-owned land in Shapleigh as a possible new source of water. The fast-growing company is considering 150 acres owned by the town on Mann Road as a potential site to extract water that would be trucked to Hollis, where Poland Spring operates one of the largest bottling plants in the world. The company would pay the town of Shapleigh a yet-to-be-determined per-gallon fee for water drawn from the property.
Nestle project is subject of Feb. 12 community forum
Mt. Shasta Herald, February 6, 2008
A McCloud Community Forum hosted by the McCloud Watershed Council is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 12 at the McCloud Elementary School from 7 to 9 p.m. Organizers say the goal of the forum is “to initiate an open exchange of information within the McCloud community, as well as collect public opinion about the proposed water bottling facility.”
Mixed Green: Water matters
Dunn County News, February 5, 2008
Despite a frigid cold evening, more than 50 people turned out on Jan. 17 at the Menomonie Public Library for an event sponsored by Sustainable Dunn. The topic was water, and the presenters included Neil Koch, hydrologist, along with Krista James and Dr. Kitrina Carlson, UW-Stout biology faculty and environmental educators. All three shared their extensive knowledge and experience relating to ground and surface water in Dunn County, along with many proactive recommendations.
Climate change threatens West's water, world's crops
USA Today, February 1, 2008
The potential that global warming has to dry up water resources in the American West and the food supplies of 1 billion people in the poorest regions of Africa and Asia are the focus of two studies released today.
Congress seeks ‘wide’ GAO probe of bottled water
WaterTech Online, February 1, 2008
WASHINGTON — The chairman and vice chair of a House subcommittee called this week for the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a “wide-reaching” investigation of the bottled water industry, particularly relating to the industry’s recent rapid growth and its environmental impacts.
Decline in Snowpack Is Blamed On Warming: Water Supplies In West Affected
Washington Post, February 1 ,2008
The persistent and dramatic decline in the snowpack of many mountains in the West is caused primarily by human-induced global warming and is not the result of natural variability in weather patterns, researchers reported yesterday.
Are our current growth and water use sustainable? Arizona Central,January 31, 2008
This article is one in a series of articles contributed by Arizona State University's Global Institute of Sustainability. The Institute catalyzes and advances interdisciplinary research and education on environmental, economic, and social sustainability.
Battle begins over water rights:Town wants to regain control of Wekepeke
Telegram, January 31, 2008 STERLING— Residents opposed to Nestlé Waters of North America’s proposal to pump water from the Wekepeke aquifer and sell it as bottled water are following the example of some New Hampshire residents who took control of their town’s water and other resources.
India polarised over water privatisation
NDTV, January 29, 2008 (New Delhi)
Across India, there is a rising tide of water privatisation projects made possible in recent years by a radical departure in the way national policy views water. Water is no longer just a public service to be delivered by governments but a resource to be managed well if need be, with the participation of the private sector.
Religious groups speak out against bottled water Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 26, 2008
In the late 1970s, when bottled water started to appear in stores, Sister Evelyn Flowers of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine in Richfield found it hard to understand why people would pay for something so freely available: "This is kind of crazy, isn't it?"
Vacancy on McCloud CSD board
Mt. Shasta Herald, January 23, 2008
The McCloud Community Services District is looking for a new board member to fill the seat of Dennis Dalton, who resigned as of Jan. 8 due to health issues. At the District's Jan. 14 meeting, discussion was held regarding how the position would be filled.
Water bottling debate goes to DC
Mt. Shasta Herald, December 19, 2007
Three years ago it would have been difficult to predict that the McCloud-Nestle water agreement would be part of a United States congressional hearing in Washington, DC. Last Wednesday, Dec. 12, Richard McFarland of McCloud spoke during a hearing of the Domestic Policy Subcommittee of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Bottling plant proposal discussed at hearing
Redding Record-Searchlight, December 13, 2007
A McCloud man hoping to stop construction of a proposed Nestle water-bottling plant in his Siskiyou County hometown and one of the company's top executives explained their opposing views about the plant to a congressional subcommittee Wednesday.
Two takes on water plant
Chico News & Review, December 13, 2007
The continuing controversy over the Nestlé Corp.’s proposal to build a huge water bottling plant in the historic town of McCloud, near Mount Shasta, now has entered the “dueling reports” stage.
Congress quizzes Nestle about Michigan water-bottling operation: Company denies that Mecosta County pumping hurts water flow
Detroit Free-Press, December 12, 2007
WASHINGTON – A Nestle official was asked at a congressional hearing today about whether the company continued to pump groundwater from its Michigan wells this summer as a stream fed by underground aquifers fell to dangerously low levels. Congress Hears Testimony: Bottled Water Industry Is Detrimental to American Communities
Food & Water Watch, Decemberj 12, 2007
WASHINGTON, DC - Today environmental, citizen, and consumer advocacy groups, including Food & Water Watch, will speak out against the bottled water industry’s harmful impacts on American communities before a Congressional subcommittee. The House Subcommittee on Domestic Policy is holding a hearing at 2 pm to address the environmental risks of water bottling plants extracting ground water and spring water from rural communities across the country.
Need groundwater plan, bottlers tell Congress
WaterTech Online, December 12, 2007
WASHINGTON — International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) President and CEO Joseph Doss addressed a US House of Representatives subcommittee on December 12 about the bottled water industry’s use of groundwater resources.
Community Bottled Water Concerns Take Capitol Stage
Earth Times, December 11, 2007
Today a House subcommittee will look at the environmental impact of water bottling and extraction on communities across the country. Chair of the House Subcommittee on Domestic Policy, Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), is convening the hearing in response to the concerns of citizen groups from New Hampshire to California. Groups speaking at the hearing are currently challenging the aggressive lobbying and public relations efforts of corporations like Nestle, who bottle water (or intend to bottle water) in or near their communities.
Richard McFarland of the the McCloud Watershed Council will testify before a Congressional committe on Wednesday, as part of a hearing "Assessing The Environmental Risks of the Water Bottling Industry’s Extraction of Groundwater." This hearing will examine the environmental issues presented when water bottling plants extract groundwater and spring water from water sources in rural communities. Specifically, the hearing will address:
The broader policy context of the water bottling industry;
The impact on communities of water bottling plants;
The geological/hydrological dynamics and environmental effects of extraction on the surrounding watershed, wetlands and riparian systems;
The growth, practices, and policies of the water bottling industry; and
The adequacy of state property rights, state permitting systems, and federal regulations in addressing these issues.
Homeowners Wonder About Bottler's Plans
Tampa Tribune, December 10, 2007
ZEPHYRHILLS -- Marlene and Lewis Mann took one look at the giant oaks in the Woodland Acres subdivision and knew this was where they'd raise their family and eventually retire.
Report on the McCloud water issue (MP3)
KZFR, November 30, 2007
KZFR's Alina Neacy reports on the new report that the Nestle plant will not bring more jobs to the area.
Nestle Wants to Own Your Water: Time for Californians to Act
California Progress Report, November 29, 2007
As part of the expansion of its bottled water business worldwide, the Nestle corporation has proposed the largest-ever US water bottling plant for the pristine Mt. Shasta region of California. The proposed 1,000,000 square-foot plant would remove more than 500 million gallons (1,600 acre-feet) of Northern California’s pure, clear water each year—to the tune of 600 trips per day by large tanker trucks. The Nestle proposal also includes a 50 to 100 year water monopoly, and allows for unlimited drilling of bore holes to extract even more water.
Local NBC affliate reports on the release of McCloud Watershed Council report on the proposed Nestle bottling plant
The US Bottled Water Industry – An Overview
FLEXNEWS, November 23, 2007
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23 November 2007 - Bottled water sales in the US have grown steadily over the last two decades. In 2006, sales amounted to 8.25 billion gallons, a 9.5% increase on the year. The sales volume of bottled water is higher than milk and nearly outsold beer last year.
A pair of reports offer opposing views on Nestle plant
Mt. Shasta News, November 21, 2007
Two recently released reports on the proposed Nestle bottling plant in McCloud offer opposing views on the issues, with one report saying the plant will degrade the economy and the other declaring the plant will have economic benefits.
Reports offer opposing outlooks for McCloud
Redding Record Searchlight, November 20, 2007
One report warns a "super-size" water bottling plant would zap McCloud jobs and shortchange the small town for its precious natural resource. Another report highlights the hundreds of jobs and $23 million income the same bottling plant would nurture in Siskiyou County. The conflicting reports, both released Monday, discuss Nestle Waters North America's plans and potential economic impact.
Bottled Water Not So Hot for Economy Either, Report Finds
PlanetSave, November 19, 2007
Mount Shasta - Environmentalists already have good reason to despise bottled-water companies, but local economic development folks might now have reason to question the industry too. That’s the message from opponents of a proposed Nestle water-bottling facility in McCloud, California, a small community with natural springs fed by the glaciers of Mount Shasta.
Crystal Geyser loses bid to pump mineral water from Napa
Napa Valley Register, September 7, 2007
Saying they are concerned about global warming and millions of plastic water bottles, Napa City Councilmembers won’t let Crystal Geyser tap into a city aquifer for mineral water.
County confirms Nestle DEIR recirculation
Mt. Shasta News, August 8, 2007
As has been expected for several weeks, the Siskiyou County Public Health Department announced last week that the Draft Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Assessment for the proposed Nestle water bottling plant in McCloud will be recirculated at an undetermined future date.
Bottled water: A river of money
By Fast Company, August 2, 2007
The largest bottled-water factory in North America is on the outskirts of Hollis, Maine. In the back of the plant stretches the staging area for finished product: 24 million bottles of Poland Spring water.
In Praise of Tap Water - Editorial
New York Times, August 1, 2007
On the streets of New York or Denver or San Mateo this summer, it seems the telltale cap of a water bottle is sticking out of every other satchel. Americans are increasingly thirsty for what is billed as the healthiest, and often most expensive, water on the grocery shelf. But this country has some of the best public water supplies in the world. Instead of consuming four billion gallons of water a year in individual-sized bottles, we need to start thinking about what all those bottles are doing to the planet’s health.
California Connections documentary: "Water Wars" - Watch it online!
A documentary film crew from the public television program "California Connected" came to McCloud to prepare a 12-minute story on issues concerning residents about NESTLÉ's proposed water bottling plant. This from their report:
"A powerful battle is brewing at the foot of northern California’s scenic Mt. Shasta, in the tiny town of McCloud. The issue? Bottled water. Many in the town believe that the huge Nestle company is stealing their water by signing a contract to erect a massive bottled water plant in McCloud. Others believe that there is plenty of water to go around and signing a contract that will permit Nestle to tap into McCloud’s large aquifer is simply good business. Correspondent Craig Miller reports."
Water bottling DEIR may go out for more comments
Mt. Shasta Herald, July 5, 2007
Despite more than 4,000 written comments from citizens and organizations, reams of scientific evidence and hundreds of hours of public comment, the Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment for the proposed Nestle water bottling plant in McCloud may be recirculated for further review and comment.
Supreme Court rejects Nestle contract appeal
Mt. Shasta News, May 2, 2007
Without comment, the California Supreme Court declined to review a January 2007 Third Appellate Court decision that reinstated the contract between Nestle and the McCloud Community Services District for Nestle to build a water bottling plant on the outskirts of the town.
Bottled Water Boycott Highlights Waste, Resource Depletion
The New Standard, April 26, 2007
Environmentalists are calling for a boycott of bottled water in an effort to reduce the use of fossil fuels, protect the environment and protect local drinking supplies.
Nestle contract being appealed to CA Supreme Court
Mt. Shasta News, March 21, 2007
Concerned McCloud Citizens have announced their intention to appeal to the California Supreme Court a January 2007 Third District Appeal Court's decision reinstating the contract between Nestle and the McCloud Community Services District.
The real cost of bottled water
San Francisco Chronicle, February 18, 2007
San Franciscans and other Bay Area residents enjoy some of the nation's highest quality drinking water, with pristine Sierra snowmelt from the Hetch Hetchy reservoir as our primary source. Every year, our water is tested more than 100,000 times to ensure that it meets or exceeds every standard for safe drinking water. And yet we still buy bottled water. Why?
Depleted aquifers and water roulette
Redding Record Searchlight
February 8, 2007
Water is for fighting over, said Mark Twain. As the world's population grows, this will be even truer in the future. Demands for water already exceed the planet's finite supply. Water diverted for new uses steals from existing uses. Add global warming, earthquakes, prolonged droughts, and ongoing loss of natural habitat such as streams and rivers, and the prospects are frightening.
California Trout challenges Nestle water bottling EIR
Mt. Shasta News, January 24, 2007
In a lengthy comment delivered through its attorneys, the nonprofit group California Trout claims the draft Environmental Impact Report for the proposed Nestle water bottling plant fails to comply with provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act.
Court says Nestle contract contains numerous ‘ifs'
Mt. Shasta News, January 18, 2007
With the Jan. 2 decision by the 3rd District Court of Appeal in Sacramento reinstating the contract between Nestle and the McCloud Community Services District to build a water bottling plant in McCloud, questions remain about a potential renegotiation and how the California Environmental Quality Act will affect the contract and the plant's future.
Thousands of Nestle comments being reviewed
Mt. Shasta Herald, December 6, 2006
The public comment period on the proposed McCloud Nestle bottling plant draft Environmental Impact Report has ended and the task of sorting out the 4,000 comments and including them into the final EIR is underway. More...
McCloud GM follows Kampa out of town
Mt. Shasta Herald, December 6, 2006
Mike Stacher replaced Pete Kampa as the general manager for the McCloud Community Services District, now Stacher will replace Kampa as the Twain Harte CSD GM. When McCloud's three new CSD directors took the oath of office and took their seats for a Dec. 5 special meeting, the first order of business was beginning the search for a new GM. More...
California Connections documentary: "Water Wars" - Watch it online!