Nestle Asked To Cut Back On Bottled Water Brand Arrowhead Amid California Drought

State regulators in California have issued a cease and desist order for Nestle to reduce its take of the spring water from the San Bernardino Forest for its Arrowhead brand.

On Friday, California’s Water Resources Control Board issued the order after an investigation revealed the company’s unauthorized natural spring water diversions led to the depletion of resources and multiple violations.

The investigation found Nestle has continued to exceed its limit by millions of gallons of water. Jule Rizzardo, the assistant deputy director for the Division of Water Rights, revealed the state has no choice but to take action.

“It is concerning that these diversions are continuing despite recommendations from the initial report, and while the state is heading into a second dry year,” she said.

“The state will use its enforcement authority to protect water and other natural resources as we step up our efforts to further build California’s drought resilience.”

If the order is carried out, Nestle may have to resort to their pre-1914 water rights in which they would be required to limit its diversions of the natural spring water, submit annual monitoring reports, and more.

Groups advocating for the shut down of the Nestle diversion site, which is the Strawberry Creek, are hoping the company will comply with state orders.

“It’s time for Nestle’s new owners to do the right thing and cease their operations in this national forest, which belongs to all Americans,” said Michael O’Heaney, the executive director of Story of Stuff Project.

“The company should accept the draft cease & desist order and cede any remaining rights it may hold to the Forest Service to revitalize Strawberry Creek.”

The latest order comes after several water rights complaints and an online petition created in 2015 against Nestle Waters North America, which affected environmental resources and caused a drought.

Nestle has 20 days to respond to the cease and desist order and request a hearing. Failure to do so may result in the State Water Board issuing a final order.