A Hidden Truth About Bottled Water
Every week, thousands of litres of groundwater are pumped from aquifers in and around Perth and trucked to bottling plants, often labeled as 'spring water.' This practice has raised concerns among residents like Brad McManus, who believes the labeling may mislead consumers. He has written to both the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and WA Minister for Commerce Tony Buti, highlighting the potential deception. 'It's like if someone were to label farmed fish as wild caught, or cage eggs as free-range,' he says. He’s hoping either body of water can answer his concerns.
According to the WA Rights in Water and Irrigation Act of 1914, spring water is defined as naturally rising water from land but not including underground discharge into a watercourse. However, many local communities view groundwater extraction as an illegal act, prompting recent policy shifts. For instance, after ABC Radio Perth revealed Coca-Cola took thousands of liters from an unregistered bore in Karragullen, a region known for fruit farming, the state government launched a public map showing the extent of groundwater use. While the extraction was legal, the community expressed frustration, leading to a review and eventual pause in operations.
Food standards approve spring water labeling under the Food Standards Code, which defines it as ground water obtained from subterranean sources. However, critics argue that the term 'organic water' was banned in the past. The ACCC cracked down on similar practices in the past, forcing companies to reconsider their marketing strategies. Now, with more transparency, some believe the industry is becoming more aware of its role in water management.
This situation underscores broader trends in water resource regulation. As communities grapple with the impact of aquifer extraction, there’s growing pressure to balance commercial interests with environmental stewardship. From my perspective, this highlights how even small actions can lead to significant consequences when ignored. The future of bottled water depends on how responsibly we manage our shared resources.
