In response, the State Water Board started an extensive water rights investigation into the complaints. Its inquiry included a detailed evaluation of the geology of the spring water sources in the SBNF and Nestlé’s water rights claims.
Based on its investigation, Nestle reported an average spring water extraction in the SBNF from 1947 to 2015 was 192 AFA or 62.6 million gallons per year.
David Rose, an attorney for the State Water Board’s enforcement division told KPCC 89.3 radio, “Nestle appears to be taking more water than they likely have the right to take.”
Nestle vowed to fully comply with California law
In its letter to Nestle, the State Water Board said the “must limit its appropriate diversion and use of water to 26 AFA unless it has evidence of valid water rights.” The regulator also ordered the company to submit an interim compliance plan within 60 days.
“While Nestlé may be able to claim a valid basis of right to some water in Strawberry Canyon, a significant portion of the water currently diverted by Nestlé appears to be diverted without a valid basis of right,” according to the regulator.
