Brief History
The Southeastern United States is undergoing one of the worst droughts in modern times, with no relief in sight. This is prompting individual states and municipalities to fight each other for water-rights, and to use fossil-fuel alternatives to hydro-electric generation. Lakes are drying up, swimming pools are closing down.
Nestle has a history of exploitive and unethical business practices, especially in their infant formula marketing, but also, significantly, in water use as well.
Follow the Money
It's a complex trail. The clearest markings I've found for it are here.
Summary
Nestle spent a whopping $230 for unlimited pumping rights through 2018. On top of that, they got approval for a $1.6 million tax break to go along with it - all in the midst of an historically bad drought in Florida and the southeastern US.
Links of Interest
For Love of Water - documentary film
Lecture by Robert Glennon, professor and author (podcast & transcript), on the problems inherent in using groundwater as a primary source
Baby Milk Action - a group dedicated to foiling Nestle in its unethical and deceitful marketing of baby formulas.
World Water Council
Friday, May 2, 2008
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