France's multi-billion-dollar mineral water industry is facing a major crisis amid concerns about climate change and its environmental impact. At the center of the debate is whether iconic brand Perrier can continue to be called "natural mineral water" after allegations it used illegal filtration systems to combat pollution of water sources after years of drought linked to climate change.
Investigations by Le Monde newspaper and Radio France revealed that at least a third of mineral water sold in France has been illegally treated with carbon filters, ultraviolet light or ultra-fine micro-mesh, in violation of EU regulations that prohibit any alteration of water from source to bottle. Although there was no risk to public health, the discovery shocked the industry, which sells water at high prices relying on an image of natural purity.
Perrier and its parent company Nestlé are accused of hiding information about the contamination and changing rules to allow filtering, with the help of the French government. In a Senate hearing, Nestlé’s CEO admitted to using illegal methods, and an official report recommended removing the “natural mineral water” status for Perrier’s production. If that happens, it would be the first time in 160 years that the brand has lost this label. According to experts, climate change and persistent droughts in the south of France have hit the area where Perrier originates particularly hard, putting its future in question.
