Keep Nestlé from draining this Florida spring
Ginnie Springs — a natural spring that’s home to more than 15 species of turtles — is under threat. Nestlé is trying to pump up to 1.1 million gallons of water a day from the Florida spring.1
Ginnie Springs is a beautiful oasis.
With its crystal blue waters and canopy of cypress trees, Ginnie Springs is a hidden oasis. Located in northwestern Florida along the Sante Fe River, the freshwater spring is home to an extensive underwater cave system and numerous turtle species that nest along the banks.
Soon, however, all this may come under threat.
Nestlé has filed a permit, which, if approved, will allow the food and beverage giant to drain as many as 1.1 million gallons of water a day from the natural spring.2
This vibrant oasis should be protected, not bottled up and sold. We need to take action to oppose Nestlé’s plan to deplete Ginnie Springs.
Nestlé wants permission to drain Ginnie Springs.
Years of over-pumping have already taken their toll on Ginnie Springs and the Sante Fe River it feeds. Since the last permit was issued to a local company in 1999, the Sante Fe River’s water level has dropped approximately three feet.3
More recently, state water managers warned that the water flow had declined below a sustainable level, and said action must be taken to help the aquifer recover.4
Water pumping threatens the wildlife that call this wild place home — including 15 species of turtles. The Sante Fe River and adjacent springs support a quarter of all North American freshwater turtle species, which rely on a vigorous water flow and river levels.5
It would be a tragedy to sacrifice Ginnie Spring’s natural beauty and ecological diversity for bottled water.
Take action to save the springs.
Nestlé’s permit request is currently under consideration by the Suwanee River Water Management District, and the public comment period on Nestlé’s request is now open. These decision-makers are legally obligated to consider all comments in their final ruling.
By raising our voices, we can demonstrate public support for protecting Ginnie Springs, and urge Suwanee River Water Management District to deny the permit. Make your public comment today.
- Richard Luscombe, “Nestlé plan to take 1.1m gallons of water a day from natural springs sparks outcry,” The Guardian, August 26, 2019.
- Richard Luscombe, “Nestlé plan to take 1.1m gallons of water a day from natural springs sparks outcry,” The Guardian, August 26, 2019.
- Merrillee Malwitz-Jipson and Jim Tatum, “Sante Fe River, springs being bled to death,” The Gainesville Sun, August 21, 2019.
- Greg Allen, “The Water Is Already Low At A Florida Freshwater Spring, But Nestlé Wants More,” National Public Radio, November 8, 2019.
- Richard Luscombe, “Nestlé plan to take 1.1m gallons of water a day from natural springs sparks outcry,” The Guardian, August 26, 2019.