How is Ozarka currently regulated?

Ozarka is regulated by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) as a Public Water Supply. These regulations oversee the construction and design methods of Ozarka's collection methods, sanitary conditions of those designs and GUI testing, a test to ensure that the spring water is not under the influence of surface water. The collection systems are governed under Public Water Supply regulations, which ensure that the water quality produced at the spring sites meets the requirements for drinking water standards as established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

The EPA regulates tap water in the United States while the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the pharmaceutical and food industry, which includes bottled water. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, FDA regulations for bottled water must be at least as stringent as those imposed by the EPA for tap water. In this regard, bottled water is required to be tested for the same contaminants as tap water. In Texas, the FDA regulates Ozarka spring water as a "food product" through its administrative arm, the Texas Department of Health.

Ozarka's internal requirements meet or exceed all Local, State and Federal bottled water regulations. The company's internal quality assurance program ensures that any analysis required from any regulatory agency becomes a part of its regular testing program. On average, staff microbiologists perform 15 tests per hour. Further, Ozarka voluntarily submits to a National Sanitation Foundation outside party inspection of all of its bottling facilities. This audit ensures that the company meets the most stringent guidelines for sanitation and process control. 

In addition, Ozarka complies with inspections and audits from the FDA, National Sanitary Foundation (NSF), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), TNRCC and its own Nestlé Waters-required audits. 

What will Ozarka do if Texas changes the right of capture law?

Ozarka will continue to comply with all applicable state and federal laws, whatever they are and whenever they may change. Nestlé Waters operates in many other states where the right of capture law does not apply. In fact, Ozarka's self-imposed standards are so high, complying with changes in water law likely will not impact operations but primarily create administrative changes.

Several people in Wood County have expressed an interest in creating a groundwater conservation district. What's Ozarka's position on this?

Ozarka understands and appreciates the goals of groundwater conservation districts and the value of conserving groundwater in Texas. Ozarka and groundwater districts share many of the same goals concerning groundwater, including sound scientific evaluations, education and learning about the resources, and ensuring quality drinking water for future generations. We are proud to say that we use solid scientific guidance during the operation of our spring sites, even without regulatory requirements. Groundwater is a precious renewable resource that must be managed well.

We would be happy to lend our extensive expertise in groundwater protection to the development and/or implementation of groundwater districts, whether it involves areas that include Ozarka facilities or not. We also believe that the general philosophy of a district should be one that is fair and equitable to all parties that are included in the boundaries of the district, including municipal, agricultural, and domestic users. 

It is also important to remember that groundwater districts and ground water management can not and should not be "one size fits all." Each aquifer is unique with its own set of variables, including the size and the extent of the aquifer, and these should be used to determine the best management practices. These variables should be evaluated and understood by using scientific principles that in turn guide the management and philosophy of the district. 

Who holds Ozarka accountable for their actions?