New Nestle Contract Seen as Opportunity for McCloud

McCloud is fortunate to have a sufficient supply of pristine spring water. Not every town in America is so lucky these days. With population increases and rising global temperatures, we’re already hearing about whole regions where water is in short supply. Water is McCloud’s greatest economic asset. It is our liquid gold and the current contract virtually gives this treasure to Nestlé at a price of $42,000 per year.

After all the scientific studies are done, we as a community can use that information to make a more responsible decision. Should we decide to sell our water, we should make sure we are paid a fair market rate. The current contract gives our water away for a small fraction of what bottlers like Nestlé are paying in almost any other community in the country. Setting aside the current contract gives the community a chance to negotiate a fair market price for our pure spring water.

The Council commissioned an economic study to understand how water bottling plants have traditionally affected small-town economies. Clearly, the report shows that our water is undervalued as both a resource and an important attractor to our area. McCloud has been a one-company town before, and when logging dried up so did the majority of jobs. Perhaps a large water-bottling plant is not the right answer. We should take the time to carefully evaluate our options.

Fortunately, the community now has a chance at a “do-over” with Nestlé. The company has finally opted to engage in the scientific study of water based environmental impacts. By acknowledging that the existing contract is for a previous project Nestlé is no longer considering, and that a new contract is needed, Nestlé has recognized that McCloud can reconsider whether it wants to sell its water, and if so, to do so on economic terms that are fair to McCloud.

The Council will continue working to advance McCloud’s economic and environmental interests in the months and years ahead. We hope you will, too. Whether you want Nestlé to build a huge plant or no plant at all, now is the time to get involved. Attend community meetings, communicate with the District Board, and engage with your neighbors. This water belongs to the people of McCloud. It is our responsibility as McCloud residents to ensure that we do not just give away our most precious shared resource without broad public input throughout the process.