A new poll commissioned by Wellington Water Watchers for World Water Day finds two-thirds of decided respondents support phasing out bottled water in Ontario over the next ten years.

The Mainstreet poll has a sample of more than 4000 – indicative of the strength of public support for a permanent phase out of permits for bottled water taking in Ontario.63% of decided respondents also agreed that the permits of Nestlé and other companies that bottle water in Ontario that are currently under review in Ontario should not be renewed. These respondents were asked to identify the most important reason they held this opinion.
• 33% are concerned about the negative environmental impact of excessive water taking
• 24% disapprove of water bring treated as a commodity
• 20% are concerned about the excessive waste from plastic water bottles
• 9% believe that bottled water undermines the perception that tap water is safe
• 9% selected other reasons
• 4% are not sure

The campaign to protect Ontario’s water is coming to a head this spring. Relentless public pressure forced
the Provincial Government to review the bottled water industry.“Although the results of that review are eagerly awaited, improved regulations alone cannot protect
Ontario’s water. Premier Wynne herself has expressed serious doubts about bottled water – now is the time
for leadership. It is clear a decisive majority of the public agree it is time to phase out the bottled water
industry in Ontario and ensure public ownership and control of municipal water” says Mike Nagy of
Wellington Water Watchers.Wellington Water Watchers’ Water for Life, Not Profit Program calls on all Ontarians to urge the Premier to
protect our water – starting with a NO to Nestlé’s plans to increase water extraction.”In the extreme drought we experienced here last summer Nestle was granted an indefinite extension to
their permit for water bottling in Aberfoyle. That extension is still in place. Nestlé’s Hillsburgh permit expires
this coming summer, and Nestle is vying for a third well here in Wellington County near Elora,” stated
Rob Case, Wellington Water Watcher Board member. “The Premier must never allow a permit to be
issued in Elora. Premier Wynne must also deny a renewal bid for Hillsburgh and take decisive action
to phase out the permit in Aberfoyle.”

The Water for Life, Not Profit Program also calls on the Ontario government to
• Phase out the bottled water industry in Ontario within ten years
• Respect the duty to consult Indigenous communities
• Ensure public ownership and control of water including prohibiting private/public partnerships (co-called
P3s); and requiring public facilities to make drinking water available to the public (via drinking fountains)

The complete Water for Life, Not Profit Program can be downloaded at www.SayNoToNestle.ca
World Water Day is held annually on 22 March and sponsored by the United Nations as a means of focusing
attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater
resources.