How does the withdrawal of water for bottling affect ground water supplies?
The earth’s water continually circulates in a hydrological cycle. Rain and snow can either run directly off the land into streams or infiltrate the earth to recharge groundwater. Groundwater moves through the earth and eventually resurfaces into streams and lakes. Natural springs occur where groundwater surfaces on land, often forming the headwaters of a stream. These natural springs are the most common sources for bottled water supplies. Removing water for bottling is considered to be a consumptive use of water. This means water is withdrawn from a source for use and not returned to its local ecosystem. A use that is considered non-consumptive returns water after it is used back to its source; a consumptive use removes it entirely. There is a growing concern that taking too much water can reduce or deplete groundwater reserves and reduce the flow of streams and lakes, causing stress on ecosystems. Although groundwater systems can be recharged, it has not usually been clear what amount
