Nestlé settles French bottled-water probe as Vittel aquifer runs a deficit
Short record: the main facts, with sources. A full case file has not been prepared.
Nestlé Waters closed French investigations into banned treatment and illegal drilling with a payment of 2 million euros, and the French Senate reported the state concealed the treatment. The Vittel aquifer runs an open annual deficit, and Michigan granted a pumping permit despite 80,945 public comments against it.
- Nestlé Waters — Paid a 2 million euro fine to close the French investigations and continued operating at Vittel Le Club des Juristes
- Vittel aquifer — Open annual deficit of about 1.3 million cubic metres French National Assembly and Senate
- Michigan residents who commented against the permit — 80,945 public comments opposed the 2018 permit, which was granted WAMC
- Creek near the Michigan pumping site — A 2003 court found pumping had lowered it; the court is not named in the sources reviewed Michigan Environmental Council
What happened
Le Club des Juristes reported in September 2024 that Nestlé Waters closed investigations into banned treatment and illegal drilling with a public-interest judicial agreement (CJIP).
The Senate reported in May 2025 that the state had concealed the banned treatment at Perrier and other wells, and that the Élysée had known of it since 2022, The Local reported.
The French Senate's written question record states that the Vittel aquifer runs an open deficit of about 1.3 million cubic metres a year.
WAMC reported in April 2018 that Michigan allowed Nestlé to withdraw 576,000 gallons a day for an annual fee of 200 dollars, despite 80,945 public comments against it.
In court and with insurers
Lawsuits and rulings
- 2024-09-10SettledPublic-interest judicial agreement (CJIP) with Nestlé WatersÉpinal tribunal · Criminal · → Nestlé Waters
Agreement with a 2 million euro fine and 1.1 million euros for restoration, closing investigations into banned treatment and illegal drilling. Foodwatch
Insurers
What we don't know
Nature
- Not measured Harm to nature: The record holds no measurement of harm to nature.
Record
- None on record The sources reviewed do not state any personal penalty for Nestlé Waters executives.
- None on record The sources reviewed do not state whether the 2018 Michigan permit was renewed or whether the Vittel deficit has changed since the Senate question.
- None on record The sources reviewed do not state the Michigan creek's condition after the 2003 court finding.
Did the harm stop?
Not stated in the sources reviewed.
Who paid?
Not stated in the sources reviewed.
Sources
Courts
- Public-interest judicial agreement (CJIP) with Nestlé Waters, Épinal tribunalFoodwatch · 2024-09-10
Press and investigations
- Vittel aquifer is running an open deficit (Senate written question)French National Assembly and Senate · 2018/2023
- Bottled water scandal: Senate report criticises government concealment strategyPublic Sénat · 2025-05
- French state covered up Nestlé water scandal, Senate report findsThe Local · 2025-05-19
- Mineral water affair: 2 million euro fine for Nestlé Waters after public-interest judicial agreementLe Club des Juristes · 2024-09
Communities and civil society
- Pact reached: Nestlé agrees to reduced water taking in Mecosta CountyMichigan Environmental Council ·
Connected cases
- Nestlé Waters: banned treatments and the Vittel aquifer deficit France · 2021–2025 Related matter
- Nestlé Waters (Company) — here: Operator of Perrier and Vittel bottled water; paid the 2024 CJIP fine; there: Producer of Perrier, Vittel and Hépar; party to the CJIP