We believe that creating shared value is more than just good business – it’s a bond we share with the communities in which we live and serve. 

To best serve the communities where we live and operate, we recognize the value in listening to community members and being accessible to address their questions or concerns. That is why we regularly invite community members to tour our facilities and participate in regional open houses; we want them to understand the nature of our business, and answer any questions they may have.

We are proud to partner with many great organizations who work to create value in their communities.  Learn more about  our community partners here.

We continue to support local charities and foundations including: 

• Canada’s 911 Ride Foundation 
• Speroway 
• Work for a Cure 
• Canadian Red Cross 
• Guelph General Hospital 
• Puslinch Fire Department 
• Salvation Army 
• United Way 
• St. John Ambulance 

Learn more about how we are creating shared value in the communities in which we operate.

We are committed to sustainable water management and stewardship.

Our team of hydrogeologists and engineers monitor our groundwater withdrawals daily, as well as associated resource indicators (such as aquifer levels, spring flows, water quality and surface water levels) to ensure long term-sustainability of the watershed and ecosystems.

For instance, in Aberfoyle, we monitor over 80 monitoring points from both on-site and off-site wells, which measures groundwater elevations in different geological formations.

Additionally, when exploring a new spring site, like Middlebrook, we follow a thorough due diligence process which includes extensive hydro-geological studies to understand the long-term sustainability of the source. Our study also accounts for the local community’s long term water supply needs.

Part of our review process on the Middlebrook source includes an aquifer pump test. Our future aquifer test will follow Nestlé’s established practices to promote groundwater sustainability and responsible water resource management. Typically, when applying for a pump test permit, the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) requires a residential well survey within 500 metres to 1 kilometer from the production well.

In the case of the Middlebrook source aquifer test, Nestlé Waters is working with individuals and businesses as far as the neighborhood of Salem, located about 3 kilometers from the evaluated source, to ensure our operations will not have a negative impact on the aquifer.

Our decision to operate in a particular site and the level of water we take is always a science-based decision ensuring the sustainable management of the groundwater resources. If the test results indicate the source is not suitable or poses a negative impact on the aquifer, we will not proceed with our option to purchase the site. 

Still have a question? Please get in touch

The former Middlebrook Water Bottling Co. was a permitted water bottling facility that had been on the market for approximately 10 years. In 2015, Nestlé Waters Canada began evaluating the Middlebrook spring water source for potential acquisition, subject to confirmation that the groundwater onsite meets its quality and quantity requirements. The Middlebrook site is intended to serve as a supplementary well to our Aberfoyle site, as we currently we do not have a back up in place.

Prior to our initial offer, we reached out to the Centre Wellington Township to determine their interest in the property and at the time, they were not interested in it. In March 2015, Nestlé Waters Canada put an offer on the property subject to a Ministry of Environment and Climate Change permit and pump test, which would scientifically test the water quantity and quality.

During this process, Nestlé Waters Canada fully engaged with the community: hosting over 120 office hours in 2015 & 2016, and community open houses with Nestlé Waters Canada staff and third party experts who answered questions on the data they collected.

In July 2016, an anonymous party made a counter-offer to purchase this property, and under the terms of our original purchase agreement, Nestlé Waters Canada exercised our first right of refusal, and purchased the property according to the March 2015 original agreement. Shortly after, Nestlé Waters Canada learned that anonymous counter offer was from Centre Wellington.

Throughout this period, Nestlé Waters Canada engaged the Township of Centre Wellington to identify concrete proposals to help the Township address the long-term quality and quantity of groundwater. This included a letter on September 30, 2016 and a presentation to Township Council on December 12, 2016. Nestlé Waters Canada offered to donate the Middlebrook property to the Township and proposed to further discussions on collaborating with the Town on the future of the Middlebrook property.

In October 2016, the Ontario government announced a moratorium on all new and expanded water bottling permits. The moratorium means that there will not be a pump test on the Middlebrook water source during this period.

In response to our proposal for collaboration on the Middlebrook property, Centre Wellington stated that they would not engage with Nestlé Waters on the potential for a partnership given the moratorium.

While we respect the moratorium and the position of the Township, we continue to be open to working with Centre Wellington and residents to explore opportunities for partnership.