The Arrowhead bottled water company has drawn its water from springs in California’s San Bernardino National Forest for nearly a century. This water, funneled through a 4.5-mile-long pipeline, has underpinned its Arrowhead 100% Mountain Spring Water brand. The springs, named for a natural rock formation resembling an arrowhead, have been under environmental pressure for decades.
Forest Service’s Decision
In a July 26 letter, Michael Nobles, the district ranger, ordered the company to stop operating in the San Bernardino National Forest and told it to remove all pipes and equipment from federal land. This followed, among other things, the company’s inability to supply the data necessary for compliance and the concern that water extraction volumes would increase.
District Ranger Michael Nobles wrote in a letter to BlueTriton Brands about the permit denial that the operations were for bottled water from the company. Still, as much as 98% of the diverted water per month was being sent to the old Arrowhead Springs hotel, which the company sold in 2016 to the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. Nobles said the amount of water being pulled in recent months has also gone up.
Environmental Concerns and Legal Battles
Environmental activists have opposed the company’s water extraction for years, claiming it could damage the forest ecosystem. Reports in 2015 showed the company operated with an expired permit, adding to public outrage. Follow-up investigations by state water regulators determined that large portions of the company’s water diversions did not have legal water rights. The State Water Resources Control Board ordered the company to stop unauthorized diversions, while water rights battles persist in court.
Company Response and Tribal Implications
The current owner of the Arrowhead brand, BlueTriton Brands, has challenged the Forest Service’s decision, deeming it legally without merit. The company explains that some diverted water supports the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians for firefighting and daily needs. The crew has owned the adjacent Arrowhead Springs property since 2016 and hasn’t made any public comment.
Next Steps and Potential Impact
The Forest Service issued a temporary 30-day stay to meet the crew’s immediate water needs. BlueTriton Brands intends to seek legal and regulatory avenues to overturn the shutdown order. If upheld, the ruling could significantly impact the company and set a precedent for water rights and conservation.
