Is it right for Poland Springs to pump 432,000 gallons of Maine water daily to sell nationwide?
2023-03-04
OK, so they pay their taxes, $34,000 annually and employ 800 Mainers. Does that give them the right to export Maine’s drinking water and perhaps leave Denmark and other Maine cities high and dry in the future?
NOTE: The figures used in this commentary are based on publicly available information that is approximated. Likewise, this commentary is for information purposes and should not be considered legally binding.
Poland Springs, the popular bottled water brand, has been scrutinized for its water extraction practices in Maine.
Critics argue that the company is pumping excessive water while only paying a small property tax and then selling the water at a high markup worldwide. This commentary will explore the arguments for and against Poland Springs' water extraction practices.
The Debate
Poland Springs has been pumping water from Maine's land they own with the State’s permission for decades.
The issue of water extraction has been a point of contention between the company and local communities. Critics argue that the company is extracting water from Maine aquifers, depleting local water resources, and only paying a small property tax.
On the other hand, Poland Springs argues their practices are legal, providing jobs and economic benefits to the region.
The Numbers
According to reports, Poland Springs is permitted to pump up to 432,000 gallons of water per day and up to 105 million gallons annually. The company pays only $34,000 in property taxes annually, significantly lower than other industries pay for the same amount of land.
Other industries pay around $17,000 per million gallons extracted, while Poland Springs pays only 34 cents per million gallons. If Poland Springs sold every gallon of water they extracted at the average price of $1.50 per 20-ounce bottle, it could potentially bring in more than $4 million per day before expenses.
Environmental Concerns
One of the primary concerns with Poland Springs' water extraction practices is its impact on the environment. Critics argue that the company is extracting water from Maine's aquifers at an unsustainable rate, depleting local water resources.
When a water-bearing rock readily transmits water to wells and springs, it is called an aquifer. Wells can be drilled into the aquifers and water can be pumped out. Precipitation eventually adds water (recharge) into the porous rock of the aquifer.—The U.S. Geological Survey.
However, since 2005 there has been a decrease in annual rainfall, yet the company still uses the figures attained then to renew their permits.
The depleted water levels also have adverse effects on local ecosystems and wildlife. Additionally, the transportation of water to other parts of the world can have a significant carbon footprint, contributing to climate change.
Economic Benefits to the Area
Proponents of Poland Springs' water extraction practices argue that the company provides significant economic benefits to the region. Poland Springs is a major employer in Maine and provides jobs for over 800 people.
Additionally, the company contributes to the local economy by purchasing goods and services from local businesses. They have also donated to the local fire department, installed lights for a ballfield, and provided funds for a local drainage/culvert project. Proponents argue that the economic benefits, especially employment for Mainers by Poland Springs, outweigh the minimal environmental concerns.
Social Responsibility
Critics argue that companies such as Poland Springs have a social responsibility to be more transparent about their water extraction practices and to ensure that they are not depleting local water resources.
Additionally, they argue that companies are responsible for ensuring they are not contributing to climate change through their transportation practices. Proponents argue that Poland Springs follows all legal requirements and that regulating water extraction practices is up to the government.
In conclusion, the debate over Poland Springs' water extraction practices is complex and multifaceted. While the company provides significant economic benefits to the region, there are concerns about the impact of its practices on the environment and local water resources. Are they, in fact, stealing from our future with our government’s permission?
Ultimately, it is up to the government to ensure that companies like Poland Springs follow all legal requirements and are not deplete local water resources.
What’s more, is our silence (other Maine communities and residents) a nod of approval for their behavior?
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About the author
Stephen Dalton is a native of Old Town, ME, and a retired US Army First Sergeant with a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland. He is a Certified US English Chicago Manual of Style Editor. Top Writer in Travel, Food, Fiction, Transportation, VR, NFL, Design, Creativity, Short Story, and a NewsBreak Community Voice Pro.
I saw this coming when they were bought out. I was more concerned they would fill Poland Spring bottles with water from out of state sources and not note the bottles in large print that it came from another source. I hope this doesn't deplete the source or cause a shortage for Maine.
Bob Frankl
2023-03-06
it was a bad idea then, it's a bad idea now.water is life.
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