"In New Zealand, water bottlers (as a whole) export around 28 million litres a year – equivalent to less than a couple of minute’s flow over the Huka Falls."
THE WATER STORY
New Zealand is famous for its stunning natural landscapes. We’re blessed with an abundance of water in our lakes, waterfalls, rivers and aquifers.
Every year, 500 trillion litres of rain falls on New Zealand. That’s enough water to cover the entire country 2.1 metres deep or fill Lake Taupo nine times. Most flows out to sea or evaporates. We capture just five per cent to supply our homes, livestock, crops and industry.
Some people are concerned about the amount of water used by the water bottling industry, but the reality is that the industry uses only a tiny proportion of New Zealand water. In New Zealand, water bottlers (as a whole) export around 28 million litres a year – equivalent to less than a couple of minute’s flow over the Huka Falls.
Water bottlers in Canterbury use just 0.007 per cent of consented water use. The biggest use is for irrigation, followed by stock water and public water supply.
For more information on the bottled water and the water bottling industry:
https://www.nzbeveragecouncil.org.nz/consumers/know-your-water-qanda.asp
SCALE OF INVESTMENT
The production of bottled water, like any industry, involves a significant level of investment going into the local economy.
This includes:
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Building ownership and maintenance
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Water consents
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Bore management and pump
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Piping
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Processing equipment
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Lab testing for quality control
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Packaging
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Transport
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Sales and marketing
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Administration
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Taxes
PACKAGED
WATER
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Lowest energy and water use of all packaged beverages
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One of the smallest and most efficient industrial users of water.
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The bottles used are 100 per cent recyclable
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The cardboard boxes used are 100 per cent recyclable
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Sports drinks, enhanced waters and soda produce nearly 50% more carbon dioxide emissions per serving than bottled water
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Juice, beer and milk produce nearly three times as many carbon dioxide emissions per serving than bottled water
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Milk, coffee, beer, wine and juice together comprise 28% of a consumer’s total beverage consumption but represent 58% of climate change impact
Source: International Bottled Water Association
