Judge Won’t Dismiss Poland Spring Water Lawsuit

On December 31, a federal judge in Connecticut declined to dismiss a longstanding lawsuit alleging that Poland Spring water has been falsely marketed as “spring water.” The case, filed in 2017, accuses Nestlé Waters North America, the former owner of the Poland Spring brand, of misleading consumers with labels that describe the bottled water as “100% Natural Spring Water.”

The judge’s ruling leaves room for continued scrutiny of whether Poland Spring meets the legal definition of spring water under state and federal guidelines. While some claims were dismissed, Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer, presiding in New Haven, identified unresolved issues concerning compliance with state laws in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.

Key Allegations by Plaintiffs

The plaintiffs contend that the water sold under the Poland Spring label does not originate from natural springs, despite claims on its packaging. They allege that the original Poland Spring in Maine dried up decades ago, long before Nestlé acquired the brand in 1992. They argue that the brand has relied on artificially created springs and surface water sources, which do not meet the standards for natural spring water as defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The lawsuit estimates that 1 billion gallons of Poland Spring water are sold annually in the United States, commanding a premium price due to its purportedly natural origins. Plaintiffs assert that these representations deceived consumers into overpaying for a product they believed was sourced from authentic natural springs.

Defense by Nestlé Waters

Nestlé Waters, now part of Primo Brands, sought to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that its sourcing practices complied with FDA regulations and that state authorities approved Poland Spring as “spring water.” The company cited the findings of geologists and state officials as evidence of compliance.

Primo Brands, which now owns Poland Spring, issued a statement expressing confidence in its adherence to the FDA’s spring water definition. The company maintains that Poland Spring water is sourced from natural springs in Maine and emphasized its commitment to defending against the claims.

Expert Testimony and the Court’s Findings

The judge referenced testimony from a former Syracuse University earth sciences professor, hired by the plaintiffs, who suggested that the company relied on man-made springs and other surface water sources instead of legitimate natural springs. This raised questions about whether Poland Spring’s practices aligned with the legal standards for spring water.

Judge Meyer dismissed claims related to label changes, reasoning that the plaintiffs, now informed of the allegations, could choose alternative water brands. However, the core allegations about false advertising remain unresolved, allowing the case to proceed.

Corporate Background and Implications

Poland Spring has undergone several ownership changes in recent years. Nestlé sold its North American bottled water business in 2021 to private equity firms, which rebranded it as BlueTriton. In November 2023, BlueTriton merged with Primo Water to form Primo Brands, headquartered in Tampa, Florida.

The ongoing lawsuit highlights broader concerns about truth in advertising, particularly in industries that market natural or premium products. If successful, the plaintiffs could prompt changes in how bottled water brands disclose their sourcing practices.

The Case’s Current Status

The case, Patane v. Nestlé Waters North America Inc., continues in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut under case number 17-01381. Lawyers representing the plaintiffs have not publicly commented on the recent ruling.

Reverse Osmosis and Water Conditioning: A Consumer Perspective

For consumers seeking purity in their drinking water, reverse osmosis systems and whole-home water conditioners offer reliable alternatives. These systems remove contaminants and impurities, ensuring consistent water quality regardless of the source. While bottled water may carry premium branding, home filtration solutions provide a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for clean water.

Source: New York Post