NATURAL MINERAL WATER IS BASED ON A DEEP RELATIONSHIP WITH NATURE THAT IS LOOKING BACK ON A VERY LONG TRADITION


For as much as hundred years, we have been protecting the land, ecosystems and biodiversity where natural mineral and spring waters are produced.

The areas of land surrounding underground water sources are subject to rigorous and extensive environmental protection. The "impluvium" - where rain and snow seep into the soil to then journey underground through layers of rock - is a highly protected zone and can extend up to several thousands of hectares. Producers usually work in partnership with local communities, public authorities and farmers to ensure the protection of the sources. This collaboration not only helps to safeguard biodiversity and natural habitats, but also contributes to regional, social and economic activity.

Producers have always managed precious water resources in a responsible, sustainable and efficient way to secure them for future generations. Water sources are protected by the EU, which means that in order to abstract water, a local authority issued licence is needed, and the amount that a producer has access to is limited, keeping levels and water quality at a stable level for the years to come.


Natural mineral water and spring water are among the few, if not the only, products entirely shaped by nature.

To ensure that action to manage water resources sustainably is effective, collaboration among different players is critical. Our sector abstracts relatively meagre amounts of water: estimated at approximately 0.05% of total water abstraction in the EU. Yet, given the special relation that our sector has with water, it is ready to take a leading role and inspire other industries by sharing best practices and examples of collaborative approaches.

With a Commission’s Communication on water resilience expected for Q2 in 2025 and the EU Parliament taking a proactive role on the topic, a unique momentum lies ahead to showcase NMWEs comprehensive vision on sustainable water management. Read our full discussion paper here.


POSITIONS AND KNOWLEDGE