Natural source water producers have always been committed to safeguarding the environment around the source to preserving the high quality of their waters.

The areas of land surrounding underground water sources are subject to rigorous and extensive environmental protection. The catchment area – 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. Between them, the members of the Natural Source Waters Association are instrumental in protecting around 350,000 acres in the UK, an area the equivalent of the Peak District National Park.

Protection measures help to prevent pollution and any type of contamination of the water on its way to the source. Producers work in close partnership with local communities, public authorities, NGOs and farmers to ensure that the landscape around the source is kept free of pollutants, which in turn ensures the protection of biodiversity and natural habitats too.

Producers recognise the responsibility they have to operate sustainably to ensure that future generations can also enjoy natural source waters.