A 2017 class-action lawsuit filed against Poland Spring's then-parent company, Nestlé Waters North America, thrust the brand's long-held "100% Natural Spring Water" claim into the spotlight. Plaintiffs alleged that the company was bottling ordinary groundwater from wells and deceptively marketing it as spring water. While the company has consistently defended its product, citing adherence to FDA regulations, the case has fueled public debate and consumer skepticism. Understanding the full picture requires a deeper look into the brand's sourcing, its processing, and the regulatory definitions that govern the bottled water industry.
The Legal Battle: A Challenge to “100% Natural”
The most significant challenge to Poland Spring's natural label began with a series of class-action lawsuits. A lawsuit filed in 2017 by consumers across several northeastern states, including Maine, claimed the famous Poland Spring source ran dry nearly 50 years ago. Instead, the suit alleged the company used a series of man-made wells to extract common groundwater. The company, now owned by BlueTriton Brands, has called the lawsuits "meritless" and continues to defend its product vigorously.
- Initial Dismissal and Reinstatement: An early attempt by Nestlé to dismiss the case was successful, but the plaintiffs refiled with an amended complaint in 2018. A judge subsequently allowed the case to proceed, denying most of the company's motions for dismissal.
- Ongoing Legal Scrutiny: As of early 2025, the lawsuit is still moving forward, focusing on state fair trade practices violations in several states.
- Microplastics and Phthalates: A separate 2024 lawsuit alleged that Poland Spring bottled water contained harmful levels of phthalates and microplastics, which the filing claims invalidates the "100% natural" labeling. The presence of these synthetic substances, often from the plastic bottles themselves, further complicates the brand's marketing image.
Sourcing the Water: Beyond the Original Spring
It is true that Poland Spring's water no longer comes solely from the original source in Poland, Maine. The company openly acknowledges that its water comes from multiple carefully selected natural springs across the state of Maine. This shift, which occurred as demand grew, is standard practice for major bottled water brands. Some of the spring water sources include:
- The Poland Spring and Garden Spring in Poland
- Clear Spring in Hollis
- Evergreen Spring in Fryeburg
- Bradbury Spring in Kingfield
The water from these sources is transported via pipelines or trucks to bottling facilities. According to the company, the water is naturally filtered by the earth, collecting a distinct composition of minerals that contribute to its taste.
Processing and Purity: From Spring to Shelf
While Poland Spring labels its water as "100% Natural Spring Water," the bottling process does involve several steps to ensure safety and quality. The company states the water is filtered naturally through aquifers, and that it contains naturally occurring electrolytes. The commercial process includes:
- Microfiltration: This process removes microscopic particles and impurities.
- Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection: UV light is used to sterilize the water, killing bacteria and microorganisms.
- Ozonation: Ozone treatment is used to further sanitize the water without adding chemicals.
- Activated Carbon Treatment: The water is passed over activated carbon to remove any remaining contaminants.
Crucially, bottled water that is treated with reverse osmosis (RO) cannot be labeled as "natural spring water". Poland Spring uses RO for other products, but it is not used for the water sold as "natural spring water". This distinction is key to their compliance with federal labeling rules, despite public perception.
Comparison: Poland Spring vs. Other Bottled Waters
| Feature | Poland Spring | Purified Water (e.g., Aquafina) | Artesian Water (e.g., Fiji) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Multiple natural springs in Maine. | Any municipal or groundwater source. | A confined, underground aquifer. |
| Processing | Microfiltration, UV, ozonation, activated carbon. | Reverse osmosis, deionization, distillation. | Minimal processing, maintaining original mineral content. |
| Mineral Content | Naturally occurring minerals retained. | Stripped of minerals during purification; sometimes added back. | Rich in naturally occurring minerals. |
| Taste Profile | Often described as crisp, refreshing, and neutral. | Tends to be very neutral due to purification. | Distinctly smooth and soft due to its mineral profile. |
| Legal Status | Faces ongoing lawsuits over its "natural" claim. | Generally not marketed as "natural" in the same way. | Generally not subject to the same source-based claims challenges. |
Conclusion: The Final Verdict
Is Poland Spring water all natural? The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. From a regulatory perspective, the water meets the FDA's definition of spring water and is sourced from actual springs. The company is meticulous in ensuring that the product labeled as "100% Natural Spring Water" does not undergo processes like reverse osmosis that would disqualify it from that category.
However, the legal challenges, particularly the ongoing class-action lawsuits questioning the original source and alleging deceitful labeling, complicate the picture. Furthermore, the microplastics controversy raises questions about the overall "naturalness" of the final bottled product, even if the water itself starts as pure spring water. Ultimately, while the water does originate from natural springs, the extensive commercial process and legal scrutiny mean the term "all natural" may not align with every consumer's expectation of absolute purity and minimal intervention. For information about their sourcing, consumers can visit the official Poland Spring website.
How does the legal challenge affect the brand's claim?
The legal challenges do not automatically negate Poland Spring's claims but rather highlight the complex, and sometimes controversial, interpretation of "natural" within commercial regulations. While the company maintains it meets FDA standards, the lawsuits have fostered public doubt and suggest a potential disconnect between marketing and consumer expectations.
Does Poland Spring add minerals to its water?
Poland Spring states that its water contains only naturally occurring minerals and electrolytes that it picks up through natural filtration as it travels through layers of earth. It does not add minerals back in, unlike some purified water brands.
Is the water safe to drink?
Yes, Poland Spring water is safe to drink. It undergoes significant treatment including microfiltration, UV, and ozonation to ensure purity and safety. The water is also regularly tested to meet quality standards.
Why is the water sourced from multiple springs?
As the brand's demand and distribution expanded beyond its original local market, the company needed to utilize multiple sources to maintain production volume. Sourcing from multiple springs in Maine allows the company to meet its high demand while adhering to its brand identity as a Maine spring water.
Where can I find information about Poland Spring's sources?
Poland Spring provides information on its website detailing the various spring sources in Maine from which its water is collected. For example, they list the Bradbury Spring, Evergreen Spring, and others.
What is the difference between spring water and purified water?
Spring water must come from a natural, underground source from which water flows to the surface. It is minimally processed to retain its natural mineral content. Purified water can come from any source and undergoes significant processing, such as reverse osmosis, that removes most minerals and impurities.
Does the packaging affect the water's naturalness?
According to a 2024 lawsuit, the plastic bottles may contain synthetic substances like phthalates and microplastics, which can affect the final product. While the water itself originates from natural sources, the packaging and environmental factors can compromise the final product's "all-natural" integrity.
