Recent Legal and Operational Issues
Crystal Geyser has faced several controversies that have impacted its public image and business operations. These issues are often conflated due to the brand's complex corporate structure, which separates the sparkling water from the Alpine Spring Water product lines, though both are affiliates of the same Japanese parent company, Otsuka Holdings.
Arsenic Wastewater Scandal and Consequences
In 2020, the manufacturer of Crystal Geyser Alpine Spring Water, CG Roxane, pleaded guilty to charges related to the illegal storage and transportation of hazardous wastewater containing arsenic. The company was ordered to pay a $5 million fine and three years' probation for violating environmental laws.
- The Problem: The company used sand filters to remove naturally occurring arsenic from spring water at its Olancha, California facility. The process generated a significant amount of arsenic-contaminated wastewater.
- The Violation: Instead of proper disposal, the wastewater was stored in an unlined, man-made pond. When instructed to remove the pond by state officials, CG Roxane allegedly used uncertified third-party contractors who illegally discharged the hazardous wastewater into a Southern California sewer system.
- The Outcome: Although the investigation focused on the wastewater disposal and not the safety of the bottled water itself, the high-profile case led to significant negative press and legal penalties.
The Microplastics Class-Action Lawsuit
In 2024, a class action lawsuit was filed against CG Roxane concerning microplastics. The lawsuit alleged that the company failed to warn consumers that its "Natural Alpine Spring Water" contained microplastics and that its plastic bottles were harmful to both health and the environment. The suit pointed to a 2018 study that found microplastic contamination in many bottled water products.
However, a recent update has changed the status of this legal challenge.
- On July 16, 2024, ClassAction.org reported that the microplastics lawsuit against Crystal Geyser was dismissed by the plaintiff. This development indicates the legal action on this specific issue is no longer ongoing.
The Sparkling Water Closure
Independent of CG Roxane's issues, the original Crystal Geyser Water Company, which produced sparkling water from its Calistoga, California facility, ceased operations permanently on January 31, 2024.
- The Reason: The company cited financial unfeasibility due to competition from lower-priced products and concerns over long-term growth potential.
- Impact: The closure resulted in the layoff of 28 employees and the end of the original, long-standing sparkling water brand. The company's sister brand, Tejava ready-made teas, remains in production at a separate facility.
Comparison of Key Crystal Geyser Controversies
| Feature | Arsenic Wastewater Scandal | Microplastics Lawsuit | Sparkling Water Division Closure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Involved | CG Roxane LLC (Alpine Spring Water) | CG Roxane LLC (Alpine Spring Water) | Crystal Geyser Water Company (Sparkling Water) |
| Timing | Pleaded guilty in 2020 for offenses from 2015 | Filed in early 2024, dismissed July 2024 | Announced Dec 2023, effective Jan 2024 |
| Core Allegation | Illegal storage and transport of arsenic-contaminated wastewater | Failure to warn consumers about microplastics in bottles | Financially unviable business model |
| Legal Outcome | $5 million fine and three years' probation | Lawsuit dismissed by plaintiff | Permanent operational shutdown |
| Consumer Impact | Negative brand perception, though bottled water was deemed safe | Highlighted bottled water contamination concerns | End of the original sparkling water product line |
Water Quality and Product Transparency
While the hazardous waste and microplastics issues are significant, it is important to understand the product context. CG Roxane's Alpine Spring Water has not been subject to a recall related to arsenic contamination of its final bottled product. The 2020 legal case strictly concerned the handling of wastewater.
- Water Sourcing: CG Roxane emphasizes its practice of bottling spring water at the source, which it claims protects from contamination. It provides water reports for its seven source locations on its website, a practice noted by third-party water testing services.
- Contaminant Levels: A third-party test by Tap Score in early 2025 found no alarmingly high contaminant levels in a bottle of Alpine Spring Water and confirmed the presence of naturally occurring minerals.
- Recycled Materials: The company promotes its use of recycled plastic (rPET) in its bottles, touting environmental benefits, although this is a separate issue from microplastic formation during consumption or bottling.
Future Outlook
Despite the recent controversies and operational changes, CG Roxane, the maker of Crystal Geyser Alpine Spring Water, continues its business. The dismissal of the microplastics lawsuit removes a significant legal challenge, while the sparkling water closure was a strategic decision by a separate corporate entity. The brand is also actively engaged in marketing partnerships, including a three-year sponsorship with Motiv Sports beginning in October 2025. The long-term impact on consumer trust remains to be seen, but the brand is taking steps to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and product quality.
Conclusion
The recent news regarding Crystal Geyser water is a complex mix of closures, legal actions, and ongoing operations. The legacy sparkling water company closed due to financial issues in early 2024, while the separate Alpine Spring Water brand (CG Roxane) navigated and settled two major lawsuits involving illegal arsenic waste disposal and allegations of microplastic contamination. Despite these challenges, the Alpine Spring Water product is still widely available, with the company showcasing water quality reports and new marketing initiatives. For consumers, understanding the distinction between the two product lines and assessing their own comfort with the brand's history is key. For more information on the company's stated sustainability efforts, you can visit their official site.
