Unbottle Water
Fights around public water are popping up throughout the United States and around the world. Everyday people are working to preserve clean water access in their communities and to secure public water sources, systems, and infrastructure against privatization.
The Story of Stuff Project is a firm believer in safeguarding the commons for public good. Our Unbottle Water campaign supports communities around the United States and Canada. We’re fighting to protect public water resources from the aggressive privatization efforts of companies like Nestlé Waters as they push to secure new sources of water for bottling. We promote efforts to expand water affordability programs, rebuild aging water infrastructure, and counter industry attacks on clean water regulations.
Watch our latest movie, A Tale of Two Cities, which tells the story of citizens from two very different communities who find their futures linked by a threat to the one thing that all life requires: water.
Our Campaigns
Go Deeper
Did Nestlé Use the Shutdown for Good PR?
Nestlé is trying to present itself as the solution to the very problem that it profits from: Herein lies the danger of corporate-driven solutions.
The Campaign for Fresh Water in Michigan
New legislation designed to protect public water in Michigan is on the horizon.
Settlement Ends Nestlé’s Expired ‘Zombie’ Permit
Federal officials and The Story of Stuff Project reached an agreement that finally ends Nestlé's ability to rely on a permit that expired 30 years ago to siphon water from the San Bernardino National Forest.
Why Nestlé abandoned its plans in Pennsylvania
Last month, Nestlé Waters walked away from a bottling plant proposal in Centre County, Pennsylvania.
Introducing the WATER Act
The WATER Act would benefit American families and provide $35 billion a year to improve drinking water and wastewater services.
Great Lakes Alliance Responds to Nestlé Permit
Residents of Michigan and beneficiaries of the common waters of the Great Lakes demand that Nestlé's permit be withdrawn.
Canadians Fight Nestlé’s Water Extractions
In Ontario, community members are working to stop Nestlé’s extraction of water under expired permits.
California Water Board Directs Nestlé to Immediately Cease Unauthorized Use of California’s Water
The CA State Water Board confirms allegations made against Nestlé confirming it is taking water from national forest land to which it has no legal claim.
Defending the Commons: Lessons for public water allies
A deeper look into the terms of most public-private partnerships highlights exactly why public water is so important to preserve and defend.
When Water Corporations Sue Countries, It’s Time to Fix What’s Broken
The international system to dispense “aid” to cash-strapped countries has a particularly destructive track record when it comes to people and water.
Nestlé Hires Former FDA Official, Changes FDA Findings
Last month, Nestlé used its political clout and high powered lawyers to change the conclusion of an investigation by the US Food & Drug Administration into its bottled water labels.
Michiganders are Leading the Way to Taking Back Public Water
Nestlé faces an uphill battle in Michigan as it attempts to draw more water from a well in Osceola County. Across the state, people are pushing back and our collective citizen muscles are building a movement too powerful to ignore.
Goldendale Goes Nestlé Free
After Cascade Locks turned Nestlé away, other cities in the Pacific Northwest continue to stand up to the multinational corporation to protect their water.
In Montana, Citizen Muscle vs. Water Bottlers
Residents and activists in Flathead Valley, Montana, are one step closer to stopping a water bottling plant proposal in their scenic community!
Nestlé's Chief Sustainability Officer Makes Curious New Claim
CBS Los Angeles aired a segment about Nestlé’s Arrowhead water bottling operation in the San Bernardino National Forest after a recent roadside protest by local activists brought the issue back to the media’s attention.
Nestlé: Prove Your Right To Our Water
Nestlé pumps up to 162 million gallons of water from the San Bernardino National Forest every year, claiming a water right stemming from their corporate predecessors. It's time we stop taking them at their word.
Oregon Activists Take on Nestlé–And Win
Aurora del Val catalyzed her community's fight against Nestlé’s plans to bottle millions of gallons of local water. Now, the Governor has backed them up.
Clean Water Doesn't Happen By Chance: Save the EPA
Gutting the EPA will destroy decades of progress we’ve made around the country to protect public drinking water, clean up the air, and reduce our exposure to thousands of toxic chemicals.
Natural Disasters and Bottled Water’s Savior/Polluter Complex
Bottled water may provide necessary relief in the wake of natural disasters, but the industry itself poses serious long term threats.
