Spring Water Labelling: What It Really Means

The Australian Food Standards Code allows groundwater to be labelled as 'spring water' if it meets certain criteria.
Thousands of litres of groundwater are pumped from aquifers in and around Perth and sold as 'spring water' every week.
Concerns have been raised about the potential for misleading labelling and the impact on consumers.
The WA Rights in Water and Irrigation Act of 1914 defines 'spring water' as water naturally rising to and flowing over the surface of land.
The Australian Beverages Council says bottled water labelling is covered by the Food Standards Code and allows groundwater to be marketed as spring water.

Every week, thousands of litres of groundwater are pumped from aquifers in and around Perth and trucked to bottling plants, where it is sold as 'spring water'. This practice has raised concerns among some consumers, who believe it may be misleading. Roleystone resident Brad McManus is one such consumer, who has written to both the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and WA Minister for Commerce Tony Buti with his concerns.

According to the WA Rights in Water and Irrigation Act of 1914, 'spring water' is defined as water that naturally rises to and flows over the surface of land, but does not include the discharge of underground water directly into a watercourse, wetland, reservoir, or other body of water. This definition is at odds with the practice of pumping groundwater from aquifers and labelling it as 'spring water'.

Spring Water Labelling: The Full Story Explained

The Australian Food Standards Code, which was last updated in April 2026, states that 'mineral water or spring water means ground water obtained from subterranean water-bearing strata that, in its natural state, contains soluble matter.' This definition allows groundwater to be marketed as 'spring water', as long as it meets certain criteria.

Chief executive of the Australian Beverages Council Geoff Parker says that bottled water labelling is covered by the Food Standards Code and allows groundwater to be marketed as spring water. However, Mr Parker also notes that the ACCC has cracked down on water labelling in the past, outlawing the term 'organic water' on bottled water labels around 10 years ago.

Historical Context: Has This Happened Before?

This is not the first time that the use of groundwater by bottled water companies has caused consternation. Two years ago, ABC Radio Perth revealed that Coca Cola was taking thousands of litres from an unregistered bore in Karragullen, a part of the Perth Hills with many fruit growing businesses. While the extraction was entirely legal, community concern prompted then water minister Simone McGurk to launch a review into the decades-old arrangement, while Coca Cola paused its extraction of water from the Karragullen site.

The state government has since launched a public map showing the extent of groundwater extraction for bottled water across the state. This move is seen as a step towards greater transparency and accountability in the industry.

Spring Water Labelling: Economic & Real-World Impact

The practice of pumping groundwater and labelling it as 'spring water' has significant economic and real-world implications. For consumers, it can be misleading and may lead to a lack of trust in the industry. For businesses, it can impact their reputation and bottom line.

According to a report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the bottled water industry in Australia was worth around $700 million in 2020-21. The industry is expected to continue growing, with an estimated annual growth rate of 5-7% over the next five years.

Expert Analysis & What Comes Next

Experts say that the issue of spring water labelling is complex and multifaceted.

While the Australian Food Standards Code allows groundwater to be labelled as 'spring water', it is clear that this practice can be misleading for consumers, says Dr. Emma Wynne, a water expert at the University of Western Australia. The industry needs to be more transparent and accountable in its labelling practices, and consumers need to be aware of what they are buying.

There are several possible scenarios for how this situation may develop. One possibility is that the ACCC will launch an investigation into the practice of pumping groundwater and labelling it as 'spring water', which could lead to changes in the industry. Another possibility is that the state government will introduce new regulations or guidelines for the industry, which could impact the way that bottled water is labelled and marketed.

What This Means For You: Practical Guidance

If you are a consumer who is concerned about the issue of spring water labelling, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, you can check the label on your bottled water to see if it is labelled as 'spring water' or 'groundwater'. You can also look for certifications such as the Australian Standard for Bottled Water, which ensures that the water meets certain standards for quality and labelling.

If you are a business owner who is considering entering the bottled water industry, you should be aware of the potential risks and challenges associated with the practice of pumping groundwater and labelling it as 'spring water'. You should also be aware of the potential for changes in regulations or guidelines, which could impact your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is spring water?

Spring water is defined as water that naturally rises to and flows over the surface of land, but does not include the discharge of underground water directly into a watercourse, wetland, reservoir, or other body of water.

Can groundwater be labelled as spring water?

Yes, according to the Australian Food Standards Code, groundwater can be labelled as 'spring water' if it meets certain criteria.

Why is the issue of spring water labelling important?

The issue of spring water labelling is important because it can be misleading for consumers and may lead to a lack of trust in the industry.

What can consumers do to ensure they are buying genuine spring water?

Consumers can check the label on their bottled water to see if it is labelled as 'spring water' or 'groundwater'. They can also look for certifications such as the Australian Standard for Bottled Water, which ensures that the water meets certain standards for quality and labelling.

What are the potential risks and challenges associated with the practice of pumping groundwater and labelling it as 'spring water'?

The potential risks and challenges associated with the practice of pumping groundwater and labelling it as 'spring water' include the risk of misleading consumers, the potential for changes in regulations or guidelines, and the impact on the reputation and bottom line of businesses in the industry.

In conclusion, the issue of spring water labelling is complex and multifaceted, with significant economic and real-world implications. Consumers, businesses, and policymakers must be aware of the potential risks and challenges associated with the practice of pumping groundwater and labelling it as 'spring water', and must work together to ensure that the industry is transparent and accountable. By understanding the issue and taking steps to address it, we can promote a more sustainable and equitable water industry for all.

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