Revealed: how companies ‘secretly’ use billions of litres of public water in drought

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-04T06:13:20.736Z • Permanent link

Billionaire investor and philanthropist Michael Bloomberg's environmental initiative, the Global Water Program, has been scrutinizing the consumption of public water by large corporations, shedding light on an alarming trend that raises questions about corporate accountability and environmental responsibility. According to recent data, millions of people in drought-stricken regions are facing hosepipe bans, while companies secretly use billions of litres of public water, often without reporting or facing consequences. For instance, in 2020, the UK's Office for Water Resources (Ofwat) revealed that nearly 90% of large water companies failed to meet their reporting obligations, sparking widespread criticism. Companies such as PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, and Nestle, among others, are among those accused of exploiting public water resources for their manufacturing processes, further exacerbating water scarcity issues in vulnerable regions.

Drought-stricken areas around the world, including California, Australia, and South Africa, are grappling with severe water shortages, with millions of residents facing restrictions on water usage. Meanwhile, multinational corporations continue to rely on public water supplies for their operations, often without regard for the environmental and social implications. Data from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that in 2020, the top 10 water-using companies in the United States alone consumed over 1.4 billion gallons of water daily, equivalent to the daily water usage of over 350,000 households. Companies such as Google, Amazon, and Facebook have been accused of wasting millions of gallons of water in their data centers, highlighting the urgent need for greater transparency and accountability in corporate water usage.

Major water bottling companies, including Nestle and Coca-Cola, have been criticized for their practices in water-scarce regions. In 2019, a report by the environmental organization Greenpeace revealed that Nestle was extracting over 500 million litres of water from the state of Michigan's aquifer, despite the company's claims of using only 100 million litres annually. Coca-Cola has faced similar accusations, with a report by the water conservation organization, Water.org, highlighting the company's use of millions of gallons of water in its bottling facilities worldwide. These revelations have sparked calls for greater regulation and oversight of corporate water usage, particularly in regions where water scarcity is already a pressing concern.

Relying on public water supplies for corporate operations has significant real-world implications for the Data Sources domain, particularly in regions where water scarcity is a pressing concern. The lack of transparency and accountability in corporate water usage can exacerbate existing water shortages, further straining already fragile water resources. Research communities and policymakers are calling for greater regulation and oversight of corporate water usage, as well as more comprehensive reporting and disclosure requirements. The absence of such measures can lead to a lack of trust in corporate environmental reporting, undermining the integrity of the data that informs decision-making in this critical domain.

The implications of this trend also extend to affected companies, which risk facing reputational damage and financial losses if their water usage is not managed more sustainably. A recent survey by the water management consulting firm, AECOM, found that 70% of consumers reported being more likely to switch to a company that prioritizes water conservation. Companies that fail to adopt more sustainable water practices risk losing customer loyalty and damaging their brand reputation, ultimately impacting their bottom line. As such, it is essential that companies prioritize transparency and accountability in their water usage, recognizing the critical role that data plays in driving this shift towards greater sustainability.

The issue of corporate water usage is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a broader pattern of environmental degradation and corporate irresponsibility. The 2019 UN Climate Action Summit in New York City highlighted the urgent need for greater action to address climate change, while the 2020 G7 Summit in France underscored the importance of sustainable development and environmental protection. The European Union's Water Framework Directive, adopted in 2000, requires member states to implement sustainable water management practices, including the use of public water supplies in a more responsible and sustainable manner. These efforts reflect a growing recognition of the critical role that water plays in driving economic growth, human well-being, and environmental sustainability.