Drought is making natural mineral water both more popular and scarcer at the same time. The paradox is simple. A hot summer increases demand for cold drinks, but the same heat and lack of rainfall put pressure on springs and local water systems. For a soft drink, production can partly be relocated and the recipe adjusted. Natural mineral water is tied to a recognised source and composition. As a result, the location from which a brand derives its value also forms a production limit.

Heat Sells More Water and Simultaneously Limits the Source

In the French department of Gard, authorities reported in August that drought and heatwaves had significantly reduced the flow of watercourses. Around Vergèze, where Perrier is sourced, stricter drought measures were introduced. This does not prove that every production disruption is caused by drought. It does, however, show that a spring water company operates within the same limited water supply as other users. The French drought information for Gard distinguishes between warning, enhanced warning, and crisis levels.

The Cost Is Not Borne by Shareholders Alone

Consumers feel the impact most clearly through the price per litre. As an example, take twelve litres per week at €0.75 per litre of bottled water, including VAT. That amounts to 624 litres and a gross annual cost of €468. Assuming a tap water price of €0.002 per litre, the same amount would cost approximately €1.25. The additional expense is therefore €466.75 per year, averaging €38.90 per month. Deposit charges, cooling, filters, transport, and fixed water charges are excluded from this simplified calculation.

Source: DeBelegger.nl, 29 September 2026

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