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Nestle water bottling in desert? Not a mirage

Posted at 3:43 PM, May 20, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-20 19:01:20-04
A water bottling business in the desert?
 
Doesn't seem like a sound business plan.
 
But Nestle Waters plans to spend $35 million to re-purpose a west Phoenix warehouse at 43rd Avenue and Buckeye Road.
 
According to CNN, the plant is projected to use almost 35 million gallons to fill 264 million half-liter bottles in its first year, though the U.S. drought monitor lists Phoenix and most of Arizona under moderate drought.
 
But city officials said there's no reason for concern. The City of Phoenix Water Services Department released a statement saying:
 
Phoenix is emerging in the new economy with strength in high technology, manufacturing, bioscience research and advanced business services. Phoenix’s water supply is sound and sustainable as a result of multiple water sources and a logical, methodical approach to supply planning, infrastructure management, conservation, and drought preparation. Because of our innovative water supply planning efforts, Phoenix is able to welcome major industrial and manufacturing customers, like Nestle, to the Valley of the Sun and the high-wage jobs that come with them.
 
The statement went on to say Phoenix uses only around half of its Salt and Verde River water supplies, and around two-thirds of its Colorado River water supplies. 
 
According to the city, the plant will create approximately 40 to 50 jobs in the first phase. Nestle said by the third year of operating, there may be 100 workers.  City Water Services spokesperson Stephanie Bracken said Nestle will be paying the standard city water rate that all residential, commercial, and multi-family Phoenix Water customers pay.
 
It's expected to open early 2017.