#United States #California #Primo Brands #River Partners

Primo Brands Collaborates with River Partners for Ecological Restoration

Primo Brands Corporation, a notable beverage company recognized for its commitment to responsible water management, is embarking on a significant initiative aimed at revitalizing waterways in California. In partnership with River Partners, a nonprofit organization focused on river restoration, the project targets the crucial ecosystems surrounding the Sacramento and Feather rivers.

A Vision for Sustainable Water Stewardship

With the growing concerns surrounding water scarcity and environmental degradation, Primo Brands has pledged substantial financial support for the restoration of nearly 1,000 acres of floodplain sites over the next three years. This ambitious effort is expected to produce approximately 50,000 acre-feet—or over 16 billion gallons—of volumetric water benefits (VWBs) on an annual basis. To put this in perspective, such an amount is sufficient to meet the annual water needs of about 500,000 Californians.

Enhancing Biodiversity and Community Resilience

The initiative focuses not only on increasing water supply resilience but also on enhancing biodiversity within the region. Specifically, the restoration will support habitats for wildlife, improve flood safety, and provide Indigenous communities with renewed access to culturally significant natural resources. This project exemplifies the modern approach to corporate water stewardship.

Charles Fogg, Chief Sustainability Officer at Primo Brands, stated, "Our mission is to Hydrate a Healthy America™. This collaboration allows us to support our goal of replenishing all water used or displaced by our operations in priority watersheds facing shared water challenges."

Key Objectives of the Project

Here are some of the essential goals of this collaborative effort:

• - Restoration of Floodplain Habitats: The initiative aims to restore nearly 1,000 acres along the Sacramento and Feather rivers—home to critical biodiversity and integral to California’s water systems.
• - Groundwater Recharge Improvement: Reconnecting rivers to their floodplains will enhance groundwater recharge, contributing to the overall health of the water supply.
• - Wildlife Habitat Expansion: The project will also create better rearing and spawning habitats for endangered species such as salmon, thereby ensuring a rich biodiversity.

Positive Impact on Local Communities

River Partners, with its vast experience in large-scale restoration projects across California, will lead the initiative. Julie Rentner, President of River Partners, emphasized the urgency of investing in California's rivers: "The Sacramento and Feather rivers are essential not only for water supply but also for thriving communities and unique wildlife. This partnership will not only generate tangible water outcomes but will also promote the conservation of species and enhance outdoor access for the health benefits of the surrounding communities."

Setting a Precedent for Future Initiatives

Primo Brands’ investment underscores a commitment to sustainable practices and innovation in tackling water supply challenges. This collaborative project serves as a model of how private and public organizations can work together to address pressing environmental issues. By taking a nature-based approach, they aim to create scalable and replicable solutions to safeguard California's water supplies for future generations.

About Primo Brands and River Partners

Primo Brands is a leading branded beverage company in North America, focusing on healthy hydration solutions and responsible water sourcing. They manage a portfolio of recognizable water and beverage brands, ensuring that safe drinking water remains accessible to all.

River Partners, established in 1998, leverages ecological restoration as a means of enhancing California’s environment and communities. Their extensive experience in restoring river landscapes positions them uniquely to lead this project effectively.

Through this partnership, both organizations are paving the way for sustainable practices that could inspire similar efforts across the country, demonstrating the effectiveness of collaboration to tackle the critical issue of water scarcity while also revitalizing essential ecosystems.