Community Involvement is our passion!

Ozarka® Brand Natural Spring Water is proud to be part of the Nestlé Waters North America family of bottled water companies, who believe corporate responsibility is more than just good business – it's a bond we share with the communities in which we live and serve. We strive to be an exemplary corporate citizen, an active member and friend in the more than 100 communities where we have operations. When it comes to being a part of community spirit and during times of emergencies, the words in our Good Neighbor Policy really come to life.

Good Neighbor Policy

What does it mean to be a good neighbor? It means:

• Demonstrating integrity and accountability
• Working collaboratively and sharing our passion for a clean planet
• Supporting community development projects with product and financial donations, employment opportunities and participation in volunteer programs
• Helping in times of need

It means saying what we mean and doing what we say. These are our commitments and you can hold us to them. To us, this is what it means to be a good neighbor.

Ozarka has long been committed to being a good neighbor to the community and to the environment. Much more than words and promises, our actions in aid of the environment, community initiatives, and education all speak for themselves.

Respect, Renew, and Recycle

Groundwater is a renewable resource — one we must protect from contamination or overuse. We respect the rhythm of its natural cycles, taking only what Mother Nature will replenish and taking great care in managing our use of the resources to avoid harm to the environment.

Respecting these principles is not as difficult as it might sound... from reducing packaging, to engaging in ecologically sustainable water use practices, to investing in green buildings, we take environmental stewardship seriously. To learn more visit Nestlé Waters North America.

In an effort to reduce waste and care for our ecology, the Ozarka Water Company division of Nestlé Waters North America Inc. has instituted programs that decrease the amount of raw materials used in our bottling process. For example we've reduced the plastic resin in PET (the most easily recycled type of plastic) bottles by as much as 25%, and decreased the amount of corrugated cartons used in our packaging by 75%.

All of our bottles are recyclable, right down to the labels. Plus, our 3- and 5-gallon containers are returnable and can be washed, sanitized, and re-used up to 100 times over their four-year life-span.

Water use

Nestlé Waters worldwide uses just 0.0009 percent per year of the total estimated freshwater withdrawn around the world. This is a small percentage, considering that consumers are choosing bottled spring water more frequently as their choice for calorie-free, convenient refreshment. Consumers also rely upon bottled water if the public water supply becomes unavailable.

Caring in times of crisis

Nestlé Waters North America plays an active role in supporting organizations like the American Red Cross and sends water and other support to those affected by natural disasters. Learn more now about how Nestlé Waters North America joins forces with American Red Cross, with bottled water for emergency relief during times of crisis.

Being a good neighbor extends to future generations.

Across the country, Ozarka and Nestlé Waters North America are playing a prominent role in teaching today’s students to appreciate and conserve water with Project WET.

Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) is a nonprofit water education program and publisher for educators and young people ages 5-18. The program facilitates and promotes awareness, appreciation, knowledge and stewardship of water resources through classroom-ready teaching aids and the establishment of internationally sponsored Project WET programs.

Supporting your community

We are proud to be a corporate citizen you count on to pour on support for a variety of projects and programs. For all the particulars on how we're doing our part in your community and others, read on!

Local School Donations

Harmony High School - $2500 science scholarship
Hawkins High School - $2500 science scholarship
Huntsville High School - $2500 science scholarship
Eustace High School - $2500 science scholarship
Harmony ISD
Hawkins ISD
Eustace ISD
Huntsville ISD
Quitman ISD
Jarvis Christian College

Local Community Organizations

Donated Land/Property

Eustace Volunteer Fire Department

“Every Drop Counts” $10,000 Earth Science Scholarship

At Ozarka Spring Water, we are passionate about the importance of water education. We have joined efforts with groups like Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) to help bring new opportunities to Texas classrooms and raise awareness about water conservation, protection, and management. Now and in the future, Ozarka hopes to create new learning experiences for Texas students.

In 2002 Ozarka began the "Every Drop Counts" Earth Science Scholarship Fund to be awarded to Texas students who wish to pursue degrees in the Earth/Environmental Sciences. For 2009, the $30,000 fund is divided into six scholarship awards among two groups: four local $2500 scholarships for four high school seniors in our spring site school districts and two $10,000 statewide scholarships for two Texas residents pursuing higher education in the Earth/Environmental Sciences at any accredited four-year college or university.

Local high school seniors

In 2008-2009, the superintendents, principals and/or science coordinators of four independent school districts near our spring sites will each take nominations of high school seniors from teachers and select one qualified student to receive one "Every Drop Counts" $2,500 scholarship. Scholarships are merit-based and intended for qualified high school seniors who plan to enroll in a four year, not-for-profit, college or university program upon graduation.

Congratulations to Austin Driggers and Matt Neuman, Ozarka's $10,000 "Every Drop Counts" Scholarship Winners for 2008

Statewide scholarships

2009 information is currently available! In June 2009 Ozarka Spring Water will award two $10,000 scholarships to qualified students who are currently enrolled or planning to enroll in the Earth/Environmental Sciences program at a public or private, not-for-profit, four-year college or university program. Ozarka Spring Water will accept applications from United States citizens who are Texas residents with a minimum 3.0 grade point average. In addition, students must write an essay about why they are currently pursuing a degree in the Earth or Environmental Sciences, detailing course of study. Applications will be accepted until March 27, 2009 and scholarships will be awarded in June 2009.

Download a 2009 application and 2009 rules and regulations for the "Every Drop Counts" Earth Sciences Scholarship.

Feria Escolar

This event, which attracts nearly 20,000 school aged children and their parents from the Hispanic community, seeks to help out those families in need by handing out much needed school supplies such as paper, pencils, pens, markers, scissors, and crayons. Ozarka Spring Water Co., along with other national and local corporate and media organizations, work together every year to touch underprivileged children and their parents. The event solidifies our commitment to becoming a part of the Hispanic community.