Water - World news, culture and opinion

The mystery of the Green River's 'uphill flow' in the American West has been solved after 150 years

A young researcher from the University of Glasgow has offered an explanation for a geological anomaly that has puzzled scientists since the 19th century.

Published on April 2, 2026, at 6:05 am (Paris), updated on April 2, 2026, at 10:51 am Maryline Baumard

In Depth

Pesticides, pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals found everywhere in seawater

The analysis of more than 2,300 samples collected worldwide highlights the persistence of chemical compounds from agriculture, pharmaceuticals and industry in the ocean, sometimes at very high levels.

Published on March 22, 2026, at 12:40 pm (Paris) Sylvie Burnouf

In Depth

Polluted drinking water takes center stage in Denmark's election campaign

The presence of nitrates and pesticides in drinking water catchment sites and groundwater has become a major concern for Danes, who are also questioning the environmental impact of industrial pig farming. Bans on certain treatments are now under consideration.

Published on March 22, 2026, at 10:23 am (Paris) Anne-Françoise Hivert

Feature

2026 Winter Olympics: Artificial snow takes a toll on the environment

The Milan Cortina Olympic Games are no exception: Artificial snowmaking will be used almost everywhere. This technology, which requires large amounts of water and energy, has led to major infrastructure changes that have been criticized by environmental advocates and scientists.

Published on February 4, 2026, at 4:53 am (Paris), updated on February 4, 2026, at 8:09 am Maryline Baumard

News

Perrier: Nestlé allowed to continue natural mineral water production despite recent contamination incidents

French authorities issued on Friday a decree authorizing the Swiss multinational to operate the Perrier springs in Vergèze, southern France.

Published on December 19, 2025, at 4:48 pm (Paris) Stéphane Mandard

Investigation

Mineral water fraud: Nestlé sued for €1.6 billion over 'unfair competition'

Le Monde has learned that Nestlé Waters is being sued by its competitor Bonneval Emergence, which is demanding that Perrier, Vittel, Contrex and Hépar waters be withdrawn from the market.

Published on December 17, 2025, at 11:07 am (Paris) Stéphane Mandard

News

A Perrier plant shuts down after malfunction at its wastewater treatment facility

The prefecture of Gard sent a formal notice letter to Nestlé on December 10, giving the company eight days to comply or face a fine or the suspension of its operations.

Published on December 12, 2025, at 11:51 pm (Paris), updated on December 13, 2025, at 10:49 am Stéphane Mandard

News

PFAS: France's tap water is widely polluted with TFA, the most common 'forever chemical'

A French state health agency analyzed over 600 samples of drinking water. 92% of them contained traces of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), the smallest PFAS molecule, which is suspected to be toxic.

Published on December 4, 2025, at 12:30 pm (Paris) Stéphane Mandard Stéphane Foucart

News

Mineral water scandal: Nestlé says it removed illegal filters, but must still prove Perrier is pure

Nestlé claimed it complied with the law by removing filtration devices at its southern France site, but has not yet provided evidence that Perrier springs can produce water that meets the natural mineral water criteria.

Published on July 4, 2025, at 3:18 pm (Paris), updated on July 4, 2025, at 6:48 pm Stéphane Mandard

News

Scientists set out to inspect 200,000 barrels of radioactive waste at the bottom of the Atlantic

Scientists from various disciplines are spending a month at sea to locate these barrels, which were submerged between 1950 and 1990, and to assess their impact on marine biodiversity.

Published on May 29, 2025, at 3:09 am (Paris), updated on July 4, 2025, at 10:39 am Perrine Mouterde

In Depth

What causes the contaminations that led Nestlé to filter its Perrier water?

Nestlé filters water from its Vergèze source to address repeated incidents of chemical or fecal bacteria pollution. These contaminations might be linked to the over-exploitation of aquifers by the world's leading bottled water company.

Published on May 20, 2025, at 5:49 pm (Paris), updated on July 4, 2025, at 10:40 am Stéphane Mandard

News

Nestlé's fraud allegedly netted the industry giant over €500 million

According to a French Sénat inquiry commission, the global food giant profited from its illegal practices between 2022, when it was asked to put an end to them, and 2025.

Published on May 20, 2025, at 10:39 am (Paris), updated on July 4, 2025, at 10:40 am Stéphane Mandard

News

Paris to open three swimming sites in the Seine starting July 5

Free to access, the sites will be open to the public every day during Paris Plages, from July 5 to August 31. The City of Paris had to consider the constraints related to maintaining navigation activities.

Published on May 14, 2025, at 3:00 pm (Paris), updated on July 4, 2025, at 10:40 am Stéphane Mandard Emeline Cazi

News

Tension over water on the US-Mexico border

The Trump administration has refused to send water from the Colorado River to drought-stricken Tijuana. It is seeking to force the Mexican government to add more water into the Rio Bravo.

Published on March 29, 2025, at 1:24 am (Paris), updated on July 4, 2025, at 10:40 am Mathieu Tourliere

News

PFAS: France's drinking water is massively contaminated by 'forever chemicals,' including in Paris

Two separate campaigns conducted by the Eurofins laboratory and the UFC-Que Choisir and Générations Futures associations reveal high concentrations of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA).

Published on January 24, 2025, at 5:00 am (Paris), updated on July 4, 2025, at 10:41 am Raphaëlle Aubert, Stéphane Foucart, Stéphane Horel and Stéphane Mandard