Water is an invaluable resource for life on earth. It’s necessary for food production, for the environment and for basic human survival.

As population rates increase and the climate is steadily changing, the scarcity of water has caused it to be sold as a commodity.

Nestlé, a water bottling corporation, strives for access to public water in small towns. If Nestlé gains access, they will be able to sell the water for a profit.

In the case of Cascade Locks, Oregon, Nestlé has desired to create a water bottling facility along the Columbia River. This location is apart of the Treaty of 1855 with Native people, and belongs to a Sovereign Nation.

In result, the Keep Nestle Out of the Gorge Coalition won a legal battle and passed a measure to ban all future commercial water bottling operations in the county.

However, the battle continues as the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is still moving forward with a water exchange application. This will enable the state to make water available to Nestlé, and will enable a transfer the water rights from the Sovereign Nation.

The From Tap to Profit documentary follows the story of the organizations within the coalition, and why they feel so strongly towards the importance of clean drinking water.