Poland Spring Water Contains ‘Dangerous’ Levels of Plastics, Class Action Alleges

One popular brand of bottled water contains more than just water, according to a new proposed class action lawsuit. 

New York consumer Jennifer Moore filed the lawsuit against BlueTriton Brands Inc on March 5 in a New York federal court, alleging its Poland Spring brand of bottled water is falsely advertised. 

Instead of containing “100% Natural Spring Water,” as the bottles advertise, Poland Spring contains “alarming levels” of synthetic chemicals called phthalates, as well as “dangerous levels” of microplastics, Moore claims.

Something in the water?

Moore’s lawsuit points to a recent investigation from Consumer Reports that reportedly found that Poland Spring contains harmful levels of phthalates. 

Phthalates are a synthetic chemical used as a plasticizer that increase the flexibility, transparency and longevity of plastic products, the lawsuit says.

It says studies have linked phthalates to health effects, including heart problems and hormone disruption. “There is currently no level of phthalates in food or beverages that is considered safe for consumption,” Moore states.

Microplastics also a contaminant, lawsuit alleges

Moore also alleges that every bottle of Poland Spring contains “dangerous levels of microplastics.”  

She says studies have found microplastic particles in over 90% of bottled water, and that exposure may be toxic and lead to numerous health problems, including heart problems, endocrine disruption, and chronic inflammation. 

Moore says BlueTriton has profited from advertising its water as “100% natural.” 

“A reasonable consumer purchases Poland Spring believing they are getting a bottle of nothing but spring water from nature. Reasonable consumers, however, would not deem Poland Spring to be 100% natural spring water if they knew that the water in each bottle contains phthalates and microplastics,” she alleges.

Bottled water companies under the microscope

The lawsuit comes on the heels of a similar class action about Fiji Water. 

In a proposed class action lawsuit filed against Fiji Water manufacturer The Wonderful Company on Feb. 14, Chicago resident John Daly says the bottled water also contains harmful microplastics that leak out of the plastic bottle.

Daly claims he and other consumers were misled by the company marketing the product as "natural artesian water.” 

Lawsuit demands ad campaign

Moore is looking to represent anyone in the United States who bought Poland Spring bottled water for their personal use. 

She’s suing for breach of express warranty, unjust enrichment, negligent misrepresentation, and violations of New York General Business Law.

The lawsuit seeks certification of the class action, damages, fees, costs and a jury trial. 

It’s also seeking an order forcing the company to run a "corrective advertising campaign,” that would expose what Moore says is really in the water. 

The plaintiff and proposed class are represented by Tina Wolfson and Bradley King of Ahdoot & Wolfson PC.

The Poland Spring Water class action lawsuit is Moore v. BlueTriton Brands Inc., Case No. 1:24-cv-01640, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.