CLF Reaches Settlement with Patriot Beverages to Protect Local Waters

November 12, 2025

by Ravi | November 12, 2025 | Conservation Law Foundation

Mill Pond on a fall day
Photo Credit: Shutterstock

November 12, 2025 (Boston, MA)—Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) and Patriot Beverages, a beverage manufacturing and bottling company, have settled a lawsuit over violations of the Clean Water Act. Patriot Beverages primarily manufactures and bottles flavored waters and teas, like Propel Water, Gatorade, and Pure Leaf Tea. Wastewater and stormwater discharges from the company’s Littleton facility were polluting Reedy Meadow Brook and Mill Pond with toxic chemicals and heavy metals like aluminum and phosphorus.

“This resolution sends a clear message that companies must take responsibility for the pollution they cause,” said Ameya Gehi, staff attorney at CLF. “By holding Patriot Beverages accountable and ensuring they implement meaningful reforms, we’re protecting the communities and ecosystems that rely on clean water.”

The settlement stipulates that Patriot Beverages must upgrade equipment to maximize removal of pollutants from its discharges and improve water sample testing. In addition, the company will pay $385,000 to OARS 3 Rivers and $100,000 to the Nashobah Praying Indians to fund a water quality and nutrient monitoring project.

“This funding allows OARS 3 Rivers to launch a science-based monitoring effort in a region of the watershed that urgently needs attention,” said Matt Brown, executive director of OARS. “We’re excited to expand our work into new communities, engage local volunteers in the science, and provide the kind of data and outreach that lead to real, lasting solutions. We’re deeply grateful to CLF for recognizing the importance of this work.”

Added Sagamore Strong Medicine Bear of the Nashobah Praying Indians: “As descendants of the original stewards of these lands, we are honored to collaborate with OARS in protecting and preserving our waterways—a vital resource that sustains all life on Earth. We are deeply grateful to CLF for connecting us with OARS and for emphasizing the shared responsibility we all have in ensuring access to clean water, promoting environmental preservation, and educating our communities about sustainable water management.”

The company’s wastewater and stormwater discharges also include dangerously high pH levels and high temperatures. The toxic pollutants that flow from the company’s site directly into nearby waterbodies cause poor water quality and harm natural ecosystems and wildlife.

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River Log

~30%

of the SuAsCo rivers watershed is wetlands, crucial for wildlife habitat and water quality

~30%

of water samples in the SuAsCo rivers watershed contain PFAS, leading to increased monitoring and remediation by local authorities and environmental groups

~70%

of dams in the SuAsCo watershed are over a century old, requiring extensive upkeep and presenting obstacles to river restoration and fish passage

>40%

of the land within the watershed is publicly accessible, offering recreational opportunities such as hiking, boating, and birdwatching to the community

~15%

of the land in the SuAsCo rivers watershed is covered by impervious surfaces such as roads, rooftops, and parking lots. This contributes to stormwater runoff and water pollution issues

>40%

of the land within the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord rivers watershed is publicly accessible, providing endless opportunities for paddling, hiking, and wildlife exploration.

CLF Reaches Settlement with Patriot Beverages to Protect Local Waters

Funds from beverage manufacturer will lead to $485,000 to fund water quality monitoring in community