By Associated Press, originally posted on November 18, 2016

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Environmental groups will appeal a ruling that allows Nestle to pipe and bottle millions of gallons of water from the San Bernardino National Forest.

The San Bernardino Sun newspaper reported Thursday that three groups have given notice that they’ll appeal September’s federal ruling.

A U.S. Forest Service permit to remove the water expired in 1988. A judge found that the permit remains in force because Nestle had sought a permit renewal – even though the Forest Service never responded.

The Center for Biological Diversity and two other groups sued the government last year. They argue that with California suffering years of drought, the public water must be protected.

The groups have until May 1 to file the appeal.

Nestle spokesman Chris Rieck says the company would welcome an appellate review.