This is the headwaters of the Sacramento River
where it bubbles out of the ground
at the base of the mountain. The water bubbles out of the ground
and tumbles over this first little cascade right here.
Locals and 'pilgrims' alike come to this spot and fill up their jugs.
This water is absolutely pure, and some believe
it provides spiritual energy and healing. The city water supply
taps into it with no need for filtration or purification.
Dannon and Crystal Geyser both have bottling plants
that tap into this source, and Nestle is building a bottling plant
on the other side of the mountain. The water starts on top of the mountain
then filters through the porous volcanic rocks
for an estimated 7,000 years before it bubbles out here.
I don't know how close that estimate is . . . but I do know
the spring never changes volume summer or winter, drought or flood,
so it is unaffected by recent weather conditions.