Black, a retired attorney, purchased the mountain cabin about 10 years ago. The property, which is in the Pine Cove Water District right by the Idyllwild Water District boundary, included a natural spring on the bank of a creek. Water flows from a pipe protruding from the bank. Black did not consider selling the water until he and his wife, Betty, lived in the home for several years. His spring was approved by the state as a commercial water source and regularly is tested.
Water is stored in a tank with a float valve that shuts off the pipe when it is filled.
He sells a truck load or two each day. The trucks carry 6,000 to 7,000 gallons apiece. His water is mixed at plants with water from other springs and bottled. Black's water is sold under a variety of names that he is prohibited by contract from divulging. He would say that a grocery store is likely to stock at least a few of the brands.