A controversial water bottling plant in Christchurch that's gearing up to send billions of litres of water to China is now facing legal proceedings.

The group Aotearoa Water Action is trying to overturn Environment Canterbury consents granted to Chinese-owned company Cloud Ocean Water and neighbouring plant Papaki Natural Resources.

The consents allow for the extraction of more than 24 million litres of water per day from the bores on site and a new bore that is 170m deep.

Those challenging the consents say Environment Canterbury officials bent the law and they're seeking a judicial review.