Tapping into a vital resource

Mar 22 2008 by Jule Wilson, The Journal

A SENIOR Government minister has backed a regional campaign to help the world’s poorest people.

Phil Woolas, Minister for the Environment, is supporting the Northumbrian Water campaign to encourage more people to drink tap water as opposed to bottled mineral water, and raise money for a charity in the process.

The campaign Drink tap – save lives aims to remind people that in this country we have safe drinking water, unlike some developing countries worldwide.

And the minister is urging North East restaurants, cafes and bars to pledge their support for the campaign by ditching bottled water.

Today is World Water Day and customers dining at participating restaurants who choose to drink tap water will be encouraged to make a donation to WaterAid, Northumbrian Water’s adopted charity.

Mr Woolas said: “In this country we have access to an excellent standard of drinking water at the turn of a tap, so it’s easy to forget that this is not the case for many people in other parts of the world.

“That’s why initiatives like this campaign are so important. Not only do they raise awareness that many are still lacking access to drinking water, they reinforce what a precious resource water is – even in this country.”

Northumbrian Water’s Alison Mosquera said: “Restaurants, cafes and bars from right across the region have signed up to the campaign and we hope more will take this opportunity to help save lives and give people hope and a future.

“Access to safe water and sanitation is a basic human right and it doesn’t cost much to make a real difference. Just £15 is enough to provide a child in Africa and Asia with a lasting supply of clean, safe water, effective sanitation and hygiene education for life.”

The Consumer Council for Water, which represents customers of water and sewerage companies in England and Wales, is also supporting the campaign.