17 July 2008

Thames tap water tops tables

The annual report by the independent watchdog, the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), confirms that a record 99.98 per cent of 168,000 tests on samples taken from customers' taps in 2007 met national and European standards covering the safety, appearance and taste of drinking water.

In addition, Thames Water received the lowest rate of customer complaints about drinking water quality. 

The results come as increasing numbers of consumers are turning to tap water over concerns about the financial and environmental cost of bottled alternatives.

David Owens, Chief Executive of Thames Water said:

"Our drinking water is better than ever and we're rightly proud of it.

"Our research shows that our customers give the highest priority to the quality of their drinking water. These results - which have effectively been made possible through funding for additional investment from customers' bills - should reassure them that this is our top priority and will continue to be so.

"Our water treatment works are among the best in the world and our team of technicians and scientists are working 24-hours a day to maintain the highest standards. 

"Earlier this year we launched the London On Tap campaign to promote the serving of tap water in restaurants, bars and hotels. It's proving extremely popular and these results can only boost it".

Thames Water is making tap water accessible to people whilst out and about in London, as a cheaper and more environmental alternative to purchasing bottled water. Through the London on Tap campaign, Thames Water has challenged designers who are currently living, working or studying in London to design a stylish and sustainable glass water carafe for the capital's bars, cafes, restaurants and hotels to serve customers tap water.

Designers have until July 31 to submit their designs for a chance of winning the £5k prize and the opportunity to have their designs mass-manufactured to grace the tables of London's eating establishments and watering holes next year.

Expanding the London On Tap campaign, Thames Water is currently investigating the possibility of installing water dispensers at London's mainline rail stations, to provide commuters with chilled tap water.

The DWI report summarises water quality and other information provided by the 26 water companies in England and Wales for 2007. It measures how well water companies perform across over 40 different aspects of water quality including taste, odour and colour. The national level for overall compliance with national and European standards was 99.96 per cent. Thames Water’s previous drinking water quality results in 2005 were 99.95 per cent and 99.97 per cent in 2006.