Turn on to tap water, urges chef

12/03/2008

A top chef and a North East MP are encouraging us all to drink tap water instead of bottled.

Terry Laybourne, the first chef from the region to win a Michelin star, is pledging to serve tap water in his Bistro 21 restaurant at Aykley Heads, Durham City.

In return, diners will be encouraged to make a donation to Water Aid which aims to provide clean water for some of the estimated one-billion people in the developing world who do not have access to it.

City of Durham MP Roberta Blackman-Woods is urging those who do not dine out to join in by drinking tap water at home and donate the savings to the charity.

"Tap water in the North East is perfectly nice to drink," said the MP. "It is so much cheaper than bottled water and better for the environment because it is not shipped in bottles on the road."

The campaign, called Drink Tap – Save Lives!, is backed by Northumbrian Water and was launched at Mr Laybourne's restaurant in Durham City.

He said: "I am passionate about excellent quality and I rely on it from my suppliers.

"Just like the local produce in my restaurants, North East tap water is local, fresh and of high quality.

"My restaurants could not function without it.

"We take it for granted that when we turn on the tap we get clean, safe, water.

"But for more than one-billion people in the developing world the reality is very different."

Alison Mosquera, based at Northumbrian Water's offices in Pity Me, Durham City, is co-ordinating the campaign.

She said: "We are hoping that restaurants, bars and cafes across the region will back us," she said.

"Access to safe water and sanitation are basic human rights that so many people elsewhere in the world do not enjoy.

"Just £15 is enough to provide one person with a lasting supply of clean, safe water.

"Choosing tap water rather than bottled is also an excellent way to reduce our impact on the environment."

Businesses wanting to know more about the campaign should contact Alison, tel. 301 6722, or email: alison.mosquera@nwl.co.uk

The full article contains 369 words and appears in n/a newspaper.Last Updated: 12 March 2008 1:32 PM

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