Water company taps into good cause

25/03/2008

Northumbrian Water is calling on diners to turn their drinks into donations to a campaign to help some of the world's poorest people.

The water company's Drink Tap – Save Lives campaign encourages customers at participating restaurants to drink tap water and make a donation to Water Aid.

The campaign has already won the backing of Environment minister Phil Woolas, who is calling on restaurants, cafes and bars in Sunderland and across the North East to sign up.

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."

WaterAid is an international organisation which aims to overcome poverty by enabling the world's poorest people to gain access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education.

The Consumer Council for Water (CCWater), which represents customers of water and sewage companies, is also supporting Northumbrian Water's campaign, which started at the weekend.

Andrea Cook, chairwoman of CCWater Northern, said: "We welcome initiatives which give customers the option to drink tap water.

"Tap water in England and Wales is safe, stringently tested and at record quality levels and we encourage customers to speak up and ask for it.

"WaterAid supports projects for people who don't have this choice. I hope that those visiting participating restaurants will remember this and give generously."

Water Aid is Northumbrian Water's chosen charity, with staff, customers and suppliers raising £2million for the cause since 1996.

And Alison Mosquera from Northumbrian Water hopes the new campaign will give an even bigger boost to the charity's coffers.

She 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 are basic human rights 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."

One of the first businesses to sign up to the scheme is Bistro Romano in Cleadon Village, but Northumbrian Water wants to see more sign up across Wearside.

Restaurants, cafes and bars can sign up to the campaign or find out more by contacting Alison Mosquera, tel. 0191 301 6722 or at alison.mosquera@nwl.co.uk

The full article contains 459 words and appears in n/a newspaper.Last Updated: 25 March 2008 3:10 PM