12/06/08
The Scotsman newspaper (9 June) reported that bottled water sales had risen after a downward blip in April. It called on the water companies to promote the drinking of tap water. The following letter from the Water for Health Alliance was published in the Scotsman p27, June 11.
10 June 2008
Dear Sir
Fresh Water, Where?
A consumer’s decision to drink tap or bottled water (your report 9 June) relates to availability. Most of the time there is little or no choice. Look around and you will be hard-pressed to access cool, fresh tap water in public places such as airports, rail and bus stations, or shopping malls. Meantime bottle water is readily available to buy in almost every shop, bar and restaurant.
When drinking water is supplied for public consumption, it’s usually from an out-dated water fountain situated in the most unhygienic place possible – the toilet!
The way forward is for government, local councils and business to take the lead in making cool fresh tap water accessible in all public places.
Yours faithfully
Irene Hamilton
Water for Health Adviser
Water for Health Alliance
One Queen Anne’s Gate, London
