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Building momentum
Water quality top for third year running
Thames Water’s tap water is the best of all the major water companies in England and Wales for the third year running, the Government’s quality control watchdog confirmed today.
The company’s 8.7m water customers in London and the Thames Valley received water in 2009 that was 99.98% compliant with official standards, the Drinking Water Inspectorate said in its latest annual report. The average compliance figure for the industry was 99.95%.
Martin Baggs, Thames Water’s chief executive, said:
“We’re really proud that, for the third year running, our customers in London and the Thames Valley have been drinking the best tap water of all major water companies in England and Wales.
“Two years after launching our London On Tap campaign, we’re also really pleased that more Londoners than ever are now choosing to order our top-quality tap water in bars and restaurants in the capital.”
He added: “We supply 2.6bn litres of water a day, 365 days a year. That’s more than a tonne of water (over 1,000 litres) a week to each of our 8.7m water customers - all for a tenth of a penny per litre, 500 times less than bottled water.”
The company shared top spot in this year’s water quality rankings with South West Water, who also achieved 99.98% compliance.
Ends
Notes to editors:
- The London On Tap (LOT) campaign, launched in February 2008, is a collaboration between Thames Water and the Mayor of London to promote the serving of free tap water in London’s restaurants, bars and hotels.
- LOT has won support from celebrity chefs, environmental groups, and even the House of Lords, with thousands of restaurants and bars pledging their support.
- Follow Tap Top on Twitter – www.twitter.com/taptops – and www.twitter.com/thameswater - and let us know if you visit a restaurant serving free tap water by using this hashtag: #freetapwater.
London insurance switches from bottle to tap
Barbican Insurance becomes the first insurance company to support London On Tap.
Barbican Insurance is proud to be backing the London On Tap campaign, and particularly proud to be the first insurance company to do so.
David Reeves, Barbican Chief Executive Officer said:
"Our corporate culture is strongly ethical. We believe that as well as complying with the strict legal and regulatory framework governing our business, we have a responsibility to the community and to the environment. The London On Tap campaign offers a simple but effective way to make a positive difference."
Barbican was impressed by not only the facts and figures behind London On Tap, but by the flair of the campaign.
London On Tap's exclusive carafes were a particular attraction and Barbican have had a set engraved with their logo.
Ian Jones Barbican's Director of Marketing & Communications said:
"It certainly struck a chord. Our own philosophy is one of imaginative and striking initiatives, so we're natural partners. It's just great to be able to put these elegant carafes on the table, instead of common or garden - and environmentally unfriendly - bottled water."
To complement the carafes and to promote the London On Tap message, Barbican have also produced drinks coasters proclaiming their support for the campaign.
Previous press releases
Ten thousand water carafes are being given out to restaurants, MPs, businesses and community groups in London.
Thames Water’s London On Tap campaign has seen off stiff competition to win a prestigious national award in the same week the company was rated as a ‘top performer’ for its water quality.
Thames tap water is the best in its class according to the Government’s official quality control watchdog.
The campaign wins one of the UK’s most influential, independent, peer-assessed corporate responsibility awards
London's very own tap water carafe - 'Tap Top' - went on sale today.
Boris Johnson and Thames Water unveil London’s water carafe
Ten shortlisted designs are unveiled by London On Tap campaign
Thames Water to award £5,000 prize to winning entrant
Thames Water and Mayor of London launch new campaign to promote tap water in London's restaurants, cafes and pubs.
Celebrity chef Aldo Zilli has lent his support for the London On Tap campaign, banning the sale of bottled water in his restaurants.
Downloading logos
Logos for London On Tap and Thames Water are available to download from this site.
Please note that these logos are for press and editorial use ONLY.
No unauthorised use of these marks for commercial or promotional purposes is permitted.
For further information please contact: amy.dutton@thameswater.co.uk
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