THE people of the North-East would rather drink water from the tap than shelling out on designer bottled water.

Despite having a reputation as being full of chemicals and not as pure as bottled spring waters, it seems tap water is not only good for us but popular too.

The latest report on water standards in the region was published today and revealed both Northumbrian Water and Hartlepool Water are above the average national standard.

Drinking Water Inspector for the North-East Peter Jiggins said: "There has been a continued improvement in water quality and the few failures that are occurring are not a threat to public health."

The water companies' performances means tap water throughout the region can be favourably compared to bottled water according to Mr Jiggins.

He said: "We have done research which suggests five per cent of the population regularly have bottled water.

"We recognise this could because of taste and smell which are subjective.

"But what we would say is by putting tap water in the fridge over night its smell and taste can be altered. .

"Bottled water is no more good for you than tap water so people should take this and the cost implications into account when making their choices."

Armed with this knowledge The Northern Echo asked shoppers to take part in a taste test to see whether they preferred chilled tap water or something from a bottle.

Like most of those questioned Ann Watson from South Bank in Middlesbrough chose the tap water.

"I have bought bottled water before but it is an expensive way of buying it."

But according to Jo Jacobius (corr) the Director of the Natural Mineral Water Information Service bottled water is the fastest growing product in the soft drink industry with 945 million litres sold last year.

She said: "Lots of people are looking to turn to natural products but it's all down to personal choice.

"It's all to do with taste, lifestyle and convenience. It's really down to whether you like your water chemically clean or naturally clean."

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