This summer, the world reached peak temperatures with the hottest month on record and a series of unprecedented heatwaves sweeping EU countries. Hotter than ever summers underline the vital urgency of adequate hydration.

To highlight the actions undertaken by public water operators in Europe, during heatwaves and throughout the year, for access to water, the European association of public water operators, Aqua Publica Europea, launches today ‘Untapped: promoting tap water in Europe’, a collection of initiatives to promote and support the consumption of tap water. Tap water is an excellent beverage option. Stringent requirements set in EU legislation, and 99% compliance, ensure its quality.

Costing an average of about €2 for a year’s drinking supply, it is an affordable option, at least fifty times cheaper than bottled water. The ecological footprint is also low as it does not produce single-use plastic waste and does not require any greenhouse gas-generating ground or air transport. In other words, tap water is an alternative available 24 hours a day, delivered directly to us and good for our health, our finances and the planet.