THE MEN-backed Tap Into Water campaign took centre stage at a major climate change conference in Manchester.

Delegates from 125 north-west businesses attended the May Day Summit, hosted by Prince Charles, to encourage businesses to work together to reduce their carbon footprints.

Chris Matthews from United Utilities told business leaders about the benefits of turning to tap water. The company also launched a booklet detailing how businesses have tried to reduce their carbon footprints.

And Mr Matthews made sure there was a plentiful supply of Manchester's finest tap water to drink, rather than expensive bottled versions. He presented every delegate with a glass water dispenser, which can be used for serving tap water in board meetings.

All the delegates were asked to commit to further action on climate change, including measuring and reducing their carbon footprints.

Mr Matthews said: "Reducing your carbon footprint is not a threat to business, it can be a positive thing. It's good for employees to get involved in thinking about how to make a difference as well."

Carbon footprint

Mr Matthews highlighted how individuals can contribute. He said: "Every time we turn on the tap we create a carbon footprint. Even if we use the shower for 30 seconds less, this will reduce that footprint. It's about showing people the link between water and carbon."

The Tap Into Water campaign encourages people to choose tap water because three billion bottles are thrown away in the UK each year, it cuts energy wasted on transporting bottles and cuts costs for individuals and businesses.

Mr Matthews added: "If it's the portability people are worried about, you can carry your own bottle and fill it up with tap water. Yesterday we gave away 2,000 reusable plastic bottles from our Tap Into Water tent in the city centre."

May Day Summits were held across the country, with a hub event in London broadcast live to 1,550 business leaders.