Millions of people prefer to open a bottle of water rather than turn on a tap, a study has shown.
Despite a cost of living crisis, the average adult drinks almost a litre of bottled water every week. Researchers point to a growing perception that spring water is healthier, less processed and better tasting than that from the reservoirs.
Mintel, the retail analysis company, says about one in six people (17 per cent) drink plain, still water every day. It forecasts that the value of bottled water sales will increase by more than 20 per cent to reach £2.3 billion in 2026, despite environmental concerns over the use of plastic.
Emma Clifford, an associate director at Mintel, said: “The popularity of bottled water has endured
