The Times view on France promoting tap water: Chateau du Robinet

Jul 26, 2023

Water, water, everywhere, moaned the Ancient Mariner, nor any drop to drink. The sentiment might as well come from a French matelot such is the national preference for wine over water. It now turns out, however, that the French are to be encouraged to turn on the tap to slake their thirst, even in posh restaurants where pricey Perrier and Badoit have long held sway.

The logic is clear. Local councils want to stop water wastage at a time when drought is hitting many southern regions of France. And it was high time to wean the French off their plastic-bottled water. Tap water, runs the new credo, is perfectly healthy, good for the wallet and good for the planet. The idea that tap water is