This summer, thirsty residents are being dared to take the tap water challenge and rediscover the taste of clean, fresh tap water.

Part of a new campaign to help save money, waste and energy, Dorset councils are calling for local people to turn back to the tap. Recycling teams will be out and about making a splash at events across the county promoting the benefits of ditching bottled water in favour of filling up from the tap.

Most people cannot taste the difference between bottled and tap water, so local residents are being challenged to see whether they can. Those that guess correctly could receive a free refillable water bottle.

The campaign is designed to help promote reduce, reuse and recycling messages to young people and families across the county throughout July and August.

Dorset Reduction and Recycling Group Chairman Marten Gregory said:

"People lead busy lifestyles and so it's easy to grab a bottle of water when you're on the go, but tap water tastes just as good and it's much better for the environment. It's safe, has a low carbon footprint, and generates no packaging waste.

"It is also very cheap - less than a penny per litre – so at a time when people may be looking to tighten their purse strings, it makes sense to save money and to reduce the carbon footprint by choosing tap over bottled water.

"So whether on the beach, playing sport or enjoying a Barbie this summer, we're encouraging residents to quench their thirst by using a refillable water bottle. It is also handy to keep a jug of tap water chilling in the fridge for warm summer days."

Tap water challenge roadshows will be taking place throughout the county, visit our waste roadshows and events page or the Recycle for Dorset blog to find out where.

The campaign is organised by the Dorset Reduction and Recycling Group and includes Christchurch Borough Council, Dorset County Council, North Dorset District Council, Purbeck District Council, West Dorset District Council and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.