I WOULD like to clarify an article which appeared on September 7, headlined Tap water advice, in which it was incorrectly reported that I said tap water is free.

Water may fall free from the sky but it still needs to be captured, treated, piped to homes and returned safely to the environment.

The point I made was that tap water is better for children - and better for parents' pockets as well. Experts found that children concentrated better in lessons and did better in exams if they drank more water during the day.

Our message to parents in Bolton is that tap water is not only good value, but the best option for youngsters.

Frank White

Head of water quality

United Utilities