Jerusalem: Bottled mineral water will no longer be served at ministerial meetings in Israel, as a government forum said cabinet ministers will now have to quench their thirst with plain tap water.
The Forum of Water Corporation said opting for tap water can save a lot of money.
"Beyond being a waste of public money, this habit displays a lack of trust in tap water, for which the government itself is responsible," Xinhua quoted forum chairman David Kochmeister as writing in a letter to Cabinet Secretary Tzvi Hauser.
Kochmeister described tap water as "clean, healthy and for which there is no impediment to drinking".
The ministers "must lead by example and exhibit faith in its institutions that work day in and out to ensure the supply of quality water to the citizens of the country”, he said.
Hauser, responsible for food and drink at cabinet meetings, agreed to the proposal. He, however, said the decision will not harm the nation`s mineral water industry.
Hauser had earlier changed the menu at ministerial meetings. He instituted a healthier menu of vegetables, fruits and yogurt, which replaced the more calorie-rich pastries.
IANS
