UK water regulator Ofwat has appointed a new company to supply tap water services for only the second time since privatisation. Northamptonshire taps could now be flowing with water provided by Independent Water Networks, which is now licenced to supply to around 950 homes in the area. The many who favour tap water over its bottled cousin with its plastic packaging will be happy to hear that Ofwat regulations require that customers be charged no more than under previous supplier Anglian Water. Also required is the provision of a service of equal standard, meaning that the changeover should not disrupt tap user habits. Meanwhile, the water regulator is considering a similar change of supplier in the Kent area, with customer reactions currently being tested for a potential switch from Mid-Kent Water to South East Water. Recent times have seen an upsurge in support for using tap water over bottled mineral alternatives, with taps hailed as a cheap and environmentally-friendly way of consuming water.