Robin the Waterman
helps out in a crisis...

Many of us no longer hear the clink of milk-bottles being delivered by the milkman in the morning, but for customers across South Devon it’s replaced by the sound of Robin the Waterman on his rounds.

Local Ivybridge businessman, Robin Hemmings started with the idea six years ago, of delivering local Devon Spring water direct to people’s doorsteps to save them the hassle and aggravation of carrying heavy bottles of water back from the supermarket. He now regularly delivers 3,000 litres a week to householders and businesses across South Devon in his distinctive Waterman van and is now extending his service.

Robin explains, “More and more people are recognising the benefits of drinking plenty of water and there’s increasing evidence that it can help with problems such as weight control, irritability and depression, tiredness and lack of concentration. I think what really appeals about the service though, is that customers can have pure, fresh, quality drinking water delivered direct to their door and because of this they are encouraged to drink more which has a positive effect on their health!”

The Waterman’s water is delivered in either 5 Litre reusable bottles for smaller quantities, or 13,15, and 19 litre sized containers which are ideal for families and can be used with a special porcelain dispenser and tap, making it easy enough even for children to help themselves. But it’s not just the convenience factor or the great tasting water that Robin believes is appealing to customers. It’s the water’s green credentials too.

“Most water on sale in the shops has been transported many miles across the UK” Robin explains “or even from other countries. This produces vast quantities of CO2. Of course we all want to drink pure water and be healthy, but purchasing bottled water from the supermarkets is unsustainable and our environment is suffering because of this. Reusing is better than recycling. Most bottled water is sold in containers made from PET plastic. According to a recent article in The Times, only 10% of this plastic gets recycled and the majority ends up in a landfill site, where it takes about 450 years to break down. We use containers made of polycarbonate, which can be used time and time again. This also helps the business be more efficient and keeps the cost of the product down. And because we deliver water from a local source to local areas, we’re saving on ‘water miles’ too. Running the Waterman van on a bio-diesel mix which helps to keep the transport environmentally friendly, providing a much ‘greener’ way for people to enjoy their drinking water.”

With the summer’s predicted water shortages coming up and the thought of possibly having to collect your drinking water from a standpipe, Robin the Waterman is encouraging householders and businesses in South Devon to give the Waterman service a free trial. Robin adds, “The milkman might be slowly dying out, but The Waterman service just gets more and more popular. I enjoy delivering the water and have got to know some of my customers really well. If they are running short on water or need some extra, they just have to give me a call and I’ll arrange a delivery as soon as possible – it’s all part of the service!”

For a limited period Robin is offering a free 5 litre sample, plus a free health information leaflet to households receiving a copy of Connect Magazine in South Devon. Call 01752 895381 to arrange delivery.