EMPLOYEES at Northumbrian Water Group will be drinking nothing but water this January to raise money for WaterAid.

The water company's employees are taking part in the charity's Just Water challenge.

The money raised will help the charity to provide clean water and decent toilets to people who don't have access to them.

Northumbrian Water Group have raised over £10 million for WaterAid since the charity's inception in 1981.

Earlier this year, the group organised 40 different fundraising challenges, from hiking 40km to planting 40 trees, that ran for 40 days to mark WaterAid's 40th anniversary.

In November, WaterAid launched its Thirst for Knowledge appeal, which is aiming to help bring clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene to communities in Nepal and around the world.

The UK government are matching public donations made between November 16, 2021 and February 15, 2022 up to £2 million, helping bring the vital facilities to 28,000 people and 30 schools in the Bardiya district of Nepal.

The money raised for Just Water will count as a donation to their Thirst for Knowledge appeal.

Louise Hunter, Corporate Affairs Director at Northumbrian Water and Chair of Northumbrian WaterAid Committee, said: "We are extremely proud to continue supporting WaterAid's fundraising efforts and are looking forward to starting the new year with this exciting challenge.

"Keeping hydrated is really important, however, access to clean water is something many of us take for granted and unfortunately, too many people still do not have access to clean drinking water. We want to make a difference, that's why we're committed to supporting WaterAid's target to bring this water crisis to an end by 2030.

"I am incredibly proud of our ongoing fundraising efforts, and so far, we have raised over £10 million! There is still more work to be done, so let's keep going and make a difference together."

Corinne Stone, WaterAid's Senior Community and Events Fundraising Officer, said: "Just Water is now in its eighth year! We are so grateful to Northumbrian Water Group for taking part to help transform lives in Nepal and globally.

"We're hoping to raise over £40,000 for our Thirst for Knowledge appeal."

Across the world, 771 million people live without clean water close to home.

To sign up to Just Water this January, visit www.wateraid.org/justwater