One of Britain’s biggest universities has become the first in the country to ban bottled water from all of their shops, bars and cafes.

Over 4000 students at Leeds University voted for plastic water bottles to be phased out by the end of 2010, allowing campus shops to absorb the loss of their biggest selling product.

More than 200,000 bottles of still water were sold throughout the university in the past year, creating profits of over £32,000.

Tom Salmon of Leeds University Union said, “It’s a measure of concern about the environment; putting sustainability before profit.

“We’re going to pull bottled water off the shelves by 2010 and bring in new lines of affordable, reusable water bottles instead.”

Leeds SU, one of the largest single drinking venues in the UK, will install free water fountains throughout the campus and at student residences.

An advertising campaign will also be introduced to promote the benefits of tap water, similar to Yorkshire water’s campaign three years ago which carried the slogan “Yorkshire water – ask for it by name.”

The landmark decision follows the University’s choice last year to ban plastic bags, in favour of paper bags or reusable cotton bags.

A university spokesman said, “It’s pleasing that our students are taking practical steps to address issues of environmental sustainability. The university will give consideration to this issue in due course.”  However, the National Hydration Council called the decision “a shame, removing the right to choose.”

Tom Salmon acknowledged the ban was the first of its kind at a British university and that Leeds University authorities had been notified. He added, “There are no plans at the moment to press for the ban to apply to other university outlets apart from ours, but union executives will be meeting the vice-chancellor soon and they are certain to discuss it.”

Sales of bottled water nationally have risen rapidly in the past decade and the market now accounts for 5% of all drinks purchased.