29/04/09
Water UK chief executive Pamela Taylor on the meaning of sustainable water services, at the 2009 CIWEM Annual Conference.
There are lots of definitions and interpretations of sustainability, including:
1. Getting the essentials right
2. Putting people at the heart of what we do
3. Working in partnership
4. Preparing for the challenges ahead
"Water and wastewater services is really about enhancing public health and improving the natural environment. In the UK, we take this for granted, but access to basic services is as we know still a shocking challenge in many parts of the world.
"Water companies face different challenges because of differences in the climate and geography of their catchments, the condition of their networks, and the communities they serve. So the needs for investment and the impact on bills is also different. There is no 'one-size-fits-all' blueprint for a secure water supply or clean environment. The connecting factor between customers and investors is that both want the same thing – long-term certainty.
"Understanding behaviour and driving behaviour change is key – behaviour of businesses, governments, regulators, other organisations, individuals. In Australia, every child learns the value of water from an early age. We should be doing the same here."
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