30/09/09
Everyone in the community has a citizen's right to clean water. This is of a different order from consumer rights as normally understood. Yet the difference is scarcely recognised in the presentation and promotion of water services.
The Consumer Council for Water is aware of the problem and asks frequently why the industry does not do more to explain how its customers' money is used.
The answer is that a great deal is done, but the task is problematic because much of the work is undertaken for society, not for the consumer.
Water is not an individual service and not easily included in the popular definition of consumer interest.
Contact: Barrie Clarke
