We are talking about the government's proposed new laws to reform the regulation of the water industry. It's New Vision for Water. "Is it me, or is the 'new regulator' basically a glorified business manager with a remit to ensure the business runs smoothly and stays in profit?" These are not my words; they came from a member of the public who has seen straight through the slick, glossy brochure and recognises that, if this legislation is brought in, the consequences for our w

Tis the season to be jolly and the season of good will, but beware, it is also the sewage dumping season . This is the time of year when water companies discharge most of the untreated sewage they are unable to deal with, legally or illegally. Most of the time it is not this obvious. As this is entirely the responsibility of the senior management and owners of water companies, and not the fault of the employees who have to work with the consequences of underinvestment, we s

From a confidence in government point of view, can it get any worse than this? How would you get on without water from the tap or a...