The Characteristic Decline Of Standards In Public Services When Privatised.

[Canary42]

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/carry-boiling-water-warning-thousands-lancashire-091313761.html#e76BpeW

Profits before people as usual.

[fiction-factory]

I don't see the connection, sorry.

[New Judge]

So this would not have happened then had the water industry not been privatised?

[Mamyalynne]

Nor do I - it is vital that the water is totally clear of any traces before restrictions are lifted.

Had there not been good monitoring in place this would not have been picked up so early.

[Mosaic]

In fairness, problems with water quality also happened before privatisaation.
What's been annoying about this is the absence of speedy information to homes. Some areas have been leafleted this afternoon - the outbreaks been going on for days.
I think an e-petition asking for discounted water bills is in order, in view of poor service.

[ummmm]

How could it have been prevented?

[fiction-factory]

http://www.theguardian.com/uk/camelford-water-poisoning
Britain's worst water poisoning incident occurred in 1988.
Was that before or after privatisation?

[emeritus]

Your heading is in a nutshell relating to the water industry is wrong.

The quality of drinking water has greatly improved since privatisation, along with Rivers , Coastal Waters, and in numerous other areas. Or are you just trying to put some poltical spin on this as per usual.

[fiction-factory]

I understand UU have said they contacting all customers about compensation.
I'm not aware that there have been any illnesses attributed to drinking the water and it seems to me UU responded very quickly and were very open about this.

[Mamyalynne]

We had a water stoppage/interruption a few weeks ago - people have been promptly informed of their compensation and asked to send in receipts for any bottled water bought too.

Also United Utilities.

[emeritus]

Looks like you are on your own for now until Bouncer surfaces Canary

[douglas9401]

I don't understand. If there's a profit to be made from a public water system being handed at a cut price to the private sector, why not keep it in public ownership, fund it accordingly and use those profits for the general good instead of enriching carpetbaggers?

[fiction-factory]

I'm waiting for someone to ask how can Cameron remain on holiday while this is going on

[fiction-factory]

I suppose, douglas, it's the same argument as why should anything be run by the private sector when civil servants could run it.
I think the main argument is that there is a greater incentive to run an efficient service