In contrast to calls from customer representatives Water Voice, who are calling for affordability to be the watchword when water bills are set for the period 2005-2010, Surfers Against Sewage are calling for the focus to be on value for money.

Whilst agreeing that affordability is a serious factor for consideration, SAS fear that focusing solely on keeping the bills as low as possible, could result in a higher price being paid in the long term, both by the consumer and by the environment.

Protecting and enhancing environmental quality and ensuring drinking water supplies in a sustainable fashion requires us sometimes to take a look beyond the legal obligations that Water Voice would like us to do no more than comply with. Calling for this type of approach will not necessarily be in the customers favour in the long term.

Vicky Garner, SAS "The price setting process isn't all about keeping water bills down, its about ensuring that the money we the customers pay is being invested in a way that gives us and the environment the biggest bang per buck. We need to be looking at the long-term issues for water, the requirements of upcoming legislation and the picture as a whole if we are to find a realistic and sustainable way of managing our role in the water cycle".

Preserving and enhancing the quality of the water in our environment and in our taps is a key factor in maintaining quality of life. The integral role that water plays in our lives, sustaining life, sustaining business, sustaining industry and giving enjoyment via recreation makes it priceless. However, the fact that it is a necessity means that we have to put a price on it. Consequently quantifying the benefits from investing in sewerage infrastructure, sewage treatment and drinking water treatment should be subject to the same amount of scrutiny.

"Affordability is part of the equation, but we need to think carefully about how we achieve that affordability. In the South West we have a vast stretch of coastline and the highest water bills in the country. We need to protect and enhance environmental quality, at the same time we need to maintain assets and ensure quality in our taps. The fact is that we can't afford for any of these areas to suffer from under-investment. The solution? That should be what the Periodic Review is all about".

Contact Vicky for further information (01872) 553001

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