Idea of free water goes down the drain

The concept of free water is not understood in other EU states, yet Ireland was able to remain outside of the common practice despite its water standard infringements, writes Europe correspondent Ann Cahill

FREE water” is not a concept understood in any part of the EU where people have paid for their water for decades, some at a flat rate, others according to what they use.

Ireland has been the exception. In the EU document dealing with water, a clause was inserted at the country’s insistence. It was a “get out” clause for Ireland which said that, provided the objectives of the legislation were being met, it was not necessary to impose charges.