A drop of restraint

From Dr I. R. McLauchlin

Sir: Southern Water's response to recent water shortages (report, 29 June) is to claim to see a social and cultural change in which people regard watering their lawns as of equal importance to other, more essential, uses. It appears to be perplexed by this.

I suggest that any change in attitude is likely to be a consequence of the loss of moral restraint among customers following privatisation of the public utilities. When the public witness the lack of restraint shown by the directors of these companies in determining their own pay and perks, it is not surprising that they feel entitled to their own share, even if this involves unrestricted use of the water for which they have paid.

Yours faithfully,

Ian McLauchlin

Uley, Gloucestershire