Scotland's water: safe clean affordable public?

This article assesses the current and future management of water resources, and provision of water services, in Scotland. New quality and technical standards continue to require increased investment, whilst higher charges focus public discontent and sustainable development principles bring greater citizen participation in decision making. Previous public campaigns have affected political strategy for industry reform and may do so again with the proposed introduction of competition to a public water supply. The role of the public will be analysed alongside the particular management problems arising from an abundant resource.