Readers like you keep news free for everyone.

More than 5,000 readers have already pitched in to keep free access to The Journal.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can help keep paywalls away.

Not now

# running battle

All time

If you paid your water bills you won't be getting your money back

The regime may be changing but that doesn’t change the past, says Simon Coveney.

26.9k

179

Nov 29th 2016, 8:16 PM

Official verdict: 'The vast majority of consumers will not have to pay direct charges for water'

The report describes normal usage as “a public service.”

20.0k

240

Nov 29th 2016, 5:07 PM