DEBRA E. JAMES,
Madam, - Sewerage is the other half of public water supply. Water comes in and water (with quite a few other things in it) goes out, through State-owned pipes and into State-owned sewage works.
As one of the many rural dwellers in possession of a well and a septic tank - in other words, self-sufficient for water and sewerage - I would welcome changes that meant those who use public services paid more of the cost of their provision.
The resulting savings could lead to lower rates of general taxation, perhaps a reduction of VAT on essentials.
It costs money to get the septic tank emptied when it is full and the water-pump fixed when it breaks down, but there is no reduction in taxation for those who provide for their own water needs. - Yours, etc.,
DEBRA E. JAMES, Cummerduff, Gorey, Co Wexford.