I used to work for a water company in an admin role and one of the things that I learned was we can't actually cut people's water off because it's a safety issue and a human right to have access to water at all times. If people didn't pay their bills all that really happened was they got threatening letters but nothing ever actually happened to their water supply.

Also cutting off water is a pain because you have to physically send an engineer out to go do it you can't do it remotely. At least not in 2011 when I last worked there.

[–] kindenough@kbin.earth 5 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

I have the basic right for a roof over my head but doesn't mean I don't have to pay my rent. If I get thrown out of my house I still have basic rights, including food, water, clothing, housing, medical care and other necessary social services, including internet access as it is required to have interaction with government social services.

Water will only stay connected if it has medical emergency, otherwise it will be disconnected when bills are not paid and no reaction from the customer. One can ask for water containers before disconnection. Water company's are required to give each person in the household a minimum of 3 liters per day for 4 days. Government will intermediate between company and customer for re-connection through a debt counselling program.

That's how basic rights work over here.

Edit: added "per day".