Today, water is at the heart of public debate in France. Because the future of water is in our hands, both as an individual and collective responsibility, Lyonnaise des Eaux favours a direct, discussion-based approach that is also transparent. We are happy to announce the launch of “New Ideas on Water”, a 12-month work programme involving discussions with consumers and all the stakeholders in water in France, from customers, to elected officials, institutional partners, association, environmental experts, economists, and Lyonnaise des Eaux and SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT employees. Amongst other initiatives, www.ideesneuvessurleau.net is a web platform where users can share their ideas on the many ways water affects their daily lives.

More than 53 billion tons of polluted water are released back into the natural environment each year in China without being treated. Because of the economic and health risks that that causes, the Chinese government has decided to allocate 1.35% of its GNP to the environment.

Mumbai, the most densely-populated city in India with 13 million inhabitants in 2006, is currently facing a severe water crisis. The quantities of water available have reached a critical level, meaning the various uses of water resources have to be prioritised.