The role of ‘users’ cases in drinking water services development and regulation in France: An historical perspective

This paper is based on a study of the 53 Conseil d'Etat decisions related to conflicts involving the users of drinking water services since the mid 19th century in France. After some discussion on how this historical material might be used, it focuses on two critical periods, and presents evidence of the contribution of the ‘users’ cases in changing the way water services were developed in the early 20th century and regulated in the late 1980s. In conclusion, it emphasises the effectiveness of litigation in limiting local arrangements that are clearly contrary to users' interests, but also notes the limitations of the Conseil d'Etat decisions by comparison with participatory process.