Access to clean water is widely recognised as a basic human right, that provides the good quality of life, health and dignity. Most of individuals argue that water supply should be free. I strongly agree with that, but i think that it shouldn’t be free for all homes.
One the one hand, clean water is a fundamental to human life. Without it, people cannot maintain basic sanitation, cook food, quench the thirst or prevent some diseases. In many countries where access to water is inaccessible, often lead to serious diseases and even death. Providing households of free water, at least at a basic level, could significantly change the quality of lifes and reduce inequality. For example, the government could ensure that every family will receive the minimum amount of water every day for daily needs, such as drinking and washing.
On the other hand, providing free water to every household can lead to several issues, such as high costs related to infrastructure, purification, and maintenance. If water were completely free and unlimited, people might waste it, which would increase shortages and cause environmental damage. Charging a reasonable fee encourages responsible water consumption and helps governments invest in better water systems. For instance, in Kazakhstan, large cities such as Astana and Almaty depend on complex water supply systems that are expensive to operate. If water were entirely free, the government might lack sufficient funds to maintain and improve these systems, which could eventually result in lower water quality. Therefore, charging for excessive water usage not only promotes responsible behaviour but also helps cover essential operational.
In conclusion, while I agree that access to clean water is a basic human right, I believe that only a basic amount should be provided free of charge. A balanced system, where essential water needs are free and additional usage is paid ufor, is the most realistic and sustainable solution.