Since privatisation the water industry has, more than at any other time in its past, been in full public view. Water Service Companies are undertakers providing an important public service and it is important that any regulatory system is seen to work efficiently. In most instances, regulatory bodies will share common expectations with each other. For example, all regulatory bodies support increased investment in the water industry and the development of higher performance standards. However, given the different roles of each of the regulatory bodies, each seeking to protect the interests of a different group of stakeholders, there are likely to be some areas of conflict, though a compromise can usually be reached. This balancing process tries to maximise the quality of water services provided, whilst keeping costs down to a reasonable level.

2. Are bacteria the only prokaryotic organisms?

3. What are halophilic, thermoacidophilic and metha

nogen archaebacteria?

4. What are the main ecological roles of bacteria?

5. What are examples of human diseases caused by bacteria?

6. What are some industrial processes that use bacteria?

7. What are some mechanisms by which pathogenic bacteria cause diseases? Why is this knowledge important?

8. In which environments do bacteria live?

9. How are bacteria classified according to the production of organic material for their energetic metabolism?

10. How are bacteria classified according to their need for oxygen?