On Thu, 10 Jun 2004, Laurence F. Sheldon, Jr. wrote:
Does the water company fix your toilet if it leaks water? Or do you call a plumber?
On the other hand, if the water company was sending pollutants in the water you bought, there was a perceived responsibility upon the water company.
The plumbing code require water consumers to have/install/maintain backflow prevention valves at the customer's expense to prevent pollutants from one customer from affecting the water supply. Water companies issue "boil orders" but usually don't shut off the water supply if the water fails to meet EPA standards. In that case it is the responsibility of the user to boil the water before drinking or using in cooking. Almost every ISP has a "boil order" in their terms and conditions.