It is locally, in the outskirts of built-up areas, in the regions, that water is abstracted, treated, distributed and wastewater is treated. Veolia Water's business has always been rooted in the local fabric of the area, where expectations are numerous and varied. Thanks to its highly decentralized organization, Veolia Water takes great care to listen and give an account of itself to all stakeholders.

Among those the company has a relationship with are local authorities, industrial clients, domestic customers, employees and social partners, suppliers, resident associations, non-governmental organizations, public authorities, professional bodies, scientific and academic partners and investors etc.

Veolia Water believes that it is responsible for establishing a sustainable and transparent relationship with each of them. This is brought about through properly tailored dialogue and an effective consultation framework.

Concerns regarding water also need to be discussed at an international level. This is why Veolia Water is a member of AquaFed - the International Federation of Private Water Operators - which brings together more than 200 water companies from 38 countries.

AquaFed facilitates interaction and dialogue with international institutions (governments, institutions, lenders and associations). This body facilitates communication primarily debating how best to achieve the United Nations "Millennium Development Goals". Among these aims, the seventh calls for "ensuing environmental sustainability". This is defined in the case of water as halving the number of people who are deprived of regular access to drinking water and sanitation.