Madam, – Phil Hogan’s and Fine Gael’s claim that a basic flat rate water charge will encourage water conservation (Home News, June 1st) is akin to saying that “all-you-can-eat” buffets encourage dieting. Whereas previously, the social guilt of water wastage was a useful tool in the fight for water conservation, thriftless users can now legitimately claim that they are paying for their consumption, regardless of the amount. Until water meters are installed, there is no incentive to use this scare resource prudently, and conservation is unlikely to occur. – Yours, etc,