water company
4
1.9
- noun
- /ˈwɔːtər ˈkʌmpəni/
- The water company is responsible for ensuring that the tap water is safe to drink.
- a local water company
Examples
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If you have any issues with your supply, you should contact your water company for assistance.
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I received a notice from the water company about scheduled maintenance in our area.
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I thought you worked at the water company.
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I shall call the gas company, or the water company.
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For several years, our water company was owned by a large German corporation.
Blog text (12) -
Even when initial regulation is present, the water company and its customers always face the risk of additional regulation.
Academic text (1998) -
The water company has strong incentives to set initial offers that will be accepted.
Academic text (1998) -
Water industry reports do indicate that the water companies are very quick to respond to such emergency situations.
Academic text (1995) -
Water companies tend to act on the side of safety when public health matters are of concern.
Academic text (1995) -
Knowing this in advance, the water company might be reluctant to conclude certain kinds of contracts with potential water buyers.
Academic text (1998)
Synonyms
235
3.3
A service that supplies water, gas, or electricity to homes
18
3.2
An organization that provides essential services like water or electricity and is regulated by the government
5
3.5
A place or system that collects, cleans, and supplies water to people
1
2.9
A company that supplies water, electricity, or gas and is run under government rules
How Big
14
3.9
4
1.9
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a company that supplies water' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'water' (the substance/service) with 'company' (an organization providing goods/services). This noun–noun compound follows a common and regular compositional pattern found across many languages, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents will readily infer the MWE meaning.
Etymology
The compound water company comes from the simple idea of a company that brings or sends water to people, first by barrels and carts and later through pipes. So a water company is a business that 'supplies' water to homes and shops.