A/HRC/6/3 page 23 can maintain sustainable access to safe, sufficient, physically accessible and affordable water and sanitation. The role of individuals in decision-making on who supplies water and sanitation services, the type of services supplied and how these should be managed raises questions concerning the right to take part in the conduct of public affairs and other rights, and is an important element to take into account when making decisions on private sector delivery. Further elaboration is needed regarding the human rights response and requirements concerning the private provision of water and sanitation services and the type of regulatory system that States must put in place in that respect. D. Obligations of local authorities 54. Local authorities are often responsible for the supply of safe drinking water and sanitation. Where safe drinking water and sanitation are provided at the local level, the WHO Guidelines outline a certain number of responsibilities of local governments to secure water quality, notably in relation to catchment inspection and consumer education.70 Local governments represented at the Fourth World Water Forum in Mexico also recognized that all human beings have the right to water in the quantity and quality required to meet their essential needs, as well as to sanitation.71 55. Further clarification is needed regarding the role, responsibilities and specific obligations of local authorities responsible for the provision of water and sanitation services. At the same time, as the State remains accountable under international law, its specific responsibilities vis-à-vis local authorities should also be further elaborated upon in the context of human rights obligations in relation to access to safe drinking water and sanitation. E. The question of disconnections and due process 56. Considering access to safe drinking water and sanitation from a human rights perspective and its close nexus with the right to life, health, an adequate standard of living and the protection of human dignity, implies a need for procedural safeguards in case of water and sanitation disconnections.72 57. Procedures for the disconnection of water and sanitation services must comprise: (a) timely and full disclosure of information on the proposed measures; (b) reasonable notice of the proposed action; (c) legal recourse and remedies for those affected; (d) legal assistance for 70 Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality, pp. 11-12, WHO, available at: http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/guidelines/en/. 71 Local government declaration on water on the occasion of the Fourth World Water Forum, Mexico, 21 March 2006, available at: http://www.worldwaterforum4.org.mx/files/ Declaraciones/Local_Authorities.pdf. 72 This section refers to disconnections defined as the interruption of delivery due to non-payment. It does not refer to disconnections due to the pollution of water sources or emergencies.