While events like that tend to reduce public confidence, officials do not want tap water to lose its reputation.

Some businesses oppose it, thinking it would reduce public confidence to make so many notifications.

Mr. Bruns said it had reduced confidence in the district, and that parents were beginning to shift children to private schools.

There was general agreement in the Senate that the allegations would further reduce public confidence in Congress.

Officials fear that the cutbacks could reduce confidence in reliability and say delays could result.

Continued inaction, Moody's said, has reduced confidence that responsible action will be taken to control the situation.

There is a risk, however, that delay could reduce confidence in the whole banking system.

"The media coverage and the issue have the potential to reduce public confidence in medical research and the pharmaceutical industry," he said.

On the contrary, it has worsened the recession, increased social tension and further reduced confidence.

"It certainly reduces confidence when the numbers go down," he said.