Tap water that is provided by the local city government (or corporation), likened humorously to a soft drink (pop) that is free. Primarily heard in UK. Back when I was a kid, the only thing we had to drink was council pop!

Those who are supposed to make important decisions often struggle to do so. I'm not surprised that the board still hasn't approved this change, even with all of their recent meetings—councils of war never fight, after all.