Water Privatization

Water shortages around the world have centered global attention on ways to accommodate needs for the future. Many governments have turned to water privatization as a way to meet a growing demand for this precious resource; however, the privatization of water has created an ethical dilemma as to whether or not access to clean water is a fundamental right to all mankind. While privatization proves to be effective in promoting efficiency in some sectors of the world's economy, it denies millions the right to a basic necessity. An article from the New York Times points out that "already, corporations own or operate water systems across the globe that brings in about $200 billion a year, yet they serve only about 7% of the world's population." Government management and technological strategies may better conserve and provide clean water to the global population in the future rather than privatization.

Placing the availability of water in the hands of corporate shareholders has many perverse impacts. The World Development Movement argues that private companies follow a privatization ideology that holds money as the ultimate objective, in which case "it is the government of the poor country left to pick up the pieces of failed privatization projects". Privatization also contends with democracy and soaring water prices will leave those in poverty without. The site also claim that profits from a "private company may be siphoned off elsewhere (most often to another country) to their shareholders, instead of being reinvested back into the system itself."

Alternatives to privatization include water management and conservation through government regulations and sustainable technology. Current legislation is in motion under the 4^th World Water Forum that seeks to declare water a human right, devise national strategies for water and sanitation, and develop a global action plan in the event of a crisis. According to Maude Barlow, author of Blue Gold, 36 states in the U.S. have been declared water distressed and water as crept up in priority under the U.S. National Security Council. The United States will be forced to improve efficiency in water use, particularly in its industrial and agricultural sectors, by implementing water conservation laws.

Aside from government policies, one technological solution to water conservation is through rainwater harvesting. Rainwater harvesting in urban areas captures water in underground storage tanks that is typically lost as runoff. Storing rainwater provides a source of water in areas that have a poor groundwater supply, prevents water from flowing into sewer and storm drains, and reduces urban flooding.

So, what can you do? The EPA has an interactive website that suggests ways individuals can conserve water at home or at work.