Meeting the mandate for clean water : an evaluation of privately managed U.S. water and wastewater systems

摘要

Reliable provision of clean and safe drinking water is critical for public health, economic stability and growth in the United States. Due to a combination of financial, regulatory and operational challenges, however, it is becoming increasingly difficult for publicly owned and operated water utilities to provide affordable and safe water along with efficient service delivery. Since the 1980's, new actors have entered the U.S. water utility scene in the form of large international firms that specialize in water utility management, offering the opportunity to increase efficiency, expedite long-delayed maintenance, minimize rate increases and provide needed capital for system expansion. Private management of water and wastewater systems, however, can have unintended and negative consequences on localities, including: * The loss of employment and pensions for the municipal utility work force; * Higher water rates because private firms charge full cost, must pay taxes and earn a profit; * Surrender of local control over ratemaking and other financial issues to state public utility commissions; * Loss of municipal control of daily operations and the setting of service standards, as well as loss of control over planning for long-term growth and economic development.