New Law ‘Facilitates Privatization’ of US Water Systems BUT Privatizations often Turn Into Disasters

[Baobab]

just as many municipalities are attempting to recapture their once public utilities due to failed privatizations, the US is bucking the trend and embracing a known broken model.

http://www.mintpressnews.com/new-law-facilitates-privatization-us-water-systems/191577/

WASHINGTON — A major piece of legislation funding the development and improvement of water-related infrastructure passed Congress last week for the first time in nearly a decade, and President Barack Obama is expected to sign the bill soon.

Yet public interest groups warn that a key provision in the law would complicate public investment in drinking water and wastewater systems in big cities and small towns alike. The end result, they say, would be to strengthen privately-managed or -owned water systems while leaving the federal government to take on the risk of these investments — essentially subsidizing water privatization.

“This law will facilitate the privatization of water systems and prioritize funding for privatized systems,” Mary Grant, a researcher for the water program at Food & Water Watch, a watchdog group here, told MintPress News.

[JDPriestly]

1. This is a horrible mistake. Just criminal!

Water flows. It cannot be owned in the way that crops or coal can. This is just as wrong as can be.

[snot]

2. Whatever we the people fail effectively to claim for ourselves or the planet,

the 1% will charge us for, as much as we can bear.

[SamKnause]

3. Anyone who is able to have a cistern or septic tank

should take advantage of both.

If the local codes allow them, they are wonderful alternatives

to city water or city sewer systems.

I have not paid for a load of water for over 5 years.

I meet all my needs with rain water.

There are no monthly water or sewer bills.

If I won the lottery I will still have a cistern and septic tank.

I am aware that rules, laws, and drought keep many from these options.

[fasttense]

5. Along with privatization comes restrictions

To ensure profits they outlaw the collection of rain water and use of private styptic systems.

Your rights will be restricted so that corporations can profit.

[SamKnause]

6. I am well aware.

Are you familiar with what happened in Bolivia ???

Also, they are thinking about changing the law in Colorado that

dates back to the 1800's.

Currently no one is allowed to capture rain water.

I haven't heard if it has been voted on yet or not.

[SamKnause]

4. Corporations will privatize the rights to air

if our politicians allow it.

Corporations only have the power our government has given them.

[awoke_in_2003]

7. "if our politicians allow it"

The question isn't "if" it's "when". The shit won't stop until "heads on pikes" come back into fashion.