Sabrina A. Cotta, University of Arizona, School of Government and Public Policy, sacotta@email.arizona.edu
Abstract:
There is much debate in the literature about the strengths and weakness of water service provision privatization. Much of the literature has focused on water privatization in developing countries. In contrast this paper will provide an overview of privatization in the United States with a focus on lessons learned and recommendations on how issues such as equity and sustainability should be addressed moving forward. The debate about water privatization highlights questions of a philosophical and ethical nature, raises questions about who has decision power regarding access and equity and questions if there are incentives for private corporations to pursue sustainability. What is missing are recommendations for how to start addressing these questions. How does one being to address the issues surrounding privatization of water provision services? This paper aims to provide recommendations for oversight that goes beyond financial controls and water contaminants to include environmental and social issues and recommends best practices be adopted by water service providers in the development of contracts between municipal entities and private corporations to ensure that environmental and social issues are considered from the beginning.
Key Words: Privatization, Sustainability, Best Practices