AWWA ACE95166

With the movement toward public utility privatization, the need for public participation and information early on in the decision making process becomes increasingly evident; consumers should occupy a place in deliberations on privatization of their water supply services because of the added element of public health. In the other utility sectors, two responsibilities are predominant: levels and reliability of service, and financing and cost recovery. In the water sector, an important additional responsibility is the protection of the consumers' health. Also, privatization is not a "one size fits all" solution. It is very much site-specific, as are the solutions to most water supply problems and the need for the individual community's concerns to be addressed is important. This paper provides several examples for privatization of public utilities and encourages the use of public participation early on in the decision making process. The author cites examples from England and Wales, offers several areas in which private companies can better serve the public needs and provides economic evidence for the move to privatization.