Privatization of Water Services in the United States: An Assessment of Issues and Experience - Hardcover

National Research Council; Division On Earth And Life Studies; Water Science And Technology Board; Committee On Privatization Of Water Services In The United States

9780309074445: Privatization of Water Services in the United States: An Assessment of Issues and Experience

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0309074444 ISBN 13: 9780309074445

Publisher: National Academies Press, 2002

In the quest to reduce costs and improve the efficiency of water and wastewater services, many communities in the United States are exploring the potential advantages of privatization of those services. Unlike other utility services, local governments have generally assumed responsibility for providing water services. Privatization of such services can include the outright sale of system assets, or various forms of public-private partnerships�€"from the simple provision of supplies and services, to private design construction and operation of treatment plants and distribution systems. Many factors are contributing to the growing interest in the privatization of water services. Higher operating costs, more stringent federal water quality and waste effluent standards, greater customer demands for quality and reliability, and an aging water delivery and wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure are all challenging municipalities that may be short of funds or technical capabilities. For municipalities with limited capacities to meet these challenges, privatization can be a viable alternative.

Privatization of Water Services evaluates the fiscal and policy implications of privatization, scenarios in which privatization works best, and the efficiencies that may be gained by contracting with private water utilities.

Table of Contents

Front Matter
Executive Summary
1. Key Issues in Water Services Privatization
2. History of U.S. Water and Wastewater Systems
3. Forces of Change in the Water Service Industry
4. Models of Water Service Provision
5. Structural, Pricing, and Regulatory Issues
6. Broader Implications of Water Services Privatization
7. Conclusions
References
Appendix A: Privatization of Water Services in England and Wales
Appendix B: Overview of Safe Drinking Water Act, SDWA
Appendix C: Seattle Public Utilities Treatment Plant, Design-Build-Operate Project, Risk-Sharing Matrix
Appendix D: Biographical Information
Index

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About the Author:

Committee on Privatization of Water Services in the United States, National Research Council

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