Has water privatization peaked? The future of public water governance

Abstract

The privatization of water supply and institutional restructuring of water management – through decentralization and the penetration of global firms in local and regional markets – have been promoted as solutions to increase economic efficiency and achieve universal water supply and sanitation coverage. Yet a significant share of service provision and water resources development remains the responsibility of public authorities. The papers in this issue – with case evidence from Argentina, Chile, France, the USA, and other countries – address critical questions that dominate the international agenda on public versus private utilities, service provision, regulations, and resource development.

Keywords:

• water and sanitation services
• public and private management
• regulations