What Atlanta Learned About Privatizing Water

While many cities are looking at water privatization deals to counter enormous water infrastructure and maintenance costs, Atlanta is taking a step back.

1 minute read

February 13, 2003, 10:00 AM PST

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech

"cities are facing enormous costs to repair aging sewer pipes, treatment plants and other water infrastructure...he utilities' hope has been that partnerships with private companies could generate savings and provide access to capital to help cover such staggering bills.But a cautionary tale has emerged here in Atlanta, where the largest water privatization deal collapsed in January. Instead of public savings and private profit, a deal reached in 1999 between Atlanta and United Water resulted in bitter disappointments for all sides, not least of all consumers. Atlanta is now retaking control of a system that United Water was to have managed until 2019."

Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan

FULL STORY: As Cities Move to Privatize Water, Atlanta Steps Back

Wednesday, February 12, 2003 in The New York Times

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