Water for All: Examining the Impact of Water Privatization in Three Global Contexts

Presenter

Catherine Corrigan

Campus

UMass Amherst

Sponsor

Deepika Marya, Honors College, UMass Amherst

Schedule

Session 3, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A16, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 1 (A1-A20) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

This thesis examines three cases of water privatization movements and their subsequent impact to determine whether privatization is advantageous to those it affects. Spearheaded by transnational corporations, the move to privatize water systems originated to ameliorate water distribution and minimize water costs for users. These companies, backed by global financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, frame privatization as a foolproof solution to many countries' rising debt issues and inefficient municipal systems. On the contrary, research suggests that the privatization of any industry negatively influences all sectors of society, with the only benefit going to private corporations. In these three isolated cases, one in Flint, Michigan, another in Cochabamba, Bolivia, and Paris, France, water privatization movements drastically transformed the lives of residents for the worse. As found in each location, water privatization ultimately reinforces economic and social inequities by causing unaffordable water prices, targeting vulnerable populations, and exacerbating existing corruption in government and outside institutions. Moreover, the harmful consequences associated with privatization were long-lasting and often irreversible, leaving significant groups of people without water for extended periods. The findings of this research showcase that municipal water systems must be protected to ensure universal access to clean and safe water for all people, regardless of background.

Keywords

Debating Globalization, Privatization, Global Movements

Research Area

Globalization and Development

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