Is there enough water for everyone?

I found this weeks presentation to be extremely interesting. The control for water will soon become the most one of the most pressing needs for states to control. The privatization of water directly leads to inequality as those who can not afford to pay for it will no longer have access to clean water. In third world countries where government supervision is minimal the quality of water will not be regulated leading to further disease. I really enjoyed this weeks documentary film which outlined future of water reserves, and the quality of water that is being provided in the global south.

I also enjoyed the interviews conducted with Maude Barlow who wrote Blue Gold, and other books about the status of water in the world. She argues that transnational corporations are plotting to control the world's dwindling water supply, and that when privatized water rates will soar making it unaffordable to the vast majority of people. (Exactly what we saw in the video documentary)

Even if water is not completely privatized, semi-privatization -- or the creation of public private partnerships (P3's) -- can lead to disaster. This removes direct government oversight, and offshoots responsibility onto the private sector meaning that there is less direct accountability for the public. When left to the private company to manage water facilities there is a tendency for cutting costs, downsizing etc.. in order to save money. This can result in disaster. (See Walkerton Water Crisis)

I think that we need to be careful when attempting to privatize the distribution of water. It seems like an essential need that everyone should have access too. I liked how there is currently movement to include in the UNDHR a clause stating that water is an essential necessity for everyone. (Food is currently included) I highly doubt that this will happen, mainly because of global corporate capitalism and the domination of neoliberalism in international poltics.