Role of private firms in water systems

Re “Misconduct Taints the Water in Some Privatized Systems,” first in a two-part series, May 29

This story failed to cite basic facts about how public/private partnerships provide critical water services to communities. Instead, readers received a selective account of blemishes from the last 10 years. Old news was made new. A prime example: In Indianapolis, our partnership has delivered [quality-management and environmental] certification, provided specific performance metrics and shown improvements since we arrived.

There was scant reference to what drives communities seeking private-sector expertise -- problems with infrastructure, budgets, water quality, compliance, technology and human resources. Last year, we were 100% compliant in water quality and 99.8% compliant in wastewater -- a remarkable feat considering we manage many public facilities with long histories of noncompliance. Ask our customers; lots of good comes from partnerships.

JOSEPH BURGESS

President and Chief Executive

Veolia Water North America

Houston

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Kudos for spotlighting the problems that hamper communities with privatized water systems. But the article fails to highlight current efforts to improve public infrastructure and aid struggling cities. This year, Congress will debate whether to establish a national trust fund that would dedicate spending for clean-water infrastructure. This money would be committed to communities to maintain and upgrade their local waterworks.

We have arguably the safest drinking water in the world, and we shouldn’t jeopardize that by turning over our systems to corporations that have shown they are not able to deliver on their promises. A national trust fund that prioritizes public infrastructure means that communities won’t feel forced to enter into risky privatization deals. As a nation, we should prioritize making our tap water clean, affordable and publicly managed.

WENONAH HAUTER

Executive Director

Food & Water Watch

Washington