An Uncooperative Commodity: Privatizing Water in England and Wales

by Karen J. Bakker, Gordon H. Clark (Editor), Ceri Peach (Editor)

The privatization of water supply is an emotive and controversial topic. The 'British model' of water privatization is no other country has entirely privatized its water supply and sewerage systems. This book analyzes the socio-economic and environmental dimensions in privatization in England and Wales. It examines the implications of privatization for consumers, environmental management, and the water supply industry.

244 pages, Hardcover

First published January 22, 2004

Reviews

[Jacob Cross Mayhew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful overview of political ecology and economics of water utilities. Provides an in-depth analysis and critique of water privatization under the Thatcher government. In the 22 years since this book was published, privatization has been an utter disaster for England’s rivers as well as the financial solubility of the privatized companies. Privatization of water utilities was an ideological project taking a potentially useful tool to an unworkable extreme, and English ecology and consumers have paid a substantial price.