Commentary: Periodic Editorial Comment
by Dr. Edward  Rossomando

By Edward F. Rossomando, Director, Waterborne Disease Center

November 20, 2000

Sometimes chance happenings can produce marvels.  Just by chance I happened to get a copy of magazine of the Library of Congress called “Civilization."  What a wonderful title for a periodical – it has a real upbeat sound to it and the word conveys so much promise.  The October/November 2000 issue of “Civilization” appeared on my desk the other day I presume because written across the glossy white cover in black at least 40 pt letters was the single word WATER.   This issue had a special section on water edited by Mikhail Gorbachev. 

The “Civilization” editorial board has assembled a distinguished group to discuss “the globe’s most precious resource” and “the world most pressing problem”.  In addition to Mr. Gorbachev, the writers include Hanan Sher, Douglas MacDonald, Kofi Annan, Madeleine Albright, Kadar Asmal, Anil Agerwal, Ismail Serageldin, and Fidel Ramos. 

Each writes about a different aspect of water and each writes from a different perspective. 

A quote from Mr. Gorbachev sums up the importance of water to our civilization.  “Water, not unlike religion and ideology, has the power to move millions of people”.  While all the authors agree on the importance of water and on the need for conservation, the article by Mr. MacDonald discusses an interesting development about drinking water: who will control it.  As he points out most customers worldwide are served by some form of public utility.  However, there are voices calling for greater privatization arguing that this would improve services and lower costs. 

As MacDonald points two French multinational conglomerates Vivendi and Suez Lyonnaise des Eaux and one British company Thames Water, are seeking to acquire water rights and contracts in the United States.  For example, United Water has been bought by Lyonnaise and US Filter acquired by Vivendi.  In addition, Lyonnaise has signed long term agreements with Indianapolis, Milwaukee and Atlanta to provide daily operation and management of these large metropolitan facilities.    

In addition to the issues discussed in the text, what also contributes to and makes the section special, are the photographs that accompany the text.   All are outstanding examples using a water motif.  I recommend this special section to those interested in obtained a global perspective on water.  The “Civilization” magazine web site is www.civmag.com.

One example of the consequences of privatization of water company land was detailed in an article in the Hartford Courant (November 19, 2000).  The article describes the sale of Aquarion Co., a company supplying water to the greater Bridgeport area, to Kelda Group of Leeds, England.  Of concern is the fate of the 19,000 acres of watershed land, previously off-limits, and now vulnerable to sale for development.  In response to this concern, a coalition of concerned citizens has been formed and has proposed a creation of a water authority to purchase the land.  Interested parties are encouraged to contact Julie Belaga, one of three leaders of the Coalition for the Permanent Preservation of Kelda Lands.  The WDC will continue to update readers as events on this important issue develop.