Water, like air, is a necessity of human life. It is also, according to Fortune magazine, "One of the world's great business opportunities. It promises to be to the 21st century what oil was to the 20th."
In the past ten years, three giant global corporations have quietly assumed control over the water supplied to almost 300 million people in every continent of the world. A 12-month investigation by journalists in Canada, the U.S., Europe, Asia and Latin America shows that the results range from questionable to disastrous. And it shows how well-meaning municipal governments in the U.S. and Canada can become vulnerable to the persuasive techniques of these high-powered corporate giants.
Feb. 5, 2003
On The Current: No Silver Bullet
Atlanta, Georgia embraced privatization five years ago, and saw a drastic drop in quality and service. The city broke a $500-million contract with multinational Suez and took back the utility to run it publicly. Read Frank Koller's report Listen to the report (Runs 11:08)
On CBC.ca: Water statistics
About 1.1 billion people worldwide do not have access to clean drinking water. Read more
World Report airs weekdays at 6, 7 and 8 a.m. | The Current airs weekdays at 8:37 a.m. The World At Six airs weekdays at 6 p.m. | The Sunday Edition airs Sundays at 9:11 a.m.
All times EST. Click program names for more information.
Purchasing info:
A two-disc CD copy of the CBC Radio series Water for Profit can be purchased for $30. To order your copy, e-mail Barbara Brown at barbara_brown@cbc.ca
or send a cheque payable to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation to the following address:
Barabara Brown
CBC Radio Licensing
P.O. Box 500 Station A
Toronto, Ont.
M5W 1E6
RE: Water for Profit
More from CBC.ca:
Water facts and figures International statistics. Water facts and figures Canadian statistics. Walkerton In May 2000, seven residents of the small town in Ontario died from drinking contaminated water. Bottled water The world's fastest-growing beverage sector. Water testing How scientists make sure our water is safe. Laboratories What is an accredited laboratory for water testing? Water treatment How water is cleaned. Troubled Water A CBC News Big Picture. Nova Scotia A look at some of the practices that affect the province's water supply. Dirty Water Well water in White River, Ont.
Feb. 3, 2003
