Franklin Township, NJ Stops Water Privatization Deal

By privatizing water and sewer systems, local government officials abdicate control of water and sewage systems to a corporation. This often leaves communities with rising water bills, worse service, job losses and more.

Franklin Township, New Jersey was planning to privatize its water system through a 20-year contract with Suez’s United Water.

Food & Water Watch worked closely with the Communications Workers of America Local 1084 members to coordinate efforts to stop privatization of the water services. Three volunteer canvasses and a phone bank helped raise awareness of the problems with water privatization and build opposition to the proposal.

In May 2011, after numerous community members spoke out against privatization at public hearings, the council unanimously voted to end talks with the company and retain local public control and operation of the water system.