Achievements, Struggles and Visions from Around the World

January 2005 (288 pages)
Transnational Institute (TNI) and Corporate Europe Observatory (CEO)

Challenging widespread prejudices, 'Reclaiming Public Water' presents a wide range of examples of how public utility reform has resulted in major improvements in access to clean water and sanitation, not least for the poorest. The book is written by water utility managers and civil society campaigners from more than twenty countries from around the world.

'Reclaiming Public Water' was launched on January 28th during the World Social Forum in Porto Alegre. This Brazilian city is a prime example of how public water delivery can be improved through democratic reform, a common theme of the book. Increased citizens involvement in decision-making, including participatory budgeting, has helped Porto Alegre's public water utility become one of the most effective in Latin America.

The book emphasizes that expansion of access to clean water to the poorest happens against major odds, including the continued bias against public utilities in the policies of international financial institutions and donor governments. 'Reclaiming Public Water' includes concrete recommendations for creating a more enabling environment for public water supply in developing countries.

The book includes overview chapters on the United States, Germany, Argentina, Venezuela, South Africa, Uruguay, Ukraine, Slovakia, Indonesia, and Mexico. Also with case studies of Porto Alegre (Brazil), Santa Cruz (Bolivia), Olavanna (Kerala, India), Penang (Malaysia), Grenoble (France), Bogota (Colombia), Recife (Brazil), Cochabamba (Bolivia), Savelugu (Ghana), Harrismith (South Africa) and Manila (Philippines).

Reclaiming Public Water can be purchased from Food & Water Watch for $15 (postage included). Send a check made out to Food & Water Watch and mail to: Food & Water Watch, 1400 16th St NW, Washington DC 20036. Mark the envelope “Reclaiming Public Water.”