Washington D.C. – Today, Veolia announced an agreement in principle to acquire Suez through a $15 billion deal that would merge the two largest water corporations in the world.

In response, Food & Water Watch Public Water for All Campaign Director Mary Grant issued the following statement:

“Veolia’s plan to dominate public water services all across the globe is becoming a terrifying reality. The merger of the world’s largest water corporations will erode any semblance of competition for water privatization deals. This lack of competition will worsen our water affordability crisis, eliminate good union jobs, and open the door to cronyism and corruption. 

“Water privatization has been a disaster for communities across the United States and around the world. Municipalities struggling with budget crises linked to the COVID pandemic may consider selling off their valuable water systems as a short-term response to plug budget gaps. This would create long-term harm. Communities must revert all privatized water and sewer systems to public control to ensure safety and affordability for all.”

Contact: Peter Hart, [email protected]