United States
WASHINGTON, February 12, 2003 — Foreign private companies are gearing up to control a multibillion-dollar market to upgrade the nation's aging water system, after spending millions of dollars over the last six years to sway Congressional votes on privatization laws. Americans have the safest and cheapest public water systems in the world. But, as foreign companies flex their financial muscle, America's drinking water may not be so cheap or public for long. >>
ATLANTA, February 12, 2003 — Last summer, the Buckhead neighborhood found more than sugar crystals in the children's Kool-Aid. Lax billing, broken pipes – and dirty water from them – prompted the mayor to consider firing Atlanta's private water company. >>
INDIANAPOLIS, February 12, 2003 — When Indianapolis suddenly found its 131-year old private water company for sale, swift action gave the city control over its utility and the new company hired to run it. >>
CAMDEN, N.J., February 12, 2003 — Camden's poor fell victim in a water deal polluted by the city's chronic debt and rampant corruption. >>
