An Uncooperative Commodity: Privatizing Water in England and Wales

by Karen J. Bakker

Overview

The privatization of water supply is an emotive and controversial topic. The 'British model' of water privatization is unique: no other country has entirely privatized its water supply and sewerage systems. This book analyzes the socio-economic and environmental dimensions in privatization in England and Wales. It examines the implications of privatization for consumers, environmental management, and the water supply industry.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199253654
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	04/01/2004
Series:	Oxford Geographical and Environmental Studies Series
Pages:	244
Product dimensions:	9.30(w) x 6.24(h) x 0.76(d)

About the Author

University of British Columbia

Table of Contents

PART I PRIVATIZATION AND COMMERCIALIZATION OF WATER SUPPLY1. Introduction: From 'retreat of the state' to 'retreat of the market'? 2. Water: An uncooperative commodity3. Building the networks4. Commercializing water supplyPART II RE-REGULATING THE WATER SUPPLY INDUSTRY5. Privatizing water, producing scarcity: The Yorkshire drought of 19956. Thirsting for equity: Consumers and the contested politics of water pricing7. The retreat of the market? Re-regulation and water supply industry restructuring8. Conclusions: Re-regulating water supplyBibliography

Editorial Reviews

"A very welcome examination of the water industry and its peculiarities. There is a good long-term survey of the structure of the industry through its successive phases before privatization, including the corporatization and nationalization of the postwar period. The real strength lies in Bakker's attempt to link history, economics, geography, and environment in charting the contours of the industry and its future."—Economic History Review

From the Publisher