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.

• PART I PRIVATIZATION AND COMMERCIALIZATION OF WATER SUPPLY


• 1: Introduction: From 'retreat of the state' to 'retreat of the market'?


• 2: Water: An uncooperative commodity


• 3: Building the networks


• 4: Commercializing water supply


• PART II RE-REGULATING THE WATER SUPPLY INDUSTRY


• 5: Privatizing water, producing scarcity: The Yorkshire drought of 1995


• 6: Thirsting for equity: Consumers and the contested politics of water pricing


• 7: The retreat of the market? Re-regulation and water supply industry restructuring


• 8: Conclusions: Re-regulating water supply


• Bibliography