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A group of investigative journalists have dug deep to expose the agenda of the water privateers, documenting the dangers of water for profit in countries around the world. The investigation produced a series of articles and CBC radio reports written and produced by members of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. This series is a valuable tool for CUPE members fighting water privatization.

The explosive growth of three private water utility companies in the last 10 years raises fears that citizens may be losing control of their most vital resource to a handful of monopolistic corporations.

The companies have worked closely with the World Bank and other international financial institutions to gain a foothold on every continent. They aggressively lobby for legislation and trade laws to force cities to privatize their water and set the agenda for debate on solutions to the world’s increasing water scarcity. The companies argue they are more efficient and cheaper than public utilities.

The reporters speak with the companies, and with critics who say they are predatory capitalists that ultimately plan to control the world’s water resources and drive up prices even as the gap between rich and poor widens. The fear is that accountability will vanish, and the world will lose control of its source of life.

The series includes a look at the story of Hamilton, Ontario’s privatized wastewater nightmare.

The CBC reports can be found at cbc.ca/news/features/water/.

To access the series of articles, visit www.icij.org/dtaweb/water/.

The reports are only available in English.