Overview

This book examines the role of private firms in the American water and wastewater industry. As more water infrastructure shifts from public- to private-sector control, vendors, consultants, and facilities are taking on more importance. Lewis D. Solomon presents an historical overview of water supply and treatment needs and the role of the government, including how water policy has been crafted. He argues that water scarcity is becoming a problem due to groundwater depletion, contamination, and patterns of consumption. He examines the impact of climate change on water availability and quality considering voluntary conservation programs and mandatory restrictions for water use. Solomon points to how for-profit firms can use technology to increase water supply. He describes what privatization would look like in practice and reviews evidence from two case studies. Solomon proposes privatization as a viable response to America's water crisis that can address both scarcity and capital problems. America's Water and Wastewater Crisis presents a careful examination of how the water industry has operated in the United States in the past and how it may work as we move into the future. This book is invaluable to environmental specialists, businessmen, and government officials.

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9781412818230

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<p> There are two very useful aspects of the book: first, the presentation of examples of research and development of new water-saving technologies that show the innovation potential of the private sector; and second, the case studies of privatization of the public water supply in Atlanta and Indianapolis, which illustrate some basic principles of the privatization process. This book may serve as a reference for nonexperts who wish to understand the general issues in this industry... Recommended. <p> --A. M. Chaudhry, CHOICE In this distinctive book . . . [Lewis D. Solomon] discusses the historical development and regulation of U.S. water resources and provides a comprehensive overview of current challenges, such as aging water infrastructures, conservation efforts, dwindling natural supplies, population growth, funding, security, technological advances, and wastewater treatment. Case studies of such cities as Atlanta and Indianapolis are provided. Solomon identifies future trends like project privatizations and increases in partnerships between private and public organizations and offers advice about how to fine-tune these partnerships so they are win-win situations ... Because the information here may be hard to find quickly by other means, the book will most benefit urban planners and policymakers. The content is illuminating and will appeal to readers with an interest in civic affairs. --Caroline Geck, MLS, Library Journal

There are two very useful aspects of the book: first, the presentation of examples of research and development of new water-saving technologies that show the innovation potential of the private sector; and second, the case studies of privatization of the public water supply in Atlanta and Indianapolis, which illustrate some basic principles of the privatization process. This book may serve as a reference for nonexperts who wish to understand the general issues in this industry... Recommended. --A. M. Chaudhry, CHOICE In this distinctive book . . . [Lewis D. Solomon] discusses the historical development and regulation of U.S. water resources and provides a comprehensive overview of current challenges, such as aging water infrastructures, conservation efforts, dwindling natural supplies, population growth, funding, security, technological advances, and wastewater treatment. Case studies of such cities as Atlanta and Indianapolis are provided. Solomon identifies future trends like project privatizations and increases in partnerships between private and public organizations and offers advice about how to fine-tune these partnerships so they are win-win situations ... Because the information here may be hard to find quickly by other means, the book will most benefit urban planners and policymakers. The content is illuminating and will appeal to readers with an interest in civic affairs. --Caroline Geck, MLS, Library Journal

Author Information

Lewis D. Solomon is Van Vleck Research Professor of Law at George Washington University Law School. A prolific author on legal, business, public policy, and religious topics, he has written widely in areas of social and scientific policy that deal with legal issues.

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