People have been dealing with unaffordable water and incorrect water bills for years, and now the Mayor might be looking to privatize the water system.
It’s when private corporations take control over public water utilities.
Water corporations often advertise themselves as a “solution” to municipal budget problems and aging water systems, but in reality, post-privatization, most communities face HIGHER water rates, WORSE service, and FEWER jobs.
When private companies come in to operate a water or sewer system, there is one main motivation: profit.
And most importantly, Suez would set the water rates.
In Baltimore, Suez hired a distinctly named lobbyist, American Joe Miedusiewski, to help make its pitch.
Corporations should know that convincing a city wrought with water affordability issues to privatize is not going to be easy.
If given to Suez, the “solutions” proposed could certainly include the long-term lease of the entire system.
Bayonne signed a 40-year concession lease with Suez in 2012.
When water corporations come in, they come in to profit.