The Privatization of Water: A Controversial Issue and the Need for Change
The Shocking Truth About Our Water System
Since the privatization of water in England and Wales in 1989, we have been treating water companies as cash cows, our rivers as sewers, and our beaches as dumping grounds. This has led to a decline in water quality, loss of wildlife, and a rise in water bills. The profits from these rising bills have gone into the pockets of venture capitalists, while we have lost safe access to our rivers and coastal waters for swimming and other recreational activities.
The circumstances surrounding the tragic death of eight-year-old Heather Preen, dramatized in Channel 4's 'Dirty Business', should never have happened. This is a stark reminder of the failure of successive governments and their agencies to regulate the water companies effectively. The removal of the profit motive from water is the only solution to this crisis.
The History of Water Pollution
In Victorian London, human waste was channeled straight into the Thames, leading to cholera outbreaks that killed over 10,700 people in 1853-54. The Great Stink and waterborne diseases, particularly cholera and typhoid fever, were the result of polluted waters. This led to the implementation of a sewage system, but we have since regressed.
The Role of Media and Government
The media plays a crucial role in holding the government and regulators accountable. However, as the Post Office scandal demonstrates, it takes a dramatic event like 'Mr. Bates v. The Post Office' to prompt decisive action. The government and regulators must do their job properly and in a timely manner, rather than waiting for the latest docudrama to hit our screens.
The Need for Citizen Science
Citizen scientists, like Elizabeth Hughes, are taking matters into their own hands by collecting water samples and monitoring water quality. Their efforts are crucial in highlighting the neglect and pollution of our water systems. We must support and amplify their voices to bring about change.
The Way Forward
The privatization of water has led to a crisis that affects us all. We must demand better regulation, accountability, and transparency from our water companies. The removal of the profit motive from water is the only solution to safeguard the wellbeing of future generations, like Heather Preen. It is time for a change, and we must act now.
