As for global trends supposedly favoring state-run water distribution: Why are there water shortages? This is Econ 101 – if you lower prices too much, as always happens when water infrastructure is politically controlled, demand will outstrip supply. This is typically what happens in areas with state-run water infrastructure, and it’s why water-supply privatization is a durable trend in Latin America and other place that have been ill-served by government-run water systems. When you penetrate the logic of privatization opponents you usually find a quasi-religious belief that water and other life necessities should be available free to consumers.

Here’s an extreme example of what happens when water is distributed and priced politically. Rhetorical question: Do you think California rice farmers are paying market rates for water?

Here’s another rhetorical question: How come there’s never a beer shortage?

Kind of interesting that you think that corporations owning water is a problem on par with pollution. Says a lot about your ego identification with the State.

In any case, the water shortage is another fake crisis. Fresh water can be recycled endlessly and the seas need only desalination. Its estimated that Mississippi cycles through manmade water systems several times over before it reaches the sea.