Re:Millions of Americans Can't Afford Water
by danaris on Tuesday June 23, 2020 @10:51AM
(#23614634)
Water supply is a natural monopoly—if a private company has built the infrastructure, they may own the pipes.
Competition is unlikely for two important reasons: first, because you really don't want 23 different sets of pipes running everywhere (or the ground being dug up 23 separate times, with the attendant collateral damage, including to the existing pipes); second, because the cost and red tape involved with running your own pipes is a huge barrier to entry.
That, plus the obvious fact that everyone needs water to live, is exactly why water should always and everywhere be a public utility, operated for the public good.
Competition is unlikely for two important reasons: first, because you really don't want 23 different sets of pipes running everywhere (or the ground being dug up 23 separate times, with the attendant collateral damage, including to the existing pipes); second, because the cost and red tape involved with running your own pipes is a huge barrier to entry.
That, plus the obvious fact that everyone needs water to live, is exactly why water should always and everywhere be a public utility, operated for the public good.