Pledge for local ownership of water

WHEREAS, democracy and civic participation are the core founding principles of this country, and

WHEREAS, the United States has a long and proud tradition of providing the American people with essential services, and

WHEREAS, our national water infrastructure was built using taxpayers dollars for the benefit of all people, and

WHEREAS, we have a responsibility to our children and future generations to ensure the sustainable management of our natural resources, such as drinking water, and

WHEREAS, 87% of Americans get their water from publicly-owned utilities, and

WHEREAS, locally-run water utilities are more cost-efficient and charge lower rates to their customers than private utilities, and

WHEREAS, locally-run water utilities are transparent in decision-making, and

WHEREAS, locally-run water utilities are more accountable to preserving and improving the local environment than private utilities,

WHEREAS, water is necessary for all life and is a basic human right

WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, PLEDGE to support and promote the rights of cities and communities to have a role in the purchase of their local water utility when a private corporation sells it and

WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, URGE RWE and American Water to negotiate fairly with cities and communities.

Name ______________________________________ Date _______________

Organization ____________________________________________________________

Address/City/State/Zip____________________________________________________

Email ______________________________ Phone ___________________________