Water Works in the News
The City of Cincinnati may sell the Water Works to a not-yet-created Water District. We believe this plan would be bad for our city, bad for consumers, and bad for all city employees.
Water Prices May Rise
Today the City of Cincinnati enjoys reasonable and relatively low water prices compared to other cities in our region and throughout the country. If the Water Works is sold to a Water District which we will no longer control, there is no guarantee that water rates will remain low. Water rates could rise.
Water Policies May Change
Today the City of Cincinnati Water Works has reasonable and relatively liberal policies that respect the needs and the dignity of our residents. For example, if you cannot pay your water bill, the Water Works will cooperate with you to see you through a period of hardship. If the Water Works is sold to a Water District, policies may change and become strict and harsh.
Water Service and Quality May Decline
Today the City of Cincinnati Water Works provides us with water service and quality that is among the best in the nation. If the Water Works is sold to a Water District, we have no guarantee that service and quality will remain the same.
We May Find our Water in Private Hands
While the City is contemplating selling the Water Works to a new Water District, some fear that this could be the first step toward privatization, that is, selling our water system to a private party. If that happens, profits will be put before people.
Workers’ Wages and Benefits Could be Harmed
Today the City of Cincinnati’s Water Works employees enjoy reasonable wages and benefits. If the City sells the Water Works to a new Water District, that could harm not only Water Works employees, but also other city workers.
If the Water Works is sold to a Water District, we would then have to pay for the purchase of the system either through new taxes or higher water rates. We would, in effect, have to buy again the water system we now own.
The Cincinnati Water Works is an asset that should not be squandered. Water is too important to put into others’ hands and perhaps ultimately into private hands. It’s our water. Let’s keep it.
