• Oil, Natural Gas, and Electric Deregulation



• Stopping the Nuclear Relapse



• The Case Against Nuclear Power



• The Case for Renewables and Efficiency



• Energy Legislation



• Press Room



• Congressional Voting Records



• Take Action!

Uruguay bans water privatization

Uruguay is trailblazing the water front. On Oct. 31, a solid majority of citizens voted in favor of a referendum titled Constitutional Water Reform in Defense of Water, which would change the constitution to guarantee that water, as a natural resource and human right, should remain a public good out of the reach of large profit-seeking corporations. More than 62 percent of the population supported the reform and rejected water privatization. The National Commission in Defense of Water and Life (CNDAV), a network of social and political organizations created in 2002 as a response to the developing relationship between the Uruguayan government and the International Monetary Fund, paved the way to success on this referendum. When a Letter of Intent was signed between the two entities, the people of Uruguay realized that all of their water and sanitation services could be privatized. They chose to fight back. With the victory of this referendum, access to drinkable water and sanitation should be guaranteed to the whole population as a result of a sustainable and participative public administration.

In the News:
2004
November 20: Empresa de agua se va de Uruguay
November 15: Where the People Voted Against Fear
November 11: Declaracion de la comition nacional en defensa del agua y la vida
November 4: A New Beginning for Uruguay
November 2: Uruguay guarantees public water supply
November 1: Referendum Gives Resounding 'No' to the Privatisation of Water
November 1: Aguas de octubre
October 25: Uruguay, decisión soberana por el agua. Más del 60% dijo SÍ
October 19: El 31 de octubre, todos somos uruguayos
Plebiscito por el agua en Uruguay
September 14: IMF questions Uruguayan movement in defense of water
August 20: “SI” por el agua de cara al 31 de octubre

Because Public Citizen does not accept funds from corporations, professional associations or government agencies, we can remain independent and follow the truth wherever it may lead. But that means we depend on the generosity of concerned citizens like you for the resources to fight on behalf of the public interest. If you would like to help us in our fight, click here.