In class, we watched the documentary film Thirst, by Alan Snitow and Deborah Kaufman. Thirst explores many question related to water resources: 

• Is clean water a basic human right that we would be able to provide for everyone?

• Is water a natural resource to be protected by the public, or is it another commodity like that of oil?

• How can we ethically deal with the issues of water scarcity in a growing world population?

Centered around the privatization of water resources, this documentary details the public outcry when water resources are privatized in California, India, and Bolivia.
California:

Stockton, California. Mayor Gary Podesto proposes to give control of the water system to a global water corporation. Stockton residents react to this news and create a new grassroots coalition to demand that residents take part in the decision when Mayor Gary Podesto seeks to allow only the city council authority to vote. Citizens reject the control of their water system by a global corporation because they are worried about price hikes, water quality, and layoffs of public employees. Water plant supervisor Michael McDonald sees democracy itself at stake in this battle and vows to resign if the city’s water system is privatized. The City Council votes in favor of excluding the public from their decision, and Thames Water assumes control of Stockton water operation.

India:

The desert landscape of Rajasthan ensures that water is a precious resource.  A grassroots movement led by Rajendra Singh works to oppose government efforts to sell water sources to companies like Coca-Cola and Pepsi as well as promote water conservation. Water conservation efforts have rejuvenated rivers and changed the desert landscape.

Bolivia:

Oscar Olivera, a community leader from Bolivia, leads an insurrection against Bechtel Corporation. Tens of thousands of people battle police and the army to protect their water rights. After a hired sharpshooter dressed in civilian clothing kills a 17-year-old , the government is forced to expel one of the world’s most powerful corporations.

The rest of this documentary explores the future of water resource development and the threats that will arise if countries and municipalities allow corporations to profit from the commoditization of water.