AWWA SOURCES55758

Present understanding and analysis concerning inequities in access to, and distribution of, safe drinking water are inadequate. This is in great part because such thought is too often bounded by the internal logic of the greater capitalist system. What is necessary to better understand and act upon such inequities is a change in frame based upon "human rights." This shift in frames is key for addressing concerns that are systematically streamlined out of utilitarian economic analysis in theory, and especially in practice. Such a shift should be informed by critical thought that provides an opportunity to deconstruct and confront the inherent contradictions and inequities that accompany our increasingly commodity-based dominant lens regarding drinking water. This change in frames is an urgent matter, as neoliberal values such as those expressed in free trade agreements are widening the already massive gulf between rich and poor in terms of access to water, especially safe drinking water at minimum necessary levels. Yet, it appears that we are only seeing a glimpse of what problems may face us in the future. This manuscript examines the underlying causes of this growing schism. It also illustrates the inherent danger and inequity that result with the increasing emphasis of commodity and "investor" rather than "human right"-based policies regarding water provision. Finally, the paper identifies theoretical contributions upon which to build a foundation of safe drinking water as a "human right," and seeks ways to redirect and inform analysis so that it will reflect a more equitable and humane set of ethics, assumptions, principles and objectives. Includes 52 references, tables.