Getting the facts about Public-Private Partnerships for Water

This fact sheet presents the five most common criticisms - or myths - about P3s, and sets out the facts. Based on EPCOR's experience as a provider of water and/or wastewater service to more than 1 million Canadians, we believe the facts demonstrate that each of these criticisms is unfounded, and that well-structured partnerships for water and wastewater service, made with reliable operators, have delivered improved service and quality and lower costs, while maintaining public ownership and control. We encourage all Canadians to examine the facts and come to their own conclusions.

Get the facts about public-private partnerships for water

• Myth 1: P3s are more costly than publicly-managed and financed projects.
  Fact: P3s have delivered lower costs, while preserving access and improving quality.

• Myth 2: Publicly-managed and financed utilities are more accountable than those operated under P3 agreements.
  Fact: Many municipally-managed utility systems have failed to perform or be held accountable, while expert external providers are held to strict contractual and regulatory performance standards.

• Myth 3: P3s place profit ahead of public interest.
  Fact: Partnerships have delivered improved quality and service at reduced costs. Well-structured partnerships motivate the third-party operator to protect the public interest.

• Myth 4: P3s are less transparent than publicly-managed and financed projects.
  Fact: Utility operators are responsible and transparent to the governments that select them, and publicly-accountable to regulators for their environmental and public health performance.

• Myth 5: Trade agreements could lead to municipalities losing control over environmental regulation of water utilities, and to the bulk export of water.
  Fact: Existing trade agreements confirm Canada’s power to regulate water as a natural resource, and to enforce environmental regulations. Provinces and municipalities are exempt from NAFTA provisions regulating the procurement of goods and services.