[hedgetrimmer]

Water is a public good. Reservoirs, lakes and streams are good for the public. Constitutionally citizens can use lakes, reservoirs and streams for their own water needs, recreation and fishing. Corporate control of systems and delivery is bad. They do not allow historical public use of water. They can price water out of the reach of many consumers. They can control who gets it.

[marsh2]

Under California and Western water law, appropriation of water for beneficial use ripened into private property. (In California, use only to water SURPLUS to that not already privately appropriated before 1914 or not part of a private riparian right became "public.")

Once property has "vested" as private, it is not supposed to be vulnerable to public encroachment without legitimate public need and payment of just compensation.

[Timm]

Corporate control of systems and delivery is bad. They do not allow historical public use of water. They can price water out of the reach of many consumers. They can control who gets it.

Such good points. They apply equally well to food. Private, "corporate" distribution of food is bad. Corporations could price food out of reach of many consumers. They can control who gets it. You wouldn't be able just to show up on public land and harvest food anymore. That's why it's such a good thing that the government controls food supplies and distributes them.

Oh, wait. Government doesn't control food supplies, and doesn't distribute them. And food is in abundance and quality in America like nowhere else in the world. So I guess you're wrong. Wow, go figure.