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1900s Private water companies – which own and operate water systems – form to deliver drinking water to many communities.
1920s Municipalities and local governments assume greater control over water, wastewater and other services.
1940s Consulting engineering practice gains momentum, establishing professional foundation for companies that will later become key players in development of public-private partnerships.
1970s Federal Clean Water Act grants program created, providing funding for local governments and municipalities to upgrade and improve wastewater treatment plants to meet stricter regulatory standards. In 1972, the first U.S. public-private partnership for contract operation of a wastewater treatment plant begins.
1980s Federal Safe Drinking Water Act passed, requiring costly upgrades to water treatment plants. OMI was founded in 1980. OMI began its contract O&M partnership with the city of Lebanon, Ore. Meanwhile in the U.K., all water and sewer systems are privatized in 1989.
1990s Rapid growth and diversity in public-private partnerships. In 1997, new federal legislation allows negotiation of longer-term (up to 20 years) management contracts – creating increased flexibility for companies and municipalities exploring public-private partnerships.
2000s Continued growth of water and wastewater O&M sector, including expansion of trend to larger water and wastewater systems.
Next: The future of public–private partnerships |
