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Sierra's May/June 2004
Let's Talk film selection:
Thirst
a film by Alan Snitow and Deborah Kaufman
Discussion questions
At the World Water Forum, Thames CEO Bill Alexander says that his company will not go anywhere it is not wanted. Do you believe him?
How do you think Thames will be able to satisfy its stockholders that the company is profitable and still achieve the cost savings it promised Stockton, California?
Has Thirst changed the way you view democracy? What role should citizens play in critical decisions about their communities?
In the United States, 85 percent of the population gets its drinking water from public systems. Do you think these systems could be run more efficiently by corporations?
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that cities need to spend $151 billion to upgrade water delivery infrastructure over the next 20 years and another $460 billion on sewage systems. How will local governments raise money for these purposes? How will private companies raise money?
Has your view of bottled water changed since viewing Thirst? If so, how? Should private bottling companies be allowed to pump water to sell bottled water for a profit? Are stricter standards needed for bottled water? For tap water?
What policies are needed to protect groundwater?
What comparisons can you make between the protests against Coca-Cola in Kerala, India, and the concerns of citizens in Mecosta County, Michigan?
In Thirst, Indian water-conservation leader Rajendra Singh calls for an international boycott of bottled water, while Michigan citizens are calling for a boycott of Nestlé water. What do you think such boycotts might accomplish?
There are many passionate voices in the film saying water should be a common good, while corporate spokespeople say the private sector can deliver water most efficiently. How do you see these issues? What does efficiency mean? Is there any kind of efficiency besides economic efficiency?
What are the consequences of treating water as a marketable good where the market determines its price? Who gains and who loses from such policies?
Many people believe that water is a human right. Why should water be treated any differently than any other product like shoes or tomatoes?
What do you see as the advantages and disadvantages of community versus corporate provision of water services?
After seeing the film, are there changes you can make in the way you use water at home? Are there ways that water use could be altered at your workplace, on your campus, or in your community? Do any of these changes require more than local action? How might this be done?
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