In Texas, Turning to Outsiders to Finance Water Deals — Water Supply | The Texas Tribune

The construction costs for proposed Lake Columbia in east Texas are projected at $330 million. Under a new and revolutionary public-private partnership, these costs -- and the water from the reservoir -- would be shared between public water agencies and a private infrastructure company. 

Advocates say that private sector involvement is the only way to meet Texas’ growing water needs, but critics worry about how accountable private firms will be to the public, and about the possibility of higher water rates.

In Texas, Turning to Outsiders to Finance Water Deals — Water Supply | The Texas Tribune