US Water Resources Under Foreign Control Increasing Amid Security Concerns

An expert says up to 63 million Americans are potentially exposed to unsafe drinking water. Upgrading the country's nearly 50-year-old lead water pipes alone will cost an estimated $60 billion. Emmily/Shutterstock

While U.S. officials continue to express concern over the surge in foreign-owned farm acreage, an important question looms: Who owns America’s water?

Foreign interests are expanding their hold on U.S. water in opaque ways besides just land ownership. At the moment, the door is wide open for foreign investment in water privatization.