We do not live in a two-sector world anymore.

To ensure a degree of social and political

pluralism that provides for a more civilized society emerged a third sector known as, 'civil society'.
''Water Inc.'' by Varda Burstyn represents this 'third sector' carefully in a fictitious plot that gives
the novel a reality. The provocative title of the book suggests a vast range of perspectives on
modernization. It shows how a essential natural resource could be a big issue and in turn could
shape politics, economics, society, international relation, environment and individuals as well.

Varda Burstyn's writing sets a ground to develop the 'triple bottom line' concept of
sustainability. She uses the characters to rise concern among readers about the growing endangered
Earth, it's vulnerability towards environmental damages in different parts of the book somewhere as
a part of a seminar or simply conversations. Along with this the descriptions of nature of various
places provides an experience of a travelogue. Noticeably, she represents beautifully the current
situation of global water security in nutshell through facts as part of Davidowicz's lecture. Which
concludes, ''to survive in the coming years, a system of water governance will have to be built from
the ground up – democratically.'' (Burstyn,2005,P38)

'Water Inc.' develops a complex of power, profit, social responsibility twisted with a thriller
shade. Within this limited scope some romantic elements also get its place. It also once again
focuses the general intention of a corporation and its strategy. The motives of the corporation makes
Dryzek's argument about industrialism relevant here. The issue also evolves around environmental
justice that raises questions about the social and environmental effects of technology. Principally
water should be shared – not owned. The sharing of water should not disrupt the natural cycles is
the main message 'Water Inc.' delivers.

The story reflects the modern 'risk society' using the particular situation in Canada. ''Risk
needs to be disciplined, but active risk-taking is a core element of a dynamic economic & an
innovative society.'' ( Giddens, Runaway World,1999, P 29). The issue here supports Beck as
individuals producing risks will also be exposed to them. In this story people could take action
because they could assess the level of the 'manufactured risk'. The proposed project could foreclose
the possibility of managing water properly by specialized public authorities and there would be no
public accountability over its distribution. The possible environmental impacts are also huge that
provoke the rest of the world to think carefully before proceeding toward such projects.

Beyond the plot, content and characterization the writer sometimes stretches some events long
that could be a cause to feel bored. Very often Varda describes the characters and their past a lot
which in-essentially makes the story long. The crowd of characters also creates puzzles in readers
mind. A special feature is also notable, that is the usage of some French terms. It is no-doubt a good
approach to relate the native culture but as she's writing in English I felt the need of a list of
translations,of foreign terms she used, for readers like me.
References:

Crane, A. and Matten, D, 2004, Business Ethics, Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Dryzek, J. (1997) The Politics of the Earth: Environmental Discourses. Oxford: Oxford
University Press.

Giddens, A. (1999) Runaway World: How Globalization is Reshaping Our Lives. London.

Beck, U. (1992) Risk Society: Towards a New Modernity. New Delhi: Sage. (Translated from
the German 'Risikogesellschaft'. Published in 1986.