本文从专业工程师的角度概述并讨论了私有化成功的主要因素和关键。讨论的私有化优势包括筹集资金、获得税收优惠、提高效率和降低风险。由于私有化可能会导致失去控制，因此在制定私有化协议时，应评估六个控制领域:将提供的服务水平、未来成本增加、环境问题、未来所有权转让、解决与服务方的分歧的程序，以及可能获得的资金或资金援助的申请。 描述的私有化项目阶段包括概念评估、合同和监测阶段。讨论了签订私有化协议的其他途径。介绍了亚利桑那州钱德勒市废水回收设施私有化的案例研究。包括桌子。

This article outlines and discusses the principal elements and keys to the success of privatization from the perspective of the professional engineer. Advantages of privatization discussed include raising capital, obtaining tax benefits, increasing efficiency, and reducing risk. Since loss of control can occur with privatization, six areas of control that should be evaluated in structuring a privatization agreement are outlined: level of service to be provided, future cost increases, environmental concerns, future transfer of ownership, procedures for resolving disagreements with the service party, and application of funding or funding assistance that might become available. Privatization project phases described include evaluation-conceptual, contracting, and monitoring phases. Alternate routes for entering into privatization agreements are addressed. A case study for privatization of a wastewater reclamation facility for the city of Chandler, Arizona, is presented. Includes table.