TFTT Report

This blog, focused on the group’s lack of transparency, is the third in a series examining FWW’s most recent misleading claims.

Food & Water Watch recently claimed that its “meager resources” were overshadowed by Truth from the Tap’s “massive resources,” attempting to set up a David versus Goliath scenario.

So, let’s take a look at FWW’s “meager resources”

FWW is not a citizen-run, cash-strapped local grassroots organization, contrary to its attempt to masquerade as one. In reality, it is a DC-based, well-funded political machine that has a multi-million dollar annual budget and spends hundreds of thousands on lobbying every year. These figures certainly call into question the group’s definition of “meager.”

But that’s only half of the story about FWW’s operations. Talk about a lack of transparency…in 2011 and 2012, 90 percent of the group’s total funding – more than $20 million – came from undisclosed sources. Yet, FWW insists that they are transparent, trying to use a GuideStar certification as evidence of this claim. But the reality is that this “certification” is in no way recognition of exceptional transparency. Rather, it is the lowest qualification needed just to be included on GuideStar, which features data about almost every non-profit in the United States. Effectively, FWW is trying to claim its participation award is a gold medal.

With anonymous donors and lack of transparency, FWW cannot and should not masquerade as an independent, citizen-minded expert on a community’s water needs. It is a Washington, DC political machine that offers very little other than spin and distortions on water infrastructure issues.