KYOTO -- Representatives of citizen's groups in Japan and abroad gathered here Saturday to raise awareness of worldwide water issues before the start of the Third World Water Forum, which begins Sunday at three venues in Kansai.

At the Saturday gathering, which attracted about 120 people, speakers from seven countries reported on their activities and water-related problems. Topics included mercury poisoning in a Brazilian reservoir, water sanitation efforts in Indonesia and water privatization in Sri Lanka.

Some speakers also pointed out issues to be discussed at the water forum and voiced concerns over efforts by businesses and international organizations to privatize the water sector in some countries. Other speakers discussed large-scale development projects, such as dams and large hydroelectric power stations.