I think the basic needs in a 1st world country should always and forever be owned BY the country, not privately owned.
I don't see it as a 'right' as such, but a necessity. Food is also, that's true, but it could be argued that a person (in the UK) could actually grow their own, enough to sustain life...? Water is more immediate. I think basic essential food already is protected isn't it as regards how much it can be taxed? Grain prices have shot up thanks to shitey weather, but it's still affordable, DH makes his own bread (he likes to) and it is very cheap, but still more expensive than ever. Although it's a valid argument, because of course our five day shouldn't be free... should it?
Our water charges have shot up, our service has got worse... for me, private or public that difference is the important factor. I don't mind paying, I willingly pay, I believe some of what I earn should go towards sewage, clean drinking water etc., but our service has really gone downhill and quite drastically. As a bill payer, that doesn't seem right and there's naff all we can do about it, and that is what is wrong. Inflation is one thing, raw sewage on your drive that isn't due to anything you've done, and having to pay over the rate of inflation for it isn't fair.
Ideally, food, water, basic heat (ie survivable) and basic shelter (same) should all be provided by the state via taxes (before anything else) for each individual... and historically those terms have been pretty much met on the whole, for the individual. But it does rankle when a private company that provide necessary things declares crazy profits, pays as little tax as they can (not their fault, gov fault) and people's services decreases noticeably whilst bills rise and income falls. Something wrong there whichever side of whichever fence you dwell on.