| Abstract: | Water management institutions vary in comprehensiveness, level of governmental intervention, and basis of geographic delimitation. In 1973 the British Parliament created ten integrated water authorities in England and Wales based on river basins. They are responsible for all aspects of the water industry and are virtually the sole providers of water services. In 1983 Parliament reorganized the governing boards of the authorities along corporate lines. Evaluation of the British institutional arrangement and performance suggests that the comprehensive regional water authorities facilitate efficiency, effectiveness, and adequate technology, but that they limit representation of legitimate local and public interests and poorly accommodate existing governmental units. |
