Beyond Privatization – Comparison of the British and German Water Supply

Abstract

In 1989 the ten British Water Authorities were privatized by flotation on the stock market and set under economic regulation by OFWAT which distinguishes them considerably from the German utilities. The article presents the status quo of the British and German water supply by examination of selected features as supply area, age and condition of mains, water meters, leaks, water use, quality, costs and investment.