Analysis of Urban Water Management in Historical Perspective: Evidence for the Spanish Case

Abstract

The level of public and private involvement in economic activity in societies has changed over time. One may talk about the existence of a cyclical trend in which the most important periods of public management are replaced by periods in which private management dominates the situation. This phenomenon may also be observed in local areas. Some authors have pointed out the existence of an alternation in the provision of municipal services, resulting in periods dominated by public management compared with other stages dominated by private management. In order to illustrate this cyclical trend at the local level, this paper intends to analyse the evolution of the governance of the Spanish water supply since the mid-19th century to the present day. Recent evidence from the industry suggests the possibility that a further change in the trend may currently be being witnessed.

Acknowledgements

Financial support from the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (Project No. ECO2009-08824/ECON) is acknowledged. The usual disclaimer applies.

Notes

1. The water boy or vendor providing water (i.e., aguador in Spanish) was a profession in Spain that existed well into the 20th century. This job consisted of carrying clay jars of water, often with the help of a mule, to the city squares or the higher areas of the city where access to water was more difficult. Ultimately, it was street selling of water permitted by the municipal authorities.

2. For example, the company Mina Pública de Aguas de Tarrasa S.A. was established in 1841.

3. €1 = 166.386 pesetas.

4. A clear example on the issue is found in the early and unsuccessful attempt to municipalize Aguas de Barcelona and Empresa Concesionaria de Aguas Subterráneas del Río Llobregat. In 1920, due to the financial inability of the City Council, a consortium of banks bought both companies and established the Sociedad General de Aguas de Barcelona.

5. For example, the water supply was municipalized in Cadiz in 1927 and in Cordoba in 1938.

6. One example of a reversion to the local council before contract expiry was the English company Seville Water Work Co. Ltd, which supplied water to Seville and Alcalá de Guadaira.

7. AEAS is the Spanish Association of Water Supply and Sanitation.