One of the most valuable resources on Earth, water is necessary for maintaining life. However, many individuals are unaware of the ownership of the water supply firms. In this post, we’ll look into who controls water firms in the US and the UK and talk about the most common forms of water.
Water is provided by both public and private organizations in the US. While private water systems are controlled by businesses or people, public water systems are often owned and managed by local government organizations. American Water Works Company, which provides services to over 15 million clients throughout 46 states, is the biggest private water provider in the US. Aqua America, California Water Service Group, and Connecticut Water Service are a few more significant private water providers.
Depending on the geography, different types of water are more widely used. Tap water is the most popular type of drinking water in the US, followed by bottled water. However, because of worries about the quality of tap water in some places, including California, bottled water is more widely consumed.
The majority of water firms in the United Kingdom are privately held. In England and Wales, there are ten major water firms that are governed by Ofwat (the Water Services Regulation Authority). These enterprises are in charge of handling wastewater treatment as well as providing water to residences and businesses. Thames Water, the largest water provider in the UK, provides services to over 15 million people in and around London.
In terms of ownership, a variety of investors, including pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and private equity groups, own the water corporations in the UK. For instance, a group of investors led by the Australian bank Macquarie Group owns Thames Water.
In conclusion, even though water is a crucial resource, many people are unaware of the ownership of the firms that provide it. While water is provided by both public and private businesses in the US, it is primarily owned by private businesses in the UK. The most common types of water differ regionally as well. In order to guarantee that we have access to clean and safe drinking water, it is crucial for consumers to be aware of who owns their water corporations and how they are governed.
In the UK, there are numerous options to invest in water equities. Purchasing stock in publicly traded water businesses like Severn Trent, United Utilities, and Thames Water that are listed on the London Stock Exchange is one option. Investments in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that concentrate on businesses involved with water, such the iShares Global Water UCITS ETF or the Invesco Water Resources ETF, are another option. Mutual funds and investment trusts that focus on the water industry are also available. Before making any investing decisions, it is advised to conduct extensive research and speak with a financial advisor.