Small, Medium and Large Companies in the Supply of Water in Spain (1840–1940)

This chapter analyses the establishment of private water supply companies in Spain between 1840 and 1940. The small, medium and large companies set up during those years are studied. Their differences are related to the size of the cities they supplied. The chapter also analyses the business strategies these companies adopted in order to dominate the market and the risk function that this type of business entails. The trajectory of the companies shows a flourishing sector that contributed to the modernisation of cities. The development of these companies is determined by the very nature of the activity – considered a public service – which is based on the market structure of the natural monopoly and the formula of the administrative concession.