Prior to the creation of regional water authorities water was supplied by privately owned water companies and by water boards run by local authorities.
The Water Act 1973 reorganised water services in England and Wales, replacing river authorities, water undertakings, and sewerage and sewerage disposal authorities with newly created multi-purpose water authorities (the regional water authorities). These were to be responsible for water supply, water conservation, sewerage and sewerage disposal, prevention of river pollution, fisheries, land drainage and the recreational use of their waters.
Links to online catalogues of holdings:
WATER COMPANIES AND WATER BOARDS
Burgh-by-sands, Beaumont and Orton Drainage Board
Furness Water Board see North West Water Authority
Holme St Cuthbert, Allonby and Westnewton Drainage Board
WATER AUTHORITIES