The paper describes the development of the water industry in England and Wales from 1974 to 1995 through the perspective of Anglian Water which serves Eastern England. The experiences of that development provide ample evidence of the synergistic relationship between organisational structure and technologies used. The water industry has and is learning the same lessons as other global industries. If water management is to have its rightful place in protecting and utilising planetary resources properly, it must use the experience and lessons of other global industries. The paper indicates the first steps in this journey.
