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Ownership of hundreds of water utility companies in several states is shifting
abroad.
The West Virginia Public Service Commission, joining other states, has approved the
sale of West Virginia-American Water to international conglomerate Thames Water, a
British subsidiary of a German concern.
Environmental activists said Thames Water was the biggest violator of standards in
Britain, a charge which the company denies.
A few opponents appeared before the PSC in Charleston, expressing concerns about
rate increases and a failure of large conglomerates to expand or improve service in
rural areas because of the "bottom line." Other protesters felt public utilities should
not be owned by foreign companies.
The sale involves $4.6 billion to purchase the parent company, American Water
Works.
The company announced it plans to make more acquisitions in West Virginia,
including sewage operations. Fred Stottlemyer, general manager of South Putnam
Public Service District, said he sees Thames as a threat to wastewater systems
across West Virginia.
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