[2] The 1967 act was the first major attempt to consolidate the large numbers of small water authorities into larger units.

The Scottish Office was responsible for supervising the new boards, but the setting of tariffs and charges was still handled by local authorities.

A tenth Island Area included Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles, although they continued to act independently.

[4] The regional councils were also given responsibility for sewage treatment, which prior to that time had been handled by 234 separate organisations.

Each board consisted of members appointed by local councils, who had expert knowledge of engineering or finance.