The fact that mayors were engaged as stockholders of service providers on the one hand, and members of the regulatory authority on the other, has led to conflicts of interest and influenced decision making. Moreover, the proliferation of appointments (presidents and members of boards of governors) has created opportunities for the consolidation of local political elites, with emoluments and benefits often equal to those of elected members of local councils. Eighteen municipal water agencies (joint stock companies) now share the ownership of water distribution and wastewater networks. Simultaneously, the four “bulk” water suppliers that previously operated were consolidated in 2007 into a single corporation (VERITAS), owned by 25 municipalities which are owners of various aspects of the bulk water distribution network.