Such reforms will be vital to foster investments, put in place strategic water policies and ensure coherent implementation. Good governance of the water sector is essential to achieving sustainability, whether in terms of economic growth, environmental health or social well-being, and to finding a balance among them. By “water governance” we mean the rules and practices for decision-making on water, and how these decisions are translated into action. Governance is distinct from water management, which refers to operational, on-the-ground activity to align water resources, supply, consumption and recycling.