They have planning, data collection and co-ordination prerogatives usually devoted to river basin organisations. As collegial structures, they can also arbitrate and prevent conflicts over water use. They provide fora to reach compromise on water allocation disputes, and they are key interlocutors of CONAGUA regarding the management of water risks such as drought, overexploitation and contamination in order to develop mechanisms in line with the national strategy. In addition, the councils participate in the development of financial studies with CONAGUA to best determine the necessary users’ contribution to support their programmes of work.