This type of issue was overcome in Ceara because all water charges were formulated as “tariffs” paid to a public company (Company for Water Resources Management of Ceara, COGERH) that operates all water resources systems (Box 2.7). This approach can inspire other solutions nationwide, without requiring legal reforms. However, revenues are shared among several organisations, including federal entities, state governments and municipalities affected by reservoirs, and those funds are generally not earmarked for the water sector.