Problems emerged in situations where irrigation expansion followed individual plans and decisions, as individual entrepreneurs failed to factor in the consequences of their decisions on the local community. The objective was to define an institutional framework or policy tool that could provide for the revision of water entitlements, revisit the “first come first served” practice, and grant local farming communities the capacity to self-manage. The policy positions were developed arising from the consultative process and under the strong political guidance of the Minister of Water Affairs. To guide the reform, the Department of Water Affairs, in consultation with stakeholders on a national and regional basis, developed a set of underlying principles.