In 2000, these forms of citizen boards were included in the State Water Law with the objectives to: i) strengthen community participation in water and sanitation services, ii) facilitate organisational and regulatory processes, and iii) contribute to the sustainability of water and sanitation services. They can help to ensure public participation in planning, construction and operation processes for water and sanitation systems, improve their performance, and raise collective awareness and co-responsibility between users. However, adapting them to local contexts can be challenging. The scope and format of participation is tailored in each town according to historical rules and customs.