The institutions in charge of water management are at different developmental stages in different LAC countries, but common challenges, including in the most advanced countries, can be diagnosed ex ante to provide adequate policy responses. Although common problems can be identified, there is no universal solution. Institutional architecture, prerogatives and local conditions must be taken into account in the policy design. To do so, there is a pressing need to take stock of recent experiences, identify good practices and develop pragmatic tools across different levels of government and stakeholder groups to engage in shared, effective, fair and sustainable water policies.