This paper presents an overview about the use of goal-oriented strategies, such as output-based aid (OBA) and payment for environmental services (PES), for water pollution abatement and control in urban and rural areas throughout the country. Thus, considering the goal of implementing IWRM, two nation-wide experiences are reviewed: the River Basin Clean-Up Program (PRODES) and the Water Producer Program, both run by the National Water Agency (ANA), the former initiated over a decade ago. They illustrate successful ways to bring public authorities and water users together, in this case, sanitation services and landowners, respectively. Finally, it is discussed the applicability and perspectives for carrying out new goal-oriented initiatives aimed at IWRM in Brazil.