Implementing policies and programs that modify how peoplecan access, use or interact with water resources is frequentlysocially antagonistic. This book recognizes key principles forevaluating and dealing the social effects of water reform. Thesignificance of social acceptability to successful water reform isexamined, together with the role of social assessment in attainingthis. Water resources and services are parts of social systems that encompass beyondthe technical world and the integrated water resources management needs a balancebetween competing views of social and political issues.