“Water allocation has moved from being a background administrative activity to one of the most defining water governance challenges of the times. Water allocation is no longer just about matching supply and demand. It has become an arena where societies negotiate sustainability, justice, economic prosperity, and climate resilience all at once.” -Jonatan Godinez Madrigal, IHE-Delft Integrity Talk 15 December 11, 2025 Water availability is increasingly unpredictable because of climate change, and increasingly under pressure from economic and population growth. This is leading to a water resource crisis, but one that is not just hydrological. In this Integrity Talk, leading researchers looked at how people and sectors share water and the challenges of changing the rules and systems for allocation. They discussed how water allocation regimes designed decades ago are buckling under modern pressures, creating fertile ground for corruption and system failure. Go straight to recording > Get in touch about water allocation research > --- Water allocation systems under pressure: power struggles, systemic weaknesses, and deliberate underfunding There are different systems for water allocation, which speakers categorised as the "3 Ps": Permits , Pricing and market-based mechanisms, and Platforms or institutions for decision-making. All these different systems are facing worrisome integrity risks across their development, implementation, and monitoring. Ghost systems and empty institutions were risks that the speakers highlighted specifically. This can refer to: strong laws and principles that cannot be implemented effectively; systems that allocate water that is no longer available; the perception of rights as unchangeable quasi ‘property rights’, over a resource that is public, moving and unstable; and institutions that do not have the power or capacity to carry out their mandate or implement allocation systems adequately. Speakers also noted that insufficient capacity or resources are often mentioned as reasons for the challenges. However, they emphasised that capacity weaknesses are actually often deliberate and they can both enable and stem from corruption or other malfeasance. Understaffed, poorly led water allocation institutions with fractured mandates, as well as systematic underfunding of monitoring making it impossible for allocation systems to work. “There are two ways you can have systemic integrity issues. One, if you have a system where even with exemplary implementation, it cannot produce an equitable and sustainable outcome. That's a systemic integrity issue. Or secondly, if the system itself cannot be implemented, it inherently lacks integrity.” -Dr Mary Galvin, Water Integrity Network --- Examples: water allocation system failures and paths for change At the integrity talk 15, we heard examples of how these water allocation issues play out in Mexico, Indonesia, Chile, South Africa, the Netherlands, and Brazil. The panellists spoke of historical legacies, "water mafias" controlling irrigation gates in Indonesia, and of Mexico's underfunded monitoring, enabling widespread overextraction and power plays slowing reform. “People and companies that had more power were the ones that were able to get their water allocation rights. And those who didn't, or didn't have the resources to go through all the paperwork, they ended up without these water allocation rights. And at the same time, what was happening is that there was very little investment in building a strong regulatory agency of water allocation rights. And so what became the norm was overextraction, pollution of water ecosystems without any consequence for water right owners.” -Fermin Robles Reygadas, Co-Founder of Cantaro Azul The discussion also highlighted positive responses and paths for action. Indigenous communities in Oaxaca are reclaiming collective water management. River basin organisations, like those studied In Indonesia, are implementing straightforward procedural and staffing changes that limit risks of abuse in the operation of floodgates and other systems. There are policy entrepreneurs persistently and slowly pushing through change, for example in Chile. Accountability appears to be a crucial component of any reform. --- What next? The conversation brought out two fundamental challenges: One, can we reform broken allocation systems, or do we need entirely new approaches that shift power and recognise diverse water rights? Two, can we do the work required fast enough? What do you think? “We need to recognize and make things which are unseen seen. Going away from only formal tenure, but recognizing different kinds of use before we allocate. Otherwise, the structural injustice will persist, simply because we are ignoring and not taking into account the real water users in the field.” -Mohamad Mova Al’Afghani, Center for Regulation, Policy and Governance Get in touch to work together on these topics or to get updates on the results of our research on water allocation ( info@win-s.org ) > --- Panellist presentations: Jonatan Godinez-Madrigal presented findings from a two-year global comparative study by IHE Delft examining water allocation regimes. He discussed a major gap between systems on paper and systems in practice . He also highlighted systemic weaknesses in permits, pricing mechanisms, and platforms for water allocation, noting how these dwarf already very common individual acts of corruption. He also pointed out the difficult position of allocation officials with limited resources dealing with unavoidable trade-offs. He argued solutions must be built on transparency, accountability, and participation. More on his research: https://www.un-ihe.org/water-allocation-and-rights-project Fermin Reygadas traced Mexico's severe water crisis to failures rooted in 1990s reforms that combined neoliberal market-based policy with massive investment for large infrastructure, while neglecting investment in regulatory capacity. He shared examples of change and resistance, for example from Indigenous communities in the region of Oaxaca who have rejected individual permits in favour of collective action to protect the aquifers, limit extraction, and restore water levels. He focused on the need for communities to act together, the need for political incentives, and the usefulness of feedback loops for decision-makers to live with the consequences of their actions. More resources: https://ecologica.jornada.com.mx/2024/10/20/agua-para-pocos-costos-para-todos-375.html https://ecologica.jornada.com.mx/2024/10/20/la-inaplazable-defensa-comunitaria-del-agua-3392.html Mohamad Mova Al'Afghani presented research from the Cimanuk River Basin in Indonesia examining agency tenure: the water rights held by public institutions with operational mandates, particularly those controlling irrigation infrastructure. In Indonesia, where 80% of water use is agricultural and most farmers depend on irrigation networks, the officials managing water gates wield enormous power over which areas receive water . The research documented cases of structural injustice and reports of "water mafia" operating during drought seasons. He closed with possible avenues of response at the level of the river basin organisation in staffing, division of responsibilities, complaint systems , and technology for control. More resources water tenure and this research: https://www.fao.org/in-action/scalewat/water-tenure/global-dialogue-on-water-tenure/en Mary Galvin presented WIN's research on integrity risks in water allocation systems, with particular focus on permitting systems. She introduced a framework distinguishing between procedural integrity risks in the implementation of allocation systems (at various stages from policy development to compliance monitoring) and integrity issues of the system itself , a crucial conceptual distinction. At the procedural level, she identified risks including policy capture and lobbying by powerful groups, collusion between officials and interest groups over drought rules, manipulation of data in water availability assessments, and unclear roles and responsibilities that create exploitation opportunities. Systemic integrity failures occur when even exemplary implementation cannot produce equitable and sustainable outcomes. --- Recording

Frequently Asked Questions What is sexual corruption in water and sanitation? What makes sexual corruption different from other forms of GBV in the water and sanitation sectors? Is sexual corruption really common in the water and sanitation sectors? How does sexual corruption affect women’s rights and wellbeing? Who is most vulnerable to sexual corruption in water and sanitation? Does water and sanitation infrastructure make a difference? Are there effective responses or preventive mechanisms for sexual corruption? What can I or my organisation do? Understanding sexual corruption, or "sex for water"   What is sexual corruption in water and sanitation? Sexual corruption, or "sextortion", is a form of corruption where sex — rather than money — is the currency of a bribe. It occurs when someone in a position of power abuses that power to get sexual acts in exchange for a service, opportunity, or benefit. In the water and sanitation sectors for example, someone could be coerced into sexual acts to: Get access to water Obtain or renew water connections Skip long queues, expedite long processes, or avoid inflated prices Gain access to toilets or bathing areas Sexual corruption can happen anywhere: in schools, workplaces, administrative offices, or when accessing essential services like WASH or healthcare, anywhere in the world . Women are most often affected but others can be affected too. The term was first popularised by the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ)  in 2009, and it is now recognised globally as both a form of corruption and a form of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). This double definition is important. It highlights that sexual corruption is not like other forms of gender-based violence and not like other forms of abuse of power . Sexual corruption in water and sanitation reflects unequal access and power dynamics. It is linked to gender inequality, corruption, and poor infrastructure. It limits the human rights to water and sanitation and violates basic human rights principles of equal rights and non-discrimination. What makes sexual corruption different from other forms of GBV in the water and sanitation sectors? Sexual corruption is a hybrid abuse: It is sexual exploitation/abuse  (because it violates bodily autonomy). It is corruption  (because it involves the misuse of entrusted power and a coercive “exchange”). Even if physical violence is not used, there is hidden pressure to engage, especially as water and sanitation are basic and essential. Most legal systems treat sexual violence and corruption as separate crimes, leaving sexual corruption in a grey area. When laws do not explicitly recognise the act, victims struggle to seek justice. The transactional element of sexual corruption complicates recognition and also reporting. Even where laws exist, survivors often lack safe, confidential ways to report incidents or access legal aid and psychological or social support in the water and sanitation sectors and beyond. Survivors fear they will be wrongly portrayed as complicit and there are reports they also distrust the police and judiciary to take action. Furthermore, the sexual element means it is not, or rarely, detected or covered by tradition anti-corruption systems. Corruption reporting mechanisms are still too rarely oriented to protect or support victims. As a result, sexual corruption remains very much taboo. Perpetrators remain unpunished, and the cycle of abuse continues. Is sexual corruption really common in the water and sanitation sectors? Women have specific water and sanitation needs. In many places, women and girls also collect and manage water for their households. When access is limited or controlled, by meter readers, repair workers, water truck operators, contractors, informal providers, or landlords, women are then on the front line for abuse. Scarcity and poor services, high levels of informality, long distances to facilities, weak oversight, or unclear complaint systems increase the power imbalance and the risk. Though it is poorly documented or studied, there is evidence that sexual corruption in water and sanitation is widespread but taboo. Cases have been reported in the water and sanitation sectors in many countries including Kenya , Zimbabwe , South Africa, Colombia , and the United States . More extensive research has also been carried out in Kenya, Mexico , Bangladesh , and Uganda . How does sexual corruption affect women’s rights and wellbeing? Sexual corruption violates the human rights to water, sanitation, and the principles of equality, and dignity. Victims face physical, psychological, and social harm. Many experience depression, anxiety, or trauma, compounded by shame, stigma, and fear of reprisal. The impacts go beyond individuals: Public trust declines, undermining confidence in service providers and institutions Gender inequality deepens, as women’s safety and access are compromised Development goals stall, since corruption in water and sanitation directly affects health, livelihoods, and education     Understanding risk, preventing, and responding to sexual corruption   Who is most vulnerable to sexual corruption in water and sanitation? Research from Kenya , Bangladesh , and Uganda shows that sexual corruption disproportionately affects poor, water-insecure, and less educated women . The main drivers of risk are: Poverty : When people cannot afford official fees or bribes, they may be coerced into sexual exchanges instead. Water insecurity : Those relying on shared or informal water sources are at higher risk, as they often depend on gatekeepers for access. Low literacy and awareness : Lack of education limits knowledge of rights and available reporting mechanisms. Gender and social norms : In many contexts, women are expected to remain silent about sexual abuse, leading to severe underreporting.   Does water and sanitation infrastructure make a difference? Improved infrastructure directly reduces vulnerability to sexual corruption . Studies show that women with private, piped water connections or household toilets are significantly less exposed to sexual corruption. Investments should prioritise: Expanding household-level water connections Installing safe, well-lit, private sanitation facilities Reducing travel time and exposure to unsafe or informal access points Strengthening community oversight of WASH projects Infrastructure alone is not enough, but it forms the backbone of prevention by minimising dependence on informal systems where abuse thrives.   Are there effective responses or preventive mechanisms for sexual corruption? Tackling sexual corruption requires addressing both its corruption and gender dimensions . Strong integrity systems  in the water and sanitation sectors can reduce opportunities for abuse and empower users to demand accountability. When WASH service delivery is transparent, affordable, and inclusive, the discretionary power that enables sexual corruption diminishes. In addition to better infrastructure, key actions include: Legal recognition: Define sexual corruption as both corruption and sexual abuse in anti-corruption and gender-based violence laws. Definitions must highlight abuse of power and ensure survivors are not criminalised. Policy integration: Include sexual corruption in national integrity frameworks, WASH strategies, and sector guidelines Training and awareness: Equip officials, contractors, and community workers to recognise, prevent, and respond to sexual corruption Reporting mechanisms: Create safe, anonymous channels for survivors to report abuse without fear Victim support: Provide access to counselling, legal aid, and community-based protection systems Community engagement: Promote awareness and challenge norms that normalise abuse or silence victims  What can I or my organisation do? Name it explicity (in policies, training, reporting categories) and share this FAQ! In addition to implementing gender-sensitive programmes and infrastructure, your organisation can: Join calls for research and recognition of sexual corruption in water and sanitation and beyond. Raise awareness within your organisation on the dual nature of sexual corruption and highlight the abuse of entrusted power . Note the risks in service delivery, programme implementation, and human resources. Dedicated training can help ( WIN can support you with training ) Adapt codes of conduct and establish clear standards of behaviour for staff , contractors, and grantees, for example including clear contractual language prohibiting abuse of power for sexual gain Engage with and support communities, CSOs, and women and GBV protection organisations , also to address underlying drivers of risk Adapt reporting channels and implement survivor centred protection mechanisms: psychosocial support, safety planning, anonymity, referrals—following established GBV/PSEA protocols. Investigate the service-provision environment (billing, access logs, water-trucking schedules, repair orders) or collaborate with researchers to document corruption patterns without exposing survivors. Strengthen oversight of frontline workers, contractors, and local gatekeepers. We can build systems that serve people, not exploit them. The fight against sexual corruption in water and sanitation is not just about stopping abuse, it’s about ensuring that everyone can access water and sanitation safely, fairly, and with dignity .

New research on the prevalence of sexual corruption in access to WASH in three districts reveals urgent need for recognition and action In 2024-2025, WIN, with support from UWASNET and ANEW , carried out research in Bunyangabu, Kabarole, and Lira districts in Uganda on the prevalence of  sexual corruption in access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. Sexual corruption (sometimes referred to as sextortion) happens when someone in a position of power demands, hints at, or accepts sexual acts in exchange for water and sanitation access, repairs, connections, jobs, or rights. --- "Sex for water" is real and affects women in several districts The women interviewed for the research revealed a widespread but hidden problem threatening women accessing WASH in different districts of Uganda . The research shows clearly that sexual corruption is a specific issue, unlike other forms of gender-based violence. It confirms earlier findings from Kenya  and Bangladesh , showing that poverty, water insecurity, long travel times, and district-level governance gaps drive risk , not individual traits or behaviour. Interestingly, the results vary significantly between districts. --- Recognise, raise awareness, and build safe water infrastructure To ensure progress on Uganda's targets for water and sanitation access and gender equality, targeted action is necessary to prevent and stop sexual corruption in the water and sanitation sectors. There are three key levers for change in the WASH sector: Formal recognition of sexual corruption in law and policy , with the dual definition of corruption / abuse of power and gender-based violence. Better infrastructure , close to or at home, and designed for women's safety. Awareness and safeguards within water and sanitation institutions, oversight and enforcement bodies, and service providers. See all the findings, download the brief: Lessons learned from campaigns against sexual corruption in East Africa Civil society networks in Kenya, ANEW and KEWASNET, worked with legislators to bring sexual corruption in water access onto the national agenda after research documented widespread “sex for water” practices. A formal petition in Parliament to amend the Penal Code to explicitly criminalise sexual corruption has led to cross-sector commitments for better recognition and is on track to be formally acted on. Three key elements have been key to decisive action on sexual corruption issues in water and sanitation in Kenya but also in education in Tanzania and other sectors globally : E xposure and awareness, backed by research and evidence of the practice, L egal recognition based on dual framing of corruption / abuse of power AND sexual and gender-based violence,  T argeted measures and codes of conducts within sector institutions. --- DOWNLOAD Title A Call to Protect Women and Ensure Safe Access to Water and Sanitation in Uganda: Research on Prevalence of Sexual Corruption in Access to WASH in Three Disctricts Reveals Urgent Need for Action Author Water Integrity Network December 2025 Contributors ANEW , UWASNET Description Key results from surveys in three disctricts of Uganda on experiences of sexual corruption in the water and sanitation sectors. Description of the approach, key findings including on the drivers of risk (including poverty, water insecurity, long travel times to fetch water, district-level governance gaps). Recommendations focus on need for recognition and awareness, need for better infrastructure and clear service standards, social protection measures, and more research.

The Water Integrity Network is putting integrity at the heart of water management and the delivery of water and sanitation services. Clean water needs clean governance Integrity can make the water and sanitation sectors more resilient, more equitable, and less vulnerable to corruption, and malpractice. Join us in advocating for integrity and ensuring clean water management and services, for all . FIND OUT MORE Report: Water Integrity Global Outlook 3 READ REPORT Latest trends and practical insight to promote integrity in water and sanitation finance News SEE ALL POSTS Water integrity? It's essential Corruption and integrity issues happen everywhere and in all sectors, but in water and sanitation, the impact is particularly dramatic, for people's lives, communities, economies, and ecosystems. We can change this, with integrity . We can ensure resources are used where intended and most needed. We can fix the leaks and systematic weaknesses that leave infrastructure at breaking point and pollution unchecked. Stand with us for change. What you can do Water integrity is not a pipe dream. There are many practical ways to ensure sector institutions are run with integrity and without impunity. We can start by realistically discussing integrity risks and corruption issues. We can then nurture integrity through Transparency, Accountability, Participation, and Anti-corruption measures. And, we can work collectively for change. Get training TRAINING Understand integrity risks ASSESSMENTS Strengthen your work with integrity TOOLS Become a partner NETWORK Newsletter Sign up to our newsletter First name Last name Email SUBSCRIBE Thanks for subscribing! Events and trainings Integrity in Water and Sanitation Utilities in Latin America Training - Online Course Human settlements in Lima: corruption, integrity, and access to water and sanitation Training - Online Course Integrity in Informal Settlements: Securing the Human Rights to Water and Sanitation Gender & Inclusion Partner network Our network, events, and tools are open and available to all. We welcome collaboration, questions, and feedback. Organisations that wish to show their commitment to improving integrity in water and sanitation management and actively collaborate on integrity programmes are also invited to partner with us formally. Take a stand for water integrity: become a formal WIN partner now. JOIN WIN

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