Most of these users pay inadequate tariffs to local utilities because the concessions for their water sources were federally issued concessions (Barkin, 2006). The limited mandate of mayors (three years, without possibility of re-election) is another factor that undermines the continuity of public policy at the local level, and requires strong incentives for long-term planning (e.g. through multi-annual budgeting and investment plans), contracts across levels of government and capacity building. The declaration’s objective was to strengthen the National Water Resources Management System and the State Water Resources Management Systems within a structured governance framework.