Dynamics of Expectations, (Dis)satisfaction, and Participation in Changing States of Water Governance Systems

As global water challenges intensify, governance frameworks are undergoing significant transformations, with a growing emphasis on managing water demand and rationalizing supply expectations. The expectations of water actors across diverse contexts and spatial scales shape their satisfaction with water supply and allocation rates, influencing governance outcomes. This dynamic, in turn, impacts their participation and ability to drive governance system reforms and influence overall outcomes.

Adopting a multidisciplinary approach, this study examines the interplay between these elements across various governance models. It highlights the role of exogenous factors—such as water availability, requirements, resources, capabilities, and political, socioeconomic, or psychological parameters—that shape objectives, cognition, decision-making processes, and adaptability.

The research underscores the critical importance of revising expectations to promote satisfaction, thereby fostering greater participation and refining governance outcomes. By exploring how the participation and consent of water demand and supply management actors can strengthen governance systems, this study provides actionable recommendations for fostering collaboration, aligning expectations, and improving satisfaction to support resilient water governance reforms.

Ultimately, this study aims to enhance governance structures in shared water basins affected by fragmented jurisdictional and spatial scales, where differentiated political-administrative mechanisms manage water resources, including supply and demand.