Water resources (except inter-state rivers and river valleys) are primarily a State Subject. Administrative control and responsibility for development of water rests with the various State Departments and Corporations. Government policies and economic incentives have determined how and how much of India’s water can be used. Water in India is governed under three different Acts: Environmental Protection Act, 1986, River Boards Act, 1956 and Interstate Water Dispute Act, 1956. Various States such as Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, etc have Water Policies. The Ministry of Water Resources (MOWR) is the principal agency responsible for water in India. It oversees the planning and development of the resource from policy formulation to infrastructure support. The National Water Policy addresses many issues regarding the planning, development and allocation of water including ground water and surface water sources
Tenth Plan (2002-07) indicates the following coverage in water and sanitation sector upto 2025:
Urban Sector:

- Water Supply: 100% by 2004
- Sanitation: 75% by 2004 and 100% by 2025
Rural Sector

–Water supply: 100% by 2004
–Sanitation: 35% by 2007, 50% by 2015, 100% by 2025