Gestión Comunitaria del Agua de Consumo Humano y Reconocimiento del Derecho Propio en la Normativa Ecuatoriana.

Community water management is fundamental for the development of rural areas. Community practices are based on the fundamental principle of caring for nature and the Buen Vivir. The State recognizes the importance of the practices developed by the organizations through the community regime but does not institutionalize them in direct policies and actions. The objective of the study was to analyze the incorporation of water management and management practices in state regulations, and the recognition of the rights of community organizations. Seventy-five providers of water services for human consumption in the Municipality of Cayambe were classified according to indicators of coverage, continuity and quality by interviewing 19 entities. The results show that there are potable water boards (78.9%), community organizations (15.79%) and parish GADs (5.26%). It is concluded that beyond the recognition of the community management model, it is necessary to reform the regulations from an intercultural and participatory approach so that public policy recognizes and promotes the ancestral practices of the communities and where the role of the State is to recognize the right to self-determination.