This document examines several important recurring problems discussed at the Conference of Asian Irrigation (1982) including: (1) the flow of communication between local water user associations and the agency about project plans and implementation procedures have been inadequate; (2) local groups are often expected to actively contribute to the operation and maintenance of irrigation systems, yet they are alienated from key decisions about the design and construction of the facilities themselves; (3) fundamental alterations in the physical arrangements of existing facilities establish demands for corresponding changes in the organization of local water user groups, an imposition which can threaten their viability; and (4) there are increasing incidents of local groups opposing projects implemented by irrigation agencies for various reasons, some of which are never considered by the agencies in the project appraisal and design process.