PRESENTS 18 PAPERS READ AT THE WATER MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP HELD IN DECEMBER, 1972, BY THE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE INTERNATIONAL RICE RESEARCH INSTITUTE. THEY DEAL WITH SOIL-PLANT-WATER RELATIONSHIPS, SYSTEM AND PILOT PROJECT OPERATIONS, TECHNICAL PROBLEMS, ECONOMIC PROBLEMS, AND THE SOCIAL ASPECTS OF WATER MANAGEMENT. THE MOST PROVOCATIVE ISSUE ADDRESSED BY MANY PAPERS IS THE COMPLEXITY OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND SOCIAL ORGANIZATION NEEDED TO MAKE USE OF IRRIGATION WATER. AN ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENT FOR MANAGEMENT OF AN IRRIGATION SYSTEM IS A SET OF PROCEDURES FOR KEEPING INFORMED ABOUT THE SITUATION, NEEDS, AND INTENTIONS OF THE FARMERS WHO USE IT. THE FARMER MUST BE ABLE TO DEPEND ON GETTING THE WATER WHEN HE NEEDS IT. THE ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM MUST NOT ONLY BUILD AND MAINTAIN THE DAMS, CANALS, DITCHES, AND PUMPING SYSTEMS, BUT ENSURE FAIR ALLOCATION AND EFFICIENT USE OF WATER AMONG FARMERS. MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE SYSTEM CAN BE CONFUSED BECAUSE ONE INDIVIDUAL (THE DITCHTENDER) OFTEN PERFORMS BOTH THESE TASKS. WHAT OFTEN GOES UNNOTICED IS THE DIFFERENCES IN THESE TASKS AND THE DIFFERENT TALENTS THEY REQUIRE. THE FARMER'S INTERESTS IN WATER MANAGEMENT DECISIONS ARE NOT YET ADEQUATELY SERVED IN MANY IRRIGATION SYSTEMS. ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES AND MECHANISMS NEED TO BE DEVELOPED TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM.