ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the role of technology and the technocrats who often play a role, typically a lead part, in water governance. Engineering has played an important part in water development for thousands of years, complex water engineering projects have been integral to human settlements across the globe. The problem of engineering hegemony in water management is illustrated by the conflict between engineers and public health officials in the US regarding sewage disposal during the 19th-century. Developing a theory of water resilience is important because such a theory would give the capacity to anticipate and react to potential tipping points caused by hydrologic stress. Information technologies can play a huge role in increasing participation in water management. In summary, while the technocratic hegemony has failed the developing world in many ways, the problem is not the technology itself, but the way it was used. Those seeking to improve water governance should embrace the potential of technology to support their efforts.
