How can the poor afford water? The recent introduction of demand-responsive approaches (DRA) to water supply development marks a major shift in global water policy. SecureWater is concerned to improve understanding among interveners of the nature of demand for water, including the role and importance of water access in different livelihood activities, through in-depth case study research in India, Sri Lanka and Kenya. Project outputs will support enhanced planning and implementation of demand-based programmes by highlighting the challenges faced at different levels and in different environments and helping decision-makers ensure an appropriate balance between financial sustainability and poverty reduction objectives.