This working paper presents a synthesis of findings from a research project entitled ‘WatSan & PRSPs: strengthening the design, finance and delivery of water supply and sanitation programmes under PRSPs in sub-Saharan Africa’. The research detailed here addresses both policy and practice issues surrounding the implementation of Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs) from a water sector perspective. The importance of access to improved water and sanitation services for poverty reduction is well established and recently enshrined in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The water sector therefore provides a good example and test of PRSP delivery and development at national level, towards international goals.