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A number of water resources management policies and legislations have been enacted in Malawi. The policies and legislations have been regulatory in nature. The Water Resources Act (1969) and the subsidiary Water Resources (Pollution Control) Regulations provide the main regulatory framework for water resources management. However, the Water Works Act (1995) is the main authority for establishing water supply and water-borne sanitation delivery services. Government introduced the 1994 Water Resources Management Policy and Strategies (WRMPS). This policy and strategies have been reviewed by the 1999 and 2005 WRMPS. The introduction of the National Environmental Policy and the call for harmonisation of natural resources management policy, legislation and institutional roles, warranted the review. This provides a conducive and enabling environment for sustainable Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). The policies and legislation of other sectors benefiting and affecting the water field need to be in harmony with those drawn for water resources management.

The growing national demand for water, coupled with the concern on its availability, particularly during the dry season calls for better management of the water resources in the country. Malawi has over the years been overwhelmed by problems of water scarcity due to drought and lack of storage dams and reservoirs. The lack of regulation facilities on Shire River exacerbates this situation. The problems of hydropower generation, navigation on the lake, and lack of adequate water supply to some towns in the recent past are all related to poor water resources management. All these can be prevented and mitigated by strengthened water resources management programmes and harmonised policies in the sustainable development, management and utilisation of water resources in the country.