A review of the practice and realities of undertaking research for river basin management (from how to involve the public as stakeholders, building trust with decision-makers, the research funding situation), the tools we have available (hydrological models, how good are they, how can we reduce uncertainties and explain them to policy makers), their application and the current situation regarding water monitoring and management in El Salvador, India, Romania, Russia and South Africa. The authorsÕ main conclusions and recommendations of the are summarized in a final section which proposes issues for future consideration in hydrological research and management.