Vulnerabilities, competition and rights in a context of climate change toward equitable water governance in Peru's Rio Santa Valley

► Glacial retreat is aggravating water competition in the Santa Valley. ► Competition occurs among economic actors, jurisdictions, up- and down-stream users. ► Competition, inequitable water governance deepens vulnerability of highland farmers, urban poor. ► Peru's water regime offers few spaces to protect rights or enhance equity. ► Achieving water equity will require inclusive water user coalitions. As glacial retreat changes the hydrology of Peru's Rio Santa, water demand is growing, pollution is worsening, and competition for water among economic sectors, political jurisdictions and upstream and downstream water users is intensifying. The vulnerability of highland communities, food producers, and poor urban neighborhoods in the Santa watershed in the face of these changes is magnified by inequities in water governance, giving rise to water conflict. Peru's new water regime defines water as an economic good and seeks to centralize control over water. This article analyzes implications of this regime for ensuring equity and managing conflict. It concludes that Peru's water regime is more likely to address equity issues when faced with concerted citizen action.