This article examines how indigenous communities in Bolivia and certain regions in Italy manage water as a common good. By studying two different community-driven water management models, the researchers show that when people trust and help each other, water becomes a shared resource that helps build community identity. In these cases, other ownership systems lead to inefficient resource management and a loss of positive relationships within the community. The study highlights that treating water not only as a resource to use but also as a way to strengthen relationships in the community is crucial for effective and sustainable water management.