Ephemeral rivers are located in the world's drylands where aridity and climate variability are key environmental determinants. The Kuiseb River is one of two diversely developed ephemeral rivers in western-central Namibia. From up to down stream, freehold-tenure farmers, a national park, communal farmers and the port and municipality of Walvis Bay all derive water from this source. Upstream farmers impound surface water during brief rainfall periods while remaining stakeholders' abstract water from the alluvial aquifer. The draft Water Resources Management Act for Namibia devotes one chapter to basin management committees as mechanisms to ensure more equitable, efficient and effective sharing of water resources and their benefits.