The mismanagement of water is one of the most pressing development problems of the day. This research argues that, in some circumstances, an often-neglected form of water management, communal property management, can offer a viable solution to this problem. India has a rich history of traditional water management. Within India, the region of Ladakh was examined as an example of successful communal water management. Drawing from the experience of six communities in Ladakh, the case study method was employed to investigate what institutional characteristics have enabled Ladakh's long-enduring success. Factors that challenge Ladakh's continued cusses, and how these challenges may be overcome, are identified. The Ladakhi experience shows that communal water management is a viable management regime that can provide insights into how to improve the way in which water is currently managed.