This paper analyzes the governmental and non-governmental initiatives to regulate the water offer in the municipality of Januária, located in the Upper and Mid São Francisco River semi-arid region in Minas Gerais state – Brazil. The study is based on the evaluation of the historic trajectory of public policies in that region dealing with the conceptions of survival and efforts against drought. This proposal was based on a qualitative research, using documental analysis and interview maps that sought information regarding the initiatives identified in that municipality. The paper classifies those initiatives in styles, examining also how they manage with the partnerships, users participation, effectiveness, distribution criteria, financing, quality of supplied water, and quantity. Results demonstrate an outstanding intention of governmental and non-governmental sectors related to the users participation. It is also possible to conclude that none of the initiatives used in these programs is able to fully assist the water demand for domestic and productive consumption of rural families.