Two earlier studies had looked into participation and project effectiveness and demand-responsiveness and sustainability. While the studies had identified key elements of a demand-responsive approach, they had not inquired into dimensions of gender or poverty (also a key equity concern). Meeting participants agreed that a study designed specifically to investigate the links between sustainability, demand, gender, and poverty in projects around the world could help fill the empirical data gap. This report presents the findings of the PLA studies, which have yielded valuable lessons and practical strategies to assist funding and implementing agencies to deliver more demand responsive water services. It also provides researchers and practitioners with insights into an innovative methodology for participatory research and community mobilization.