Chile’s water crisis is inextricably tied to Chile’s legal framework of water rights—emplaced under undemocratic rule—which is truly unique in the world in the sheer scale of privatization. This system has not been able to cope with increasing stress on Chile’s hydrology, largely to the detriment of communities and smallholders. Recent high-profile incidents pushed water rights to the forefront of the public consciousness, and the resulting demands for reform of water rights dovetail with the principles behind the current social mobilization.