As water becomes scarcer and more stretched, its ability to support progress in several of the SDGs, particularly on poverty, hunger, sustainability and the environment is being reduced. The response to water crises needs the multi-value approach governance that requires the active participation of a diverse set of actors, including those whose voices are not always heard. Data generation, validation, standardization, and information exchange across sectors is an important contribution to water services valuation. Capacity development must play a central role in building a global understanding that water is a finite, limited, fragile resource in need of pragmatic and equitable approaches to value water services.