This article is about the role of water control in Classic Maya civilization. Water control played a role in the elite control and the increased power of rulers of civic-ceremonial centers. The centers lacked water resources due to them being established far from natural water resources. The centers were located in higher elevation areas that had little rainfall. The Maya would get their water supply through artificial reservoirs. The kings were responsible for providing clean water to their people, especially during their four-month drought season. There were three levels of civic-ceremonial centers: regional, secondary, and minor centers. These three levels would reflect the amount of political power due to water control. Regional centers
