In Guatemala, water services are frequently interrupted, water pressure is inadequate and tap water is often unsafe to drink. Water providers face the challenge of maintaining water systems and improving water services to provide reliable and safe drinking water. Understanding the perspectives of government officers may help in finding solutions to overcome this challenge. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore officers' opinions and views on municipal water services. Interviews were complemented with content analysis of technical and official documents. Factors identified as determinants of the low quality of water services include low political will, lack of institutional development, low investment in water infrastructure, low household compliance with water systems, and low community participation in the water sector. Findings and policy implications are discussed.