This paper introduces the special section entitled "Ecological Economics of Water: social and political perspectives", which brings together articles published in successive issues of the journal in 2020 and 2021. By discussing the literature, we review contemporary issues and controversies surrounding water management and water policies to highlight the importance of the social and political dimensions that an ecological economics of water should address. We promote comprehensive and reflective approaches that consider institutions and institutional change seriously, e.g. to discuss the role of water-related indicators in water policies. We demonstrate the relevance of this special section that comes after two water-related special issues already published in Ecological Economics. Finally, we introduce each of the articles of this special section, which we believe can help shape a new avenue of research among ecological economists of water.