The authors have noticed that water utilities around the world are experiencing difficulty when it comes to the specification of pressure reducing valves. This is of particular concern in complex situations, such as the low pressure systems in Southeast and South Asia or the high pressure differential situations such as in some parts of Europe and South-Africa. This paper will explain the issues around tailoring a valve specification to specific local conditions. It intends to serve as a discussion platform between the utility engineers, consultants and the sales staff of pressure reducing valve manufacturers.