This study proposes a possible framework of community participation in implementing clean water supply in rural areas of Vietnam. Some models which have been applied in the world are introduced, including both successful and unsuccessful cases. The advantages and disadvantages of these models are analyzed with respect to the Vietnam context. A survey conducted in My Hoa commune, Tra Vinh province, with the total of 152 households, reveals the levels and types of the community participation, from which some lessons learned can be drawn. The engagement of the community in monitoring and maintenance of the water supply infrastructure is seen as a key for the sustainability of the clean water supply service. Recommendations are given to improve community participation, and therefore to have better clean water supply service in rural areas.