In the context of institutional transformations that resulted from the mining expansion in Latin America, this article explores the emergence of a new institution: community water monitoring. The work approaches from a qualitative perspective the emergence of a new community form of environmental control in Argentina and Peru. The article contributes to the debate on institutional innovation processes in mining contexts, but focuses on an underexplored aspect, community institutions. Also, the relationship between the new monitoring process and the state and corporate institutions is analyzed. The article inquires the limits in the public policy of environmental evaluation of mining as a key element for the development of new community monitoring processes. Finally, it is explored the advantages that his new community institution could result in strengthening the state's environmental control mechanisms.