Abstract
We report the results of a search for 22 GHz water maser emission in IRAS-bright galaxies, using the 100-m Effelsberg telescope. In particular, we present the details of four new maser detections (IC 342,NGC 2146, NGC 3556, and Arp 299) and follow-up interferometric studies. A comparison between water maser detection rates derived in the present study and those in previous similar surveys is also presented.