  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 (IC342, NGC2146, NGC3556, and
Arp299) 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.
