Very well. Water is the most calm and free flowing out of all 5 basic elements. That being said, it doesn't take as much to control it. This is because it takes calmer movements to control it. Despite controlling it coming more naturally than fire and lightning per say, with enough force behind it, water's immense mass and power can not be ignored, making it arguably the most powerful. Also, there are 3 forms of water; normal, sticky, and flammable.
Manipulating water that is conveniently around user is the easiest method of water manipulation. Although, one can also transform their chakra into manipulatable water. The latter method, however, isn't as easy as the first. It is also very versatile, as it can change shape and state. Using it offensively, the main damage dealing property of a water technique is that of the blunt force of the initial contact, making it very harmful towards internal bodily injuries.
Water Release, or Suiton, is more common in Kirigakure than any other village.
Water is strong against fire and weak against earth. It is strong against fire because, as we all know, water naturally extinguishes fire. However, we also know that water evaporates. A strong enough fire technique can evaporate water. It is weak to earth structures can split and slow down water, making it much weaker and virtually harmless. On top of that, water is a great conductor of electricity. This means that it can maximize the flow of electricity, making it much more deadly. Also, as mentioned earlier, with enough force behind it, water can be the most deadly. That force behind it, is wind. In conjunction with wind, water's concussive power is maximized.
Kekkei Genkai composed of Suiton- Ice, Wood, Storm, and Boil release.
The most efficient user of Suiton in my opinion is Kisame Hoshigake of the 7 Swordsman of the Mist.