In 2002 twelve leading research organisations established an international water research alliance: the Global Water Research Coalition (GWRC).

The Global Water Research Coalition (GWRC) is a non-profit organisation that serves as the collaborative mechanism for water research.

The GWRC maximises its value to member organisations through collaboration to address critical research needs across the water sector, the prompt dissemination of the latest leading edge research findings, the facilitation of knowledge sharing across all member organisations, and access to a global network of leading researchers.

The need for the GWRC to exist has never been greater given the major challenges confronting the water industry across the world. The impact of globalisation, increased population and pollution, impact of climate change, a pandemic and the ageing of the water and wastewater infrastructure are global in nature, and transcend both national and continental boundaries. It is only through global collaboration that the water industry will be able to address these challenges.

The GWRC offers its members and partners the opportunity to leverage resources through cooperative planning and implementation of research.

The unique positioning and strength of the GWRC comes from the collective expertise and trust the members have to exchange, share and collaborate on research topics of common interest and priority. The GWRC maximises its value to member organisations through collaboration to address critical research needs across the water sector, the prompt dissemination of the latest leading edge research findings, the facilitation of knowledge sharing across all member organisations, and access to a global network of leading researchers.

A governing board oversees the GWRC. Each member organisation will have a seat on the governing board, providing equal and impartial input.

The Global Water Research Coalition is affiliated with the International Water Association (IWA) and makes use of IWA expertise and support facilities.