Water underpins every aspect of human and environmental existence. The severe water challenges facing the world today require an unprecedented global response. IWA members are situated in 140 countries worldwide, forming the largest international network of water professionals working towards a water wise world.
Innovative, solutions- and service- oriented, we work across a range of areas that contribute to the progression of water management worldwide. Transformation cannot take place on its own in a vacuum. Rather the ideas for solutions to these challenges will be fomented and rigorously debated among the IWA’s institutions and membership.
The International Water Association is an open, yet ordered platform in which both innovators and adopters of new technologies and approaches can generate creative friction. It is a place for diffusion, benchmarking and evidence.
Our programmes develop research and projects focused on solutions for water and wastewater management; we organise world-class events that bring the latest science, technology and best practice to the water sector at large; we work to place water on the global political agenda and to influence best practice in regulation and policy making; and we do this via the IWA’s global membership.
For a look across IWA’s latest activities and achievements, see the IWA Annual Review.
Learn more about the IWA Strategic Plan 2019-2024 (available for download in English, French, Chinese, Spanish, Japanese and Portuguese) to understand how we will achieve a stronger culture of service, and a unique value proposition for our members through:
- Professional Development programs
- Leadership Development, inside and outside the association
- Agenda setting programmatic work to generate pride in our membership
- Global networking opportunities for members to connect with people and ideas.
Learn more about the IWA Governance and Procedures. The Governance and Procedures of the Association are listed on this page but do not form part of the Bylaws.
Our Vision
Towards a world in which water is wisely managed to satisfy the needs of human activities
and ecosystems in an equitable and sustainable way.
Our Mission
To inspire change and service IWA members, the community of professionals concerned with water, external organisation and opinion leaders in being the international reference and global source of knowledge, experience and leadership for sustainable urban and basin-related water solutions.
Our Strategy
Connecting People: We bring people of the highest caliber together to share knowledge, experience and know- how about the most pressing water challenges and innovative solutions.
Pioneering Science: We contribute to water science and technology by stimulating leading edge science and inventions, and helping scientists connect to their peers, publish their latest findings and help others learn with them.
Innovating Technology: We offer support and recognition to innovators in the world of water as technological innovations are key to changing the future of water.
Leading Practice: We develop and promote best practices and international frameworks and standards, supporting transitions to sustainable practices.
Our Values
Inclusive: we are inclusive and embrace the diversity of our membership and participants, bringing together people from around the world and from a wide range of professions who are concerned with the future of water.
Science & Practice-Based: we are scienceand practice-based, exploring the frontiers of science, technology and practice and bringing to life leadingedge, pragmatic and innovative solutions for urban and basin-wide water and sanitation challenges.
Service Oriented: we provide outstanding services that support and inspire our members, participants, partners and others and help them to be successful in realizing our common goals.
Excellence: we look for and promote excellence and leadership in all aspects of water management, in conducting our activities and delivering results.
Inspiring Change
This is how we inspire change to achieve our common vision.
Our Strategic Plan sets out the objectives that we have set out for the coming few years.
Work with us
IWA has a worldwide staff of approximately 40, with headquarters in London (UK) and offices in Chennai (India).
To stay up with the vacancies and job opportunities available at IWA follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. And if you would like to collaborate with us please send us an email.
Vacancies
Past IWA presidents
Tom Mollenkopf AO
Diane d’Arras
Helmut Kroiss
Glen Daigger
David Garman
László Somlyódy
Michael Rouse
Norihito Tambo
Piet Odendaal
