About Us

Our Vision

To be the essential partner that delivers impact through water research and capability building.

Our Mission

Be the most effective and best value way to do research and build capability in the water sector. 

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The WaterRA Way

Collaboration is at the heart of WaterRA. Using this approach, we combine expertise and resources from utilities, universities, government agencies, laboratories and private companies to create trusted, timely and actionable water research and solutions.

Through our highly experienced Research Managers we work with our members to identify, prioritise, fund, manage, and communicate research and innovation that address the most pressing needs and challenges of the water sector in an integrated manner. Once the research is complete, we continue to maximise impact through knowledge transfer and translation.

Our approach leverages investments, mitigates risk, and taps into a body of knowledge that ensures the evidence-based decision making.

Who are WaterRA Members

Australian water utilities and authorities
Local, state and federal government agencies
Regulators
Universities and research organisations
Laboratories and water testing companies
Specialist consultants
Consulting and advisory companies

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Our History

The origins of WaterRA date back 30 years to the Cooperative Research Centre for Water Quality and Treatment (CRC WQT). WaterRA and its predecessor organisations represent a unique, long-standing and collaborative partnership model that benefits all sectors of the Australian water industry and the community.

The CRC WQT ran for 14 years over two funding terms from 1995 – 2008. The CRC WQT grew into a well-supported, diverse Australian industry/research network – that also built enduring partnerships with international organisations in many countries facing similar water issues…

Read detailed history

Key Documents

	Constitution		Current Members' Agreement (20 January 2017) Effective until 31 July 2026
Following approval at the 2025 AGM, the Members’ Agreement has been updated to introduce greater flexibility in the IP clauses. The current Members' Agreement linked above remains in effect until 31 July 2026 with the revised Members' Agreement effective from 1 August 2026.
Revised Members' Agreement (1 Aug 2026) Effective from 1 August 2026 (execution pending)