Proudly hosted by Water Research Australia, NEXT WATER is Australia’s leading scientific and technical conference on research and innovation showcasing scientific evidence-based research to inform policy, provide best practice applications and ensuring public and environmental health.

Bringing together water industry professionals and academics from across Australia, this two-day conference features keynote and invited speakers, scientific and technical presentations, case studies, workshops and panel sessions to support our industry in ensuring public health and safeguarding the sustainability of our water resources.

WaterRA is pleased to announce that NEXT WATER 2025 is confirmed for 21-22 October 2025 in Melbourne, Australia.

Post-event report

View Next Water by the numbers. The event featured fascinating keynotes and thought-provoking presentations, which allowed delegates to discuss focussed questions on our overarching theme Water Wisdom to Future Flow.

>> View the report

Next Water 2023 combined over 180 delegates from across the world to participate in lively and engaging discussions regarding the future of, and research opportunities in the water industry.

At this year’s event, held in Sydney on February 22nd and 23rd, discussions were guided by the overarching theme Water Wisdom to Future Flow. Next Water saw attendance from utilities, researchers, health regulators, government, non-government organisations and consultants.

Astronomer Professor Alan Duffy kicked off proceedings, taking delegates on a journey of discovery looking at the search for water beyond Earth. Water expert Professor John Thwaites shared valuable insights on how researchers can better engage with government, and globally renowned researcher Dr Fiona Kerr shared her expert knowledge on how leaders build better brains; the cognition of resilience and the neurophysiology of human interaction.

In 2019 the annual event took a fresh approach to address what’s NOW and what’s NEXT, and saw attendance from utilities, researchers, health regulators, government, non-government organisations and consultants.

Over 60 top-class speakers from Australia and around the world shared their views on the biggest trends and challenges facing the water industry, including: Climate Change, Water and Wastewater Treatment, Resource Recovery, One Health, Water Security, Data Science, and Alternative Water Sources.

The event also incorporated WaterRA’s 10-year Anniversary Dinner, celebrating our journey from the CRC for Water Quality and Treatment to Water Quality Research Australia and then Water Research Australia.