The Coalition will focus on water supply and wastewater issues and renewable water resources: the urban water cycle. The GWRC function will be to leverage funding and expertise among the participating research organisations, coordinate research strategies, secure additional funding not available to single country research foundations, and actively manage a centralised approach to global issues.

The US Environmental Protection Agency is the first partner of the GWRC. A partnership agreement was signed in July 2003

The present members of the GWRC are listed below. See GWRC Members and Partners for more information on member organisations and links to their individual web sites.

	Kiwa Water Cycle Research Institute (Netherlands)
	PUB (Singapore)
	Suez Environmental - CIRSEE (France)
	Stowa - Foundation for Applied Water Research (Netherlands)
	DVGW TZW- Water Technology Center (Germany)
	UK Water Industry Research (UK)
	Veolia Environnement – VERI (France)
	Water Environment Research Foundation (US)
	Water Quality Research Australia (Australia)
	Water Research Commission (South Africa)
	Water Research Foundation (US)
	Water Services Association of Australia

These organisations are all in charge of a national research program addressing the different parts of the water cycle. They have provided the impetus, credibility, and initial funding for the GWRC. Each brings a unique set of skills and knowledge to the Coalition. In addition, GWRC is affiliated with International Water Association, whose strong international network of scientific professionals and water managers will aid in the development of a solid global research agenda and dissemination of knowledge.

Through its member organisations GWRC represents the interests and needs of 500 million consumers and has access to a research program with an annual budget of more than € 125 million.

GWRC plans to expand its membership to enable a good global representation with respect to knowledge and needs of the whole world water community.