Endocrine Disrupting Compounds have been selected as the first item of research cooperation: A research planning workshop (Pretoria, October 2002) was organised to exchange available information within the GWRC membership, and to identify the knowledge gaps and research needs. Research projects about the occurrence and fate of EDC during wastewater treatment and sewage and soil are in progress. An expert workshop about analytical methods was organised (Karlsruhe, March 2003) and several projects for analytical method development are ongoing. An analytical method for EDC (steroid estrogens) in sewage sludge and biosolids was developed.

A similar approach and activities are in progress for the issues about Water Quality in Distribution Systems (Sydney, September 2003), (Amsterdam, February 2004), Algal Toxins (Adelaide, May 2004) and Pharmaceuticals and PCP (Personal Care Products) (Nieuwegein, December 2003).

Prior to the formation of the GWRC, five of the member organisations joined in a Penta-Party agreement to carry out a collaborative research program on Membrane Filtration. This collaboration also continues under the GWRC.

With these activities the Global Water Research Coalition has set the first steps to realise its motto "Cooperation for worldwide water knowledge, innovation and progress".