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Our approach to water management
The IWC applies the latest research and technology to make practical and measurable improvements in water management. Our work supports policy, water governance, behaviour change and capacity development to improve human health and protect rivers, waterways and their associated ecosystems.
Research aims
The IWC aims to develop knowledge and understanding that will lead to more sustainable management of water and waterways, locally and globally.
The IWC aims to guide policy, behaviour-change and the protection of water, waterways and their associated ecological communities.
Research principles
The IWC’s applied research activities develop capacity for integrated water management. In prioritising research activities, the IWC aims to:
- adopt a whole-of-water cycle management framework
Our research activities are based on a systems approach that considers the full range of social, environmental and economic factors. - tackle complex and relevant issues
Our research addresses complex problems requiring integrated, interdisciplinary and whole-of-systems approaches. - build on our partners’ capabilities
Our research activities draw on our member universities’ strengths in whole-of-water cycle inter-disciplinary research to engage in questions of complexity and scale. - foster collaboration and partnerships
Our research activities encourage existing and new research partnerships with an emphasis on international collaboration. - make a difference
Our research activities make measurable contributions to better management of water.
Integrated approach
Water management consists of multiple dimensions. In our work in education and training, applied research and consultancy, we are mindful of the many variables of water management such as culture, society, engineering, science, environment, governance, politics and economics.
The IWC approach to water management entails:
- problem identification and project scoping
- leadership and strategic advice
- information sharing and capacity development
- project management and evaluation
Water, sanitation and hygiene
Improvements to water, sanitation and hygiene are critical to the development of communities for nearly 2.6 billion of the world’s population. The IWC enhances Australian-based sanitation and water initiatives overseas through its membership in the Australian Water and Sanitation Reference Group. Among other activities, we have produced a number of publications including “NGO Partnerships and Capacity Development in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Sector”, a collaborative research project to inform AusAID decisions about funding mechanisms and investment options.
Download the IWC Applied Research and Capacity Development brochure
