Water is life.

It is that simple.

In order to survive we need this vital element, just as much as we need air, sunlight and food. Nothing can live without access to water. Therefore, ensuring the quality of water is one of the great challenges of the 21st Century which the World must overcome. In order to do so, the scientist, the researcher, the politician, the water professional, the citizen, the artist, all genders, ethnic groups, and social sectors of all ages, but especially the younger generations, must learn to work together. Society must be engaged. Reliable data must be made accessible to all. And that knowledge must be converted into realistic, tangible actions if we are to build and guarantee a future for all. That is the purpose of the World Water Quality Alliance (WWQA), its members, and its governing bodies. Join us.

An Alliance to protect and restore

The WWQA: The beginnings

Water quality is obviously influenced by natural phenomena. However, most oceans, lakes and rivers are affected sometimes to a dramatic extent by human activity. We urgently need to not only understand how this affects the quality of water but just as importantly, how we can address these challenges.

This basic fact of life was recognised by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) at its third session in December 2017 when it adopted Resolution 3/10 “Addressing water pollution to protect and restore water-related ecosystems” (UNEP/EA.3/Res.10). This requested the Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) to develop a World Water Quality Assessment for the consideration of UNEA. To begin the development of the Assessment, UNEP, with support from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), organised a workshop in November 2018. During the workshop, UNEP convened approximately 50 organisations (UN, research, civil society, private sector), which had expressed an interest to engage in the Assessment and furthermore, to work with UNEP in co-designing agendas and actions regarding emerging issues of concern affecting water quality. This process marked the founding of the World Water Quality Alliance (WWQA) as an open community of practice with several workstreams currently under implementation.

The World Water Quality Alliance (WWQA) represents a voluntary, flexible and global, multi-stakeholder network that advocates the central role of freshwater quality in achieving prosperity and sustainability. It explores, monitors, analyses and communicates water quality risks at global, regional, national and local levels with the aim of identifying solutions for the maintenance and restauration of the health and well-being of both ecosystems and humans. The WWQA serves countries throughout the lifetime of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and beyond. It provides a participatory platform for water quality assessment and the co-design of tailored and demand-driven services at all levels with a special emphasis on the involvement of local communities and the younger generations whose future is at risk.

The WWQA focuses on improving the quality of water around the World by working as a genuine partnership. Everyone, no matter their qualifications or expertise, has an important role to play. The efforts of the WWQA are currently divided into 16 active workstreams to ensure the involvement of society as a whole.

Our history

The UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) adopted Resolution 3/10, calling for a World Water Quality Assessment to address pollution and protect ecosystems. UNEP is tasked with developing this initiative. 

UNEP, with WMO support, organizes an inception workshop, bringing together 50+ organizations from UN bodies, research institutions, civil society, and the private sector. This marks the emergence of the World Water Quality Alliance (WWQA), a collaborative, open community of practice. UNEP’s Global Environment Monitoring Unit takes on the role of WWQA Secretariat. 

A second workshop, co-organized with the European Commission (Joint Research Centre) in Italy, expands the WWQA agenda. It emphasizes delivering evidence-based assessments, solutions, and services to governments and stakeholders. Experts from science, technology, governance, and diplomacy collaborate on strategies to tackle global water quality challenges. 

The WWQA’s Annual Global Meeting highlighted workstream progress, Africa’s water challenges, and AMCOW’s evolving projects. Discussions focused on scaling up water quality initiatives, advancing science-policy integration, and ensuring long-term sustainability. A call for proposals was launched to drive innovation, building on Swiss Confederation support that enabled key workstreams. 

A fully online conference or the first time, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. WWQA had a side event entitled “Catalyzing action for continued work on water quality monitoring – both on surface and underground” and a 2-part series on “investing for change through the world water quality alliance”.  

WWQA presented a side session entitled “Closing knowledge gaps and engaging citizens for improving ambient water quality”. The conference was fully online conference or the first time, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Co-hosted by WMO and UNEP, this virtual meeting focuses on the theme “Data to Knowledge, Knowledge to Action.” It presents ongoing work towards the World Water Quality Assessment, which will be featured on UNEP’s World Environment Situation Room (WESR). The WWQA workstreams report progress, and a roadmap is set to expand the technological, social, and policy impact of the Alliance. 

The WWQA Conference 2022, organized with Konstanz University of Applied Sciences (HTWG) and Women for Water Partnership, highlights the critical role of local communities in solving global water challenges. The event promotes dialogue between local forums, youth organizations, policymakers, and experts, linking scientific knowledge with practical action. These discussions contribute to preparations for the UN Water Conference 2023, reinforcing the importance of community-led water quality solutions. 

WWQA actively participated in the UN 2023 Water Conference held in New York, contributing to discussions aimed at achieving internationally agreed water-related goals and targets.  

WWQA grew its partnership with a region where engagement had been generally low  

In August 2023, WWQA hosted a side event at the Stockholm International Water Institute, focusing on innovative solutions to address global water quality challenges. 

WWQA organized a workshop in Alkmaar, bringing together experts to explore advancements in water quality monitoring and assessment. 

From September 18 to 20, 2023, the WWQA Conference was held at the United Nations Office in Nairobi. The event convened a diverse group of stakeholders, including local community leaders, youth organizations, scientists, and policymakers, to address global water quality challenges. The conference emphasized the transformative power of local communities in driving solutions for water quality issues. (wwqa.info) 

WWQA participated in the 10th World Water Forum held in Bali from May 18 to 25, 2024. The forum featured discussions on global water challenges, and WWQA contributed to sessions on water quality management and sustainable practices. (en.wikipedia.org) 

In August 2024, WWQA engaged in World Water Week, organized by the Stockholm International Water Institute. The event focused on the theme “Bridging Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future,” highlighting the importance of transboundary water cooperation. (iucn.org) 

WWQA conducted a workshop in Stirling, bringing together regional stakeholders to discuss collaborative strategies for improving water quality and implementing sustainable water management practices. 

In November 2024, WWQA finalized the selection of its new Advisory Committee, aiming to enhance governance and strategic direction for future initiatives.