Who We Are
The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.
WRF was formed in 2018 through the integration of three highly respected research collaboratives: WateReuse Research Foundation, Water Environment Research Foundation, and Water Research Foundation. Separately, these organizations focused on research to support varied segments of the water sector—water reuse, wastewater and stormwater, and drinking water, respectively. Now a One Water organization, WRF delivers the research and innovation programming the sector needs to address the most pressing water issues holistically.
Our Mission
Advancing the science of water to improve the quality of life.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create the definitive research organization that advances the science of all things water to better meet the evolving needs of our subscribers and the water sector.
Our Purpose
Our purpose is to engage exclusively in nonprofit, charitable, and educational activities designed to initiate, supervise, coordinate, promote, and finance research on the technology, operation, and management of water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater collection, treatment, and supply systems, towards ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.
Our Values
Integrity
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of honesty, transparency, and accountability in our interactions with each other, subscribers, and partners.
Leadership
We establish the vision, inspire actions, and cultivate collaborations to address the most critical issues in service to the water sector.
Respect
We value diversity and treat others with professionalism, kindness, and understanding.
Innovation
We create an environment that nurtures creativity and allows for new ideas to flourish and be evaluated.
Collaboration
We proactively engage people and organizations in order to effectively and efficiently achieve our mission.
Annual Report
Each year, WRF delivers the research that matters most to the water sector. Learn about WRF’s 2021 successes in our Year in Review issue of Advances in Water Research and our financial and volunteer summary.
Strategic Plan
View WRF's 2019–2022 strategic plan to learn about our priorities in advancing the science of water.