In Apr 2002 twelve world leading research organizations established the Global Water Research Coalition (GWRC). The Coalition will focus on water supply and wastewater issues and renewable water resources: the urban water cycle. The GWRC aims to leverage funding and expertise, coordinate research strategies, secure additional funding, and manage a centralized approach to global issues. Endocrine Disrupting Compounds (EDCs) have been selected as the first item of research cooperation. Through its member organizations GWRC represents the interests and needs of 500 million consumers and has access to a research programme with an annual budget of more than US$ 100 million (EUR 102 million). So far, the Water Research Commission of South Africa is the only developing country member. The other founding members are: Awwa Research Foundation (US); CRC for Water Quality and Treatment (Australia); Kiwa (Netherlands); Ondeo-CIRSEE (France); Stowa - Foundation for Applied Water Research (Netherlands); TZW-Water Technology Center (Germany); UK Water Industry Research (UK); Anjou Recherche - Vivendi (France); Water Environment Research Foundation (US); WaterReuse Foundation (US); and Water Services Association of Australia.

Contact: Contact: Frans Schulting, Managing Director of GWRC, tel./fax: +31-345-683820, f.lschulting@freeler.nl, http://www.globalwaterresearchcoalition.net