Global Trends and Challenges in Water Science, Research and Management - 4th Edition

We are pleased to present the fourth edition of the IWA Global Trends Report, launched today, Tuesday, 6 October 2026 at the IWA Stand during the World Water Congress & Exhibition in Glasgow, United Kingdom.

Each edition of the IWA Global Trends Report examines current issues driving research, innovation, and development in the global water sector. The 2026 edition focuses on five interconnected themes shaping the future of water management:

1 - Climate resilience and water security
2 - Digital water and innovation
3 - Water, sanitation, and public health
4 - Circular economy and sustainable water management
5 - Water governance, finance, and equity

The report brings together contributions from 32+ IWA Specialist Groups and Clusters, offering insights into emerging challenges, technological developments, and practical experiences from diverse geographical and institutional contexts. While structured around five themes, the contributions demonstrate the strong interconnections between resilience, innovation, public health, circularity, governance, finance, and equity.

The report highlights persistent challenges, including limited access to safe drinking water, inadequate wastewater treatment, climate change, population growth, urbanisation, pollution, and increasing resource pressures. It also explores the growing influence of artificial intelligence and digital transformation in the water sector. Overall, the report emphasises the need to move beyond incremental improvements towards resilient, adaptive, equitable, and sustainable water systems, supported by knowledge, innovation, collaboration, and effective governance.