Canadian Water Resources Association
We Empower Informed
Water Decision-Making
Who We Are
The Canadian Water Resources Association (CWRA) is a national registered charity comprised of members from the public, private and academic sectors who are committed to empowering informed water decision-making.
Formed in 1947 as the Western Canada Reclamation Association, CWRA is the only national organization addressing all water resources issues across all regions of Canada. We offer a range of services and programs focused on professional development, providing expertise and advice, education, and collaboration.
Our Mission and Vision
Our mission is to empower informed water decision-making.
Our vision is of future where water connects resilient landscapes and sustainable communities, and water decisions are guided by collective responsibility, strong collaboration, and diverse knowledge systems.
Our Foundational Commitments
Internal Collaboration
CWRA is committed to strengthening the internal network between National, Branches, and Affiliates.
Fiscal Responsibility
CWRA prioritizes strong financial health, resource alignment, and operational sustainability.
Good Governance
CWRA is committed to transparent, inclusive, and accountable governance at all levels—from the National Board to Branches and Affiliates.
Building Meaningful Indigenous Relationships
CWRA is committed to ensuring that Indigenous values, ways of knowing and knowledge of land and water are heard, respected, and included in discussions and decision-making in our organization and beyond.
Affiliates
CANCID
The Canadian National Committee for Irrigation and Drainage (CANCID) stimulates and promotes research, development and application of technology for irrigation, drainage, and flood control in rural areas.
CSHS
The Canadian Society of Hydrological Sciences (CSHS) focus is on hydrological sciences that encompass physical, chemical and biological processes in both surface water and groundwater, and in land surface/atmosphere interactions.
NASH
The mission of the North American Stream Hydrographers is “to better the understanding of the collection, compilation, and use of hydrometric data, along with providing assurance that data production and analysis have been undertaken with appropriate methods with due care to needs of clients and users of hydrometric data.”
Programs
Project WET Canada
Project WET Canada is CWRA’s science based water education program developed for non-formal and formal educators of Kindergarten to Grade 12 students as a supplement to provincial and territorial curricula.
SYP
The Student and Young Professional (SYP) Program facilitates community engagement, career development, and knowledge-sharing among the young water professionals of Canada.
Governance
CWRA is led by a National Board of Directors and its Executive supported by an Executive Director. Directors are elected by their respective constituents, or are designated members by their standing on one of the Affiliate organizations. CWRA has Branches in most provinces and territories, and four national Affiliate organizations. The association is heavily volunteer supported with the majority of work being undertaken by members serving on various committees or CWRA boards.
