Extensive research and consultation with the water resource community has shown that without an effective and accessible channel through which ideas and information might flow, a culture of knowledge based cooperation will invariably remain elusive. Water Connections addresses this issue by providing the mechanism necessary for broad based engagement with the principles of information exchange. As a centralized access point, Water Connections will serve as both the destination and the source of water information. Its purpose then, is to address the pressing need for improved access to water information by the different stakeholders in Canada's water community.

The Water Connections project was developed over three years. After the initial request for funding, the project team immediately launched a feasibility study in the fall of 2005. This comprehensive 94 page document outlines specific target objectives of the Water Connections project. Among other research strategies, the study contains results from two extensive national surveys, as well as over 35 consultations and meetings with leading members of the water resource sector.

The results of the study were used to build a framework upon which waterconnect.ca is founded. By defining the key information needs and requirements of the water resource sector, the conclusions of the study serve as a mandate for the project going forward. In general terms, this has meant the development of a national resource to improve access to and availability of all water related information. Specifically, the study helped identify those particular features and functions that can be seen on waterconnect.ca today.

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