The need for a new independent voice to champion accountability and improved performance in the management of water resources in less-developed countries emerged from the findings of research funded by the University of East Anglia.  Details of those findings can be found in the Water Witness inception document and are summarized as:

1. Poor management of freshwater resources (lakes, rivers, streams and aquifers) and resultant problems of water quality and availability holds back economic growth, poverty reduction efforts and sustainable development. 
2. The reasons for poor performance are many, ranging from shortfalls in capacity to poorly considered development initiatives; political inertia and manoeuvring and corruption, linked to a lack of accountability.
3. Whilst the international community focuses significant efforts onto water resource management, progress is slow and examples of success are difficult to find.  In the worst cases, efforts can be counterproductive, diversionary or wasteful and this is linked to a lack of accountability in how aid is spent.
   
4. Low accountability is linked to low levels of information, objective analysis and public debate on water resource management, associated laws, policies and their consequences.   
   
5. With significant sums of donor money being channelled into the sector there is a need for an independent voice to track performance and champion integrity, tenacity, equity and value for money - good governance in water resources management.
   

Although the initial focus was on East Africa, it was soon realised that efficiencies and greater impact would be gained through operating at an international level.