The International Water Office (IOWater) is an association under French non-profit law declared to be of public utility by Decree of September 13, 1991. The IOWater intervenes mainly in the development of competences for a better management of the water In France, in Europe and in the world .

IOWater was born of the merger between three organizations:

• The Water Institute (or Water Foundation) of Limoges, created in 1978 on the initiative of the University of Limoges (Water Sector), Local Authorities, the Ministry of the Environment and Companies in the water sector.
• The Sophia-Antipolis International Training Center for Water Resources Management (CEFIGRE) , set up in 1976 jointly by the French Government and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) to meet the needs of the international community To ensure the control of water resources.
• The AFEE (French Association for the Study of Water) in Paris, founded in 1949 on the initiative of representative "industrial groups" of "industries interested in the supply and distribution of water" and "consumer industries Especially interested in water quality ".

IOWater was created to coordinate and synergize the means and activities of the three organizations. From the outset, it aimed to develop skills to better manage water in France, Europe and the World by intervening in "its three professions": for the training of water professionals, for dissemination and The sharing of knowledge or data as well as institutional support projects to countries that so wish.

IOWater celebrates its 25th anniversary this year!