The WRC has five key strategic areas (KSAs) which relate to water-centred knowledge, each providing an integrating framework for investment in addressing a portfolio of key water-related needs. These KSAs allow for multidisciplinary studies and are focused on solving problems related to national needs and supporting society and the water sector. While each of the KSAs is unique and mutually exclusive (minimal overlaps), they collectively attempt to cover the complete spectrum of water-related topics of strategic importance.

A crucial characteristic of a KSA is its modus operandi. In order to function effectively, each of the KSAs is aligned with the WRC’s mission and vision and has a clear business plan. Each forms an impact area in which outputs and impacts of research are also assessed.

Each KSA addresses a distinct research portfolio. This consists of a portfolio of key thrusts with each thrust containing a portfolio of programmes. Programmes are either built around a portfolio of existing projects or may be designed in advance as an investment unit. Each of the KSAs provides for pilot or seed investigations, R&D projects/programmes and capacity-building initiatives. The KSAs also aim to support technology transfer, commercialisation and pilot implementation projects as well as other knowledge dissemination drives.

Of the five key KSAs, four are water-centred and address investment focused mainly on knowledge creation, while the 5th addresses mainly knowledge dissemination and information management.

The focus of each of the KSAs is as follows:

• KSA 1: Water Resource Management
  Generating the knowledge, tools and skills to ensure that water resources of South Africa are protected, utilised, developed, conserved and managed to achieve environmental, social and economic sustainability.
  
  
• KSA 2: Water-Linked Ecosystems
  Providing knowledge to ensure sustained functioning of aquatic ecosystems and ongoing provision of ecosystem goods and services.
  
  
• KSA 3: Water Use and Waste Management
  Researching effective and efficient water service provision to, and use of water in, the domestic, industrial and mining sectors. This includes the prevention of pollution and the development of technologies for treatment of water and wastewater.
  
  
• KSA 4: Water Utilisation in Agriculture
  Meeting needs of present and future generations of subsistence and commercial farmers through researching the role water (quantity and quality) plays in agriculture and forestry and supporting the development of water-efficient production technologies, decision-support models and information systems.
  
  
• KSA 5: Water-Centred Knowledge
  Providing internal, knowledge-based support for the WRC and service to the water sector and society through IT services, knowledge sharing, scientific communication and the furthering of public understanding of science.

In addition, four Impact Areas provide for an integrated view of research investments within and across the KSAs, as they relate to the key national priorities of society, economy, the environment and public health. Each domain has a research portfolio which draws together relevant research projects that fall under the management of the four water-centred KSAs.