The Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) was formed in 1987 when the Southern African branch of the Institute of Water Pollution Control (formerly the institute of Sewage Purification), which had served the water industry in Southern Africa for a period of 50 years, was disbanded.

The Institute keeps its members abreast of the latest developments in water technology and research through its national and international liaison, links and affiliations.

The Institute embodies a multidisciplinary approach, and as such, members are drawn from all spheres of employment and varying disciplinary backgrounds.