The development of an experiential water learning program was conceived in 2002 with the international learning community, Pioneers of Change, following attendance and participation in the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa. Since that time it has become obvious that water is moving up the global agenda with 2003 being declared by the United Nations as the International Year of Fresh Water. A major emphasis in all discussions on climate change and pollution control relates to the significant affect of water in these areas.

With the creation of Waterlution, the co-founders determined that something holistic was called for to develop awareness of water—something that transcends all levels of society and cuts through all geographical and cultural boundaries. Through the collective experiences of the co-founders in the developed and developing world, within enterprises, designing workshops and listening to conversations the world over—it became clear as to what type of organization needed to be created. For people to want to conserve and respect the crucial role that water plays in all our lives, there is a need to understand and deepen our relationship with water. For that to happen each one of us needs to develop our 'culture of water'—to respect it as the most vital resource for our continued existence.