In 1995, developments in electronic networking through the Internet opened up new possibilities for the exchange of information between institutions and professionals in the water and sanitation sector. However, this information was scattered and difficult to find. This led to the WASH R&D Centre (as the PRG) being supported to create an information gateway homepage known as INTERWATER.

The aim of INTERWATER was to: 

• Raise awareness of and access to sources of information, 
• the generation and dissemination of information, and 
• the establishment of effective networking among sector institutions and professionals. 

 INTERWATER was originally hosted at the Computing Centre for Water Research (CCWR) in Pietermaritzburg. Later on, it was shifted to a server in the UK.