IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering is an internationally renowned laboratory where researchers are solving some of our world’s greatest fluids-related challenges. 

Middle Cedar Watershed wetland

Rivers, Watersheds, and the Landscape

IIHR researchers are addressing issues related to sustainability in the water, energy, and food nexus; improving our understanding and adaptation to climate change; increasing community resilience to natural hazards; and helping equip society with the tools to make informed decisions.

Wave Basin

Fluid Mechanics and Structures

Fluid mechanics, the study of fluid behavior at rest and in motion, is at the core of nearly all IIHR research. IIHR uses the basic governing equations of fluid mechanics to investigate a wide range of applications—river flow, atmospheric conditions, renewable energy (e.g., wind and water turbines), ship hydrodynamics, biological systems, and much more. 

Keri Hornbuckle Research Lab

Health and the Environment

Much of IIHR’s research touches all our lives, affecting human health and well-being in meaningful ways. Studies of biofluids, environmental contaminants, vulnerability, and resilience are relevant to each of us. In addition, projects on renewable energy and watersheds help remediate society’s negative environmental impacts, leading to a higher quality, more sustainable life.

Dan Gilles presenting

Information Systems

Beginning with the innovative Iowa Flood Information System (IFIS) in 2011, IIHR has made online public access to research data the standard for its major research initiatives. IIHR has developed online data access systems for water quality information, flood mitigation projects, well-driller information, and more. These platforms provide emergency managers, decision-makers, and the public with accurate and reliable data.

Serving Iowans

From flood to drought, surface water to groundwater, IIHR is helping Iowans understand and manage water resource challenges to ensure a livable and sustainable future. 

Iowa Flood Center

Iowa Geological Survey

Iowa Nutrient Research Center

Iowa INSIGHT

Center for Hydrologic Developement

Recent News

Aerial view of a winding river with multiple channels, sandbars, and islands

Excess nutrients can lie dormant in soil for years before polluting rivers, study finds

Wednesday, August 12, 2026
New USGS research shows nutrient pollution increased in many streams and rivers across the country between 2000 and 2020. The main source was the release of old nitrogen and phosphorus stored in soil and groundwater.
The Raccoon River during a drought, with only a small channel of water flowing by rocky banks and sandbars

Will more downpours spike Iowa nitrate levels? What experts say

Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Recent heavy rains are unlikely to drive up nitrate levels in the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers, the source of drinking water for 600,000 central Iowa residents — but that depends on how much rain northwest Iowa receives, experts say.
Closeup of river water flowing past, with green trees on the far bank

KCCI Investigates: How Des Moines Water Works, NASA, and University of Iowa work together on nitrates

Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Water utilities currently rely on readings taken that day to know how and when to treat for nitrates, a pollutant regulated by the EPA. The partnership will work on forecasting when nitrates could occur.

Events

Experiential Education: Educator Summit promotional image

Experiential Education: Educator Summit

Wednesday, August 12, 2026 8:30am to 4:00pm
Kent Park Conservation Education Center

Back for a second year, this full-day workshop aimed at formal and informal educators features six interactive, interdisciplinary, inspiring, and fun workshop sessions. The event will also feature networking opportunities and the chance to learn from peers. Whether you are a classroom teacher, a museum educator, or an aspiring educator, there is something here for you. Each session will include hands-on learning activities and several will include outdoor learning elements, hiking, and even some...

Be Ready QC: Emergency Resource Fair promotional image

Be Ready QC: Emergency Resource Fair

Sunday, August 30, 2026 11:30am to 3:30pm
Waterfront Convention Center

Join us for the Be Ready QC: Emergency Resource Fair!

The Emergency Resource Fair is a free, family-friendly event focused on emergency and disaster preparedness and safety. Attendees can expect kids activities, hands-only CPR training, a virtual reality simulator, information of preparedness resources, giveaways, and more!

We hope to see you there!

Engineering Welcome Fair promotional image

Engineering Welcome Fair

Tuesday, September 1, 2026 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Seamans Center

Engineering students are invited to join us for the annual Engineering Student Welcome Fair on Tuesday, September 1, from 4:00–6:00 PM on S. Capitol Street outside the Seamans Center (with a backup rain location of the Seamans Center Lobby).

This is your chance to:

Learn about student organizations within the College of Engineering

Connect with campus resources that support your success

Network with select employers

Meet fellow engineering students and get involved

Enjoy free snacks and giveaways!

Whet...

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