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

David Cwiertny headshot

KCCI Investigates: What to know about Iowa's water systems and EPA standards

Monday, August 3, 2026
The 2025 public water system compliance report came out in early July. The state natural resources department and a leading water expert point out the bigger picture on Iowa's public water systems.
A farm field with lush green corn growing adjacent to a soybean field

Why central Iowa's nitrate concentrations are down

Monday, August 3, 2026
A brief dry period and peaking crop growth are driving a temporary decline in central Iowa's nitrate concentrations, Director of IIHR-Hydroscience and Engineering Larry Weber told Local 5.
IIHR employee Tom Stoeffler checks water quality monitoring equipment next to a stream

Linn County Invests in Water Quality Monitoring

Monday, August 3, 2026
Linn County residents will benefit from improved water quality monitoring thanks to a $100,000 investment from the Linn County Conservation Board. The funding, provided through the voter-approved Linn County Water Quality and Land Legacy bonds, will support the water quality sensor network operated by IIHR – Hydroscience and Engineering (IIHR) at the University of Iowa.

Events

Johnson County Historic Poor Farm Open House promotional image

Johnson County Historic Poor Farm Open House

Saturday, August 8, 2026 3:00pm to 7:30pm
Johnson County Historic Poor Farm

Join us for the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm Open House!

Throughout the event, attendees can enjoy kids activities, food vendors, tabling and resource-sharing from partner organizations, and cover crop and farm equipment exploration.

Attendees are encouraged to check out the Global Food Project farmers market, which will take place on the east side of the Dairy Barn from 3 - 5:30pm. The farmers market accepts cash, debit and credit cards, SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC, and Senior Vouchers...

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!

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