Aerial view of flooded rural Iowa town

IIHR address every day community needs, changing climate

The Iowa Institute for Hydraulic Research’s work can be seen around the world, but its biggest impact is felt closer to home. What started as a small lab at the University of Iowa has grown into a leader in the world of hydroscience and a multidisciplinary hub that is recognized internationally. Its team of researchers and engineers are called upon for projects related to fluid mechanics, hydraulics, water, air and resource conservation.
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BlueGAP: Bridging Science, Art, and Community to Combat Nitrogen Pollution

In the traditionally hard science realms of conservation and ecology, opportunities for intersection with the arts and humanities are rare. However, BlueGAP (Blue Green Action Platform) is breaking down these boundaries and achieving remarkable success by embracing this unique fusion. 
Vanessa Robledo on the IIHR patio overlooking the Iowa River

Weather and Water: Improving Flash Flood Predictions

Vanessa Robledo, a second-year PhD student in civil and environmental engineering (CEE), is helping improve the Iowa Flood Center’s abilities to better forecast flash flood events. Building on her master's studies in meteorology from Medellin, Colombia, her research focuses on improving methods for predicting weather patterns to enhance flood forecasting.
A hydrostation stands out in a field

Lab to Land

owa researchers are working to solve some of our state’s most significant environmental challenges. That includes experts from the UI College of Engineering who are using a living laboratory to conduct innovative sustainability research and scientists who have deployed a vast network of climate sensors to prepare for the growing impact of extreme weather events.
Craig Just by the Dow City wastewater treatment facility
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Helping small towns meet wastewater needs, affordably

Craig Just at the University of Iowa has sought an affordable wastewater solution for small towns. Now, through Just’s research, partnerships, and persistence, a pilot system in Dow City appears poised to meet federal wastewater treatment…
Kohls and other researchers at the 1st Avenue test sites
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Enhancing Water Quality Through Stormwater Management

Stan Kohls, a third-year PhD candidate in civil and environmental engineering, is conducting an in-depth investigation into organic contaminants found in water systems. As a graduate research assistant at IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering…
Keith Schilling
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Geological Survey celebrates 10 years at the University of Iowa

Celebrating the IGS's accomplishments over the last 10 years and contributions to the state of Iowa.
Priscilla Williams
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Faculty Spotlight: Priscilla Williams

Meet one of IIHR's newest faculty researchers, Priscilla Williams!
Standing flood waters on a field

City officials in Spencer, Iowa met with community members to provide clarity on this past summer’s extreme flood event

Four months after record flooding damaged hundreds of homes in Spencer, Iowa, city leaders met to offer transparency about the events that led up to the flooding. In conjunction with the Iowa Flood Center, city officials shared a full debrief of the days leading up to, and following, the flooding in June. They shared what they learned, and how they hope to prepare for future flooding.
A road is blocked off by big orange signs after being obstructed by floodwaters

Spencer Public Meeting on June 22nd Flood

Approximately one hundred and fifty residents of Spencer attended Tuesday night’s flood “debriefing” hosted by the city. This time representatives from the National Weather Service and Iowa Flood Center attended to talk about the unexpected magnitude of the flood.
IIHR rain gauge in a dry field

Drought descends on Iowa despite the wet spring

If Iowa had not received the rainfall recharge earlier this year, conditions would be ‘exceedingly worse,’ state geologist says
Matthew Streeter
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Iowa Geological Survey’s Expertise Supports California Wildfire Prevention

Iowa Geological Survey Soil Scientist Matthew Streeter is supporting California's wildfire-prone landscape. With Perimeter Solutions, he’s investigating the long-term impacts of how fire-retardant chemicals may affect soil health and water quality.
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Finding hope: Iowa Water Conference brings research breakthroughs to the forefront

IIHR staff and researchers join the Iowa Water Conference highlighting the University of Iowa's impact on the conference theme, "Life Depends on Water. Water Depends on You."
Stanley Building

University of Iowa expands Mississippi River research to aid fish navigation

The Hydroscience and Engineering unit at the University of Iowa, or the IIHR, is expanding its research on the Mississippi River, to better understand and improve the way fish navigate through lock and dam systems.
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University of Iowa expands research on the Mississippi River

Witold Krajewski
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Founding director of Iowa Flood Center retires after 15 years

Witold Krajewski retires as director of the Iowa Flood Center after 15 years of leading its success and helping Iowans become more flood resilient.
Flowing water

With data centers and drought, Iowa studies aquifers

The Iowa Legislature allocated $250,000 this year for a study of Iowa’s aquifers to make sure they don’t run dry with increased use.
IIHR Modeling Project
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Clients near and far seek IIHR expertise on water projects

In this photo gallery by Office of Strategic Communication photographer Tim Schoon, IIHR engineers designed and built scale models of a complex water-retention and storage system for municipal, agricultural, and other major water users in eastern Colorado, where water supply can fluctuate.

CEE graduate student recognized for deep commitment to civic responsibility and leadership

Alexis Slade, a University of Iowa PhD candidate in civil and environmental engineering, has received the President's Student Leadership Award. The award recognizes an individual student or a student organization that models a deep commitment to civic responsibility and leadership.