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 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

Center for Hydrologic Development

Recent News

CIROH 2025

IIHR Joins 2025 CIROH Annual Science Meeting

Wednesday, October 8, 2025
The Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology (CIROH) recently held its 2025 Annual Science Meeting, with the University of Iowa actively participating to share its latest advancements in hydrologic modeling and flood prediction research.
Bacteria attached to charcoal could help keep an infamous 'forever chemical' out of waterways

Bacteria attached to charcoal could help keep an infamous 'forever chemical' out of waterways

Monday, September 29, 2025
Polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, a class of fire-resistant industrial chemicals, were widely used in electrical transformers, oils, paints, and even building materials throughout the 20th century. However, once scientists learned PCBs were accumulating in the environment and posed a cancer risk to humans, new PCB production was banned in the late 1970s, although so-called legacy PCBs remain in use. Some bacteria may be able to give communities the freedom to flourish in a world free from PCBs.
Water Quality

Iowa is at risk of losing most of its water quality sensors. Here's why that matters.

Thursday, September 18, 2025
Time has run out on a short-term plan to continue funding a network of sensors that monitors the water quality in Iowa's rivers and streams. Unless new funding can be secured, dozens of sensors will be taken offline next year, eliminating the ability to measure nitrate and phosphorus to see if conservation practices are working.

Events

Waters of the United States: POTUS, SCOTUS, WOTUS, and the Politics of a National Resource with Royal C. Gardner  promotional image

Waters of the United States: POTUS, SCOTUS, WOTUS, and the Politics of a National Resource with Royal C. Gardner

Friday, October 10, 2025 12:45pm to 2:00pm
Boyd Law Building
Waters of the United States is an unprecedented exploration of the history of the 'waters of the United States'—and its importance for today’s efforts to conserve a critical natural resource.
Cedar Valley Family STEM Festival promotional image

Cedar Valley Family STEM Festival

Thursday, October 16, 2025 4:00pm to 7:00pm
Wartburg College

Get ready to dive into the thrilling world of STEM with us at our upcoming festival, where the wonders of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) come alive for students and families across Iowa! This vibrant celebration is not just about fun; it's about igniting a passion for learning and discovery in our youth. Explore hands-on activities that spark curiosity, while raising awareness of the importance of STEM-related educational and career opportunities for families. So, come...

Our Water, Our Future: A Look at the Central Iowa Water Quality Report promotional image

Our Water, Our Future: A Look at the Central Iowa Water Quality Report

Wednesday, October 29, 2025 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Big Grove Brewery Iowa City
Join for a public presentation of findings from the Central Iowa Source Water Resource Assessment (CISWRA) report.
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