Map showing drought conditions in the western United States in 2020

Does Less Pollution Mean Less Precipitation?

IIHR researchers Wei Zhang and Gabriele Villarini (IIHR director) have published research linking urban sprawl to an increase in rainfall and flooding during Hurricane Harvey.
A volunteer rolls a tire out of the Iowa River
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River Clean-ups: An IIHR Service Tradition

IIHR faculty, staff, and students continue to participate in river clean-ups like Project AWARE, which celebrated its 13th year this July on the Wapsipinicon River.
Yibing Su poses with herky.
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A Cross-Cultural Perspective on Flooding

Undergraduate researcher Yibing Su traveled halfway around the world to study water resources, right after a major flood struck her hometown of Beijing.
Keri Hornbuckle and Michele Scherer from above
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Hornbuckle, Scherer New Bently Professors

The Donald E. Bently Professorship in Engineering was established in 2002 through a donation by the University of Iowa Engineering alumnus.
One of Iowa’s constructed nutrient-reduction wetlands, which researchers hope will reduce nutrient runoff to the state’s rivers and streams, as well as the Gulf of Mexico. Photo by Adam Kiel, Iowa Soybean Association
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Wetlands Improve Iowa’s Water Quality

The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) develops wetlands designed to remove nitrate-nitrogen from agricultural drainage water in strategic locations.