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

The Burlington Street Bridge at night in Iowa City

Hundreds of Iowans turn out to hear scientists discuss Polk County water quality report

Monday, August 11, 2025
During a summer that’s featured high-profile nitrate spikes in Iowa waterways and water use restrictions for thousands of central Iowans, hundreds of people gathered in Des Moines this week to listen to discussion about the findings of a comprehensive water study that was commissioned by Polk County.
Students boat down a river in Iowa

Water quality panel discussion draws large crowd

Monday, August 11, 2025
It was a full house at Drake University’s Sheslow Auditorium Monday night as local, county and state government representatives joined hundreds of community members for a panel discussion on the recently released Central Iowa water quality report. The discussion, hosted by the Harkin Institute, was the first official presentation of findings from the Central Iowa Source Water Research Assessment (CISWRA) report, the most comprehensive analysis of water quality in the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers to date.
water quality sensor

Scientists dive into their findings on water quality issues facing central Iowa

Monday, August 11, 2025
Several of the scientists who worked on a two-year assessment of central Iowa's rivers shared key findings in Des Moines Monday evening. Over 600 people registered for the event, which was hosted by the Harkin Institute and Polk County.

Events

2025 Iowa Water Conference promotional image

2025 Iowa Water Conference

Tuesday, September 9 to Wednesday, September 10, 2025 (all day)
FFA Enrichment Center
Join us for the 19th annual Iowa Water Conference! The overarching conference theme is “Life Depends on Water. Water Depends on You.” As the Iowa Water Center celebrates its 60-year anniversary, we contemplate the progress made, as well as the goals that have been so far, out of reach. As water professionals and community members, we all play a part in protecting our waters. Creating a resilient water cycle is critical and relies on a systems approach, recognizing the connection between water...
2025 Iowa Water Conference promotional image

2025 Iowa Water Conference

Wednesday, September 10, 2025 (all day)
FFA Enrichment Center
Join us for the 19th annual Iowa Water Conference! The overarching conference theme is “Life Depends on Water. Water Depends on You.” As the Iowa Water Center celebrates its 60-year anniversary, we contemplate the progress made, as well as the goals that have been so far, out of reach. As water professionals and community members, we all play a part in protecting our waters. Creating a resilient water cycle is critical and relies on a systems approach, recognizing the connection between water...
Women and Water promotional image

Women and Water

Sunday, September 14, 2025 1:00pm to 4:00pm
The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium (Train Depot)
Hosted by the Delaware and Dubuque Chapter of Women, Land & Legacy, this free public event celebrates the vital role women play in water conservation, education, and leadership — especially here in the Maquoketa Watershed and Eastern Iowa.Highlights include:Dr. Brandi Janssen (University of Iowa), presenting “Upstream Thinking” Sharing proactive strategies for improving water quality and impacts to environmental health.Judith E. Joyce (Eocene Environmental Group), sharing “Field of Dreams...
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