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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Water Center

School of Natural Resources

WRRI Focus Areas


Introduction

The Water Resources Research Initiative (WRRI) integrates water science, economics, policy and law to address water quality and quantity challenges. It is supported by over 100 faculty members, including some of the nation’s top experts in natural sciences, engineering, computer science, economics, policy, social sciences and law.  It includes the Water Sciences Laboratory, one of the foremost analytical labs in the nation.  Collaboration is fundamental to WRRI, both within the University of Nebraska and with external partners at the local, state, national and international levels.  The WRRI focuses on three areas:

Research includes:

  • Basic and applied research on water quantity and quality issues
  • Changing social patterns, economic forces and legal frameworks
  • Impacts of climate change and variability, including droughts and floods
  • Water and human health

Education and Decision Support includes:

  • Water Law, Policy and Science Conference (held annually)
  • Seminars and public education sessions
  • Education and support for communities grappling with water issues

Technology Transfers include: 

  • Improved water use in agriculture
  • Partnerships with state and local entities to assess and protect water resources
  • Development of measuring, monitoring, modeling, and data management tools

Areas of Interest

In addition to the above three primary areas of focus, the WRRI also has interest in:

  • Training the next generation of water scientists and water resources managers
  • Impacts of regional climate change and variability, including drought and floods, on water quantity and quality
  • Aquifer protection via industrial pollution prevention
  • Developing new measurement technologies and monitoring systems
  • Effects of long-term hydrologic change in semi-arid regions on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems
  • Issues surrounding governance of water and conflict mediation/resolution among water users
  • Improved water use in agriculture
  • Programs that translate research results to educate and inform the public about water issues
  • Public water policy, including an understanding of institutional barriers to water management
  • Hydrologic modeling in large river systems to assess the effects of changes in irrigation practices, drought, flooding, climate change and water use
  • Changing social patterns of water use, economic forces, and community land-based needs in the Great Plains
  • Water marketing, leasing, and transfers
  • Improving and protecting domestic water supply systems
  • Human health problems related to drinking water