IWRRI funds strategic Idaho water research projects

BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho Water Resources Research Institute (IWRRI) has prioritized and is backing several research projects involving the state’s three public research universities to address Idaho’s pressing water challenges.

Established in 1964, IWRRI is one of 54 U.S. water research and technology centers, conducting and directing research to support the water resource needs of the state and entire Northwestern U.S.

In fall 2025, IWRRI allocated more than $580,000 for eight faculty-led research projects proposed by scientists with Idaho’s research institutions — University of Idaho, Boise State University and Idaho State University. In addition, state funds will support nine projects led by IWRRI’s staff scientists, covering priority research topics that are critical to the state but are not addressed by faculty proposals.

IWRRI’s Research Advisory Committee identified and ranked water research needs across the state, and the Institute’s Executive Board gave final approval.

“Idaho’s water future will be shaped by strong, collaborative science, and this year’s funded projects showcase what our universities and partners can achieve together,” IWRRI Director Kendra Kaiser said. “Researchers across the state are tackling challenges that affect every corner of Idaho, from aquifer recharge and snowpack monitoring to water quality and improved access to water data. By investing in this work, we’re equipping Idaho with the knowledge, tools and partnerships needed to make informed decisions and safeguard our water resources for generations to come.”

Funded research projects address the following themes:

• Water scarcity: Studies on consumptive use, new remote sensing products to monitor snowpack conditions, new snow data visualizations, adaptive lake management and evaluation of aquifer conditions.
• Water quality: Integrating statewide monitoring and aquifer recharge monitoring.
• Technology and data: Assessing Idaho’s hydrometeorological observation network.
• Water hazards: Modeling flood risks under uncertain precipitation futures.

One of the projects will involve a team of researchers from U of I, ISU and Boise State, who will work together to review Idaho’s weather and climate monitoring systems and identify gaps, overlaps and opportunities for improvement. The researchers will also recommend ways to strengthen coordination and accessibility of this information for statewide water and natural resource management.  

“Working with partners throughout Idaho to identify water research priorities further illustrates how diverse our needs are, from farmers and irrigators to cities, tribes and rural communities,” said Paul Arrington, chair of the IWRRI Executive Board. “Through open conversation and shared problem solving, we can focus research efforts on the questions that matter most on the ground. This ensures available resources support practical and meaningful solutions for all Idaho water users."

Visit iwrri.uidaho.edu to learn more about these projects and IWRRI’s progress on Idaho’s water research needs.

Media contact

Lindsey Beacham
IWRRI communications coordinator
208-885-7955
lbeacham@uidaho.edu