Nevada Water Resources Research Institute (NWRRI)

Program Description

The Nevada Water Resources Research Institute (NWRRI) was established under the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 (as amended). NWRRI is stewarded by the Division of Hydrologic Sciences (DHS) at DRI, which has been dedicated to environmental research since its founding in 1959. The continuing goals of NWRRI are to develop the water sciences knowledge and expertise that support Nevada’s water needs, encourage our nation to manage water more responsibly, and train students to become productive professionals.

The work conducted through the NWRRI program is funded through the National Institutes for Water Resources (NIWR), which is supported by the U.S. Geological Survey under Grant/Cooperative Agreement No. G21AP10578. DRI administratively houses and logistically supports the operations of NWRRI.

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About the Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI) program

The state-specific WRRIs are funded through the NIWR for research, information transfer, training, and program management to help solve critical state water problems. A total of 54 institutes are located at colleges and universities in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Under the Act, these institutes are to:

1. Plan, conduct, or otherwise arrange for competent research that fosters:

• the entry of new research scientists into the water resources fields;
• the training and education of future water scientists, engineers, and technicians;
• the preliminary exploration of new ideas that address water problems or expand the understanding of water and water-related phenomena; and
• the dissemination of research results to water managers and the public.

2. Coordinate closely with other colleges and universities in the state that have demonstrated capabilities for research, information dissemination, and graduate training to develop a statewide program designed to resolve state and regional water problems and related land issues.

The Goals of NWRRI

Nevada is the most arid state in the United States, and therefore faces unique challenges managing its water resources. Sound science plays a crucial role in supporting informed decision-making in meeting the state’s competing water demands. NWRRI has chosen to make a valuable contribution to water research and education in Nevada by judiciously distributing its Section 104 research funds among numerous subject areas. Projects must be of significant scientific merit (as determined by the review process) and relevant to Nevada’s total water program to be considered worthy of funding.

To ensure collaboration and coordination among water-related entities throughout the state, NWRRI maintains a Statewide Advisory Council on Water Resources Research composed of leading water officials who may be called upon to identify appropriate research topics that will be supported using Section 104 funds.