BOISE, ID — The Idaho Water Resources Research Institute has allocated more than $580,000 to support eight faculty-led research projects focused on addressing water-related challenges across Idaho.

According to a release from the University of Idaho, the projects involve researchers from Idaho’s three public research universities — the University of Idaho, Boise State University and Idaho State University. Funding was approved by the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute (IWRRI) in fall 2025.

In addition to the faculty-led projects, state funds will support nine research efforts led by IWRRI staff scientists. Those projects address priority research topics not covered by faculty proposals.

The funded research focuses on statewide water issues including water scarcity, water quality, technology and data access, and water-related hazards. Projects include studies of aquifer conditions, snowpack monitoring using remote sensing, adaptive lake management, flood-risk modeling and improvements to Idaho’s hydrometeorological observation network.

One project will involve researchers from all three universities reviewing Idaho’s weather and climate monitoring systems to identify gaps, overlaps and opportunities for improved coordination and data accessibility for water and natural resource management.

IWRRI Director Kendra Kaiser said the projects reflect collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening Idaho’s long-term water planning.

Paul Arrington, chair of the IWRRI Executive Board, said research priorities were identified through input from stakeholders across the state, including agricultural producers, municipalities, tribes and rural communities.

IWRRI was established in 1964 and is one of 54 water research and technology centers nationwide focused on water research and workforce development.

More information about the funded projects is available through IWRRI’s website.