About IWRRI

Idaho Water Resources Research Institute

Established in 1963, the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute (IWRRI) is one of the nation’s 54 water research and technology centers. In this capacity, IWRRI conducts and directs research to support the water resource needs of the state of Idaho, the northwest region and the nation. IWRRI also plays an important role in facilitating, participating in and developing innovative education and outreach programs that provide research-generated information to water managers, agency research scientists and the public at large.

1. Identify and coordinate actionable partner-driven water research
2. Provide training and workforce development for the next generation of water professionals, including undergraduate and graduate research opportunities
3. Disseminate research outcomes and broadly increase water literacy including experiential learning for K-12 students
4. Generate externally funded research and facilitate collaborative partnerships

Joseph Jordan IWRRI Student Research Endowment

The Joseph Jordan IWRRI Student Research Fellowship provides financial support and hands-on experience for University of Idaho graduate students and undergraduates who have completed their junior year. This fellowship honors Joseph Jordan, a distinguished engineer who served on the Idaho Water Resources Board for multiple years and contributed to numerous state water projects. Jordan held the University of Idaho’s Water Resources advanced degree programs in the highest regard, and his family established this fellowship to support students working on real-world water challenges through collaborations with public and private partners. 

The Confluence Project

The Confluence Project (TCP) is a yearlong program pairing scientific experts with high schools across North Idaho. TCP connects students to North Idaho’s lakes, streams, mountains, and aquifer through a combination of on-site studies and classroom work. Throughout the school year, TCP teachers introduce water resource issues in the classroom and guide their students in a comprehensive research project. During multiple field excursions, students collect and analyze local water resource data. In the spring, they develop a driving question related to a real-world water resource issue, thoroughly research, collect data and propose a relevant solution.

The project culminates in the Youth Water Summit where students present their research projects. Volunteer judges from the community contribute to the success and growth of this event. The Youth Water Summit encourages students to dig deeper into local water issues while providing an opportunity to experience a professional scientific conference. To learn more, go to: https://iwrri.uidaho.edu/education-confluence/