Collaboration is central to water research at Utah State University, and the USU Water Initiative provides a forum for USU researchers to make a difference—together. The collegial interdisciplinary community of water scholars at USU engaged in water education, research and outreach includes academic departments, centers, and labs in six colleges.
Partners
USU departments and centers contributing to Water Research at USU, listed alphabetically:
Spring Runoff Conference
The USU Spring Runoff Conference is held annually to provide a forum for interdisciplinary sharing and exchange of ideas on water-related issues in Utah and the Intermountain Region extending to all aspects of water science, ecology, policy, engineering, and management.
Water Research in the News
Find more Water Research News at Utah State Today.
Utah State University and the Northern Utah Water Users are now accepting abstract submissions for poster presentations and breakout session speakers for the 2026 Spring Runoff Conference, scheduled for March 24-25.
Utah State Today | January 08, 2026
The Great Salt Lake Strike Team released its 2026 Data and Insights Summary, a comprehensive, science-based resource for Utah policymakers that synthesizes the latest data, research and policy-relevant analysis on Great Salt Lake conditions, recovery efforts and remaining challenges.
Utah State Today | December 19,2025
The first basin-wide sediment fingerprinting database makes it possible to track where sediment is coming from and how it moves through the entire basin, allowing managers and researchers to better understand water quality, measure the health of waterways, minimize erosion and identify sources of pollution.
Mission & History
The USU Water Initiative provides an overarching umbrella for the activities of the water community aimed at fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and collegial sharing of ideas related to water across the departments and colleges of Utah State University. Water related seminars in a number of colleges and departments occur on a regular basis.
The USU Water Initiative emerged from a task force appointed by University President Kermit Hall in Fall 2002 charged with recommending ways to strengthen water programs at USU that take advantage of the diversity and breadth of water activities at USU. The task force initiated a number of collaborative activities that advanced water strengths at USU and persist in the research and education activities of Water Initiative Partners, and the Spring Runoff Conference.