Water and the Environment Research Center

                 

Contacts

Purpose

The Water and the Environment Research Center (WATER) was established by the Texas Tech University Board of Regents in 1965. Since its inception, the center has encouraged, conducted, and coordinated water resources research and related activities. To accomplish this purpose, WATER has adopted a multiphase approach, encompassing research, education, and public service. The center also provides public services (both locally and statewide) through its publications, seminars, workshops, and as a resources contact with access to water-related experts throughout the campus.

Research Focus

The WATER center’s research activities focus on current water issues of regional importance to the Texas High Plains and encompass state, national, and international water issues that are of common concern. The operating philosophy of the center is that the highest priority for research activities should be accorded to concerns inherent in ensuring the High Plains region has water supplies that are adequate in quantity and quality to meet the region's needs. Thus, three objectives have been identified:

1. Augmentation: Increasing the supply of available water
2. Conservation: Reducing demands by increasing the efficiency of water use
3. Protection: Preventing the pollution of existing supplies.

Recent Developments

• Occurrence of perchlorate in groundwater in the Southern High Plains of Texas
• Reuse of wastewater for irrigation
• Innovations in wastewater treatments
• Municipal water conservation

For more information, please visit the Water and the Environment Research Center website.