Texas Tech University

Water and the Environment Research (WATER) Center

Texas Tech University has long recognized the importance of water resources for sustaining economic growth and sensitive ecosystems of Southern High Plains. The Water and the Environmental Research (WATER) Center was established by the Board of Regents in 1965 to conduct research and coordinate water related activities on campus. The center has a 50 year history of conducting basic and applied research activities that are not only relevant to the Southern High Plains region but also of national and international significance.

Faculty affiliated with the center have a wide ranging expertise in both water availability and water quality issues in surface water, groundwater, soil and contaminated sediments. Recent research activities are focused on emerging areas of food-energy-water nexus, water reuse in hydraulic fracturing, emerging contaminants and environmental applications of nano-materials. Research projects carried out by the center are funded by federal, state and local entities including the NSF, SERDP, NASA and private industry.

Program Overview

The Water and the Environmental Research (WATER) Center offers advanced degrees including the Master of Environmental Engineering (MEV), Master of Science in Civil Engineering (M.S.C.E.) with thesis and non-thesis options, and a Ph.D. with specializations in Environmental or Water Resources Engineering. The program features extensive laboratory facilities, financial aid options including scholarships, research, and teaching assistantships, and personalized student advising. Click here to learn more about our programs and resources offered.

Research Areas

Labs

Explore the Environmental Engineering laboratory housed in the Maddox Engineering Research Center, featuring 30,000 ft² of space with advanced facilities including analytical balances, chromatography systems (GC, HPLC, IC), mass spectrometers, and more. Led by Maddox Chair Danny Reible and a team of seven faculty members, the lab supports a wide range of projects with its state-of-the-art equipment for environmental analysis and research.

Learn more about the Laboratory and its equipment

Student Organizations/Team

The WATER Center hosts three major organizations/team, each offering unique opportunities for professional development, community engagement, and academic support within the field.

Explore the below organizations and team to enhance your educational experience and career prospects:

  • Society of Environmental Professionals (SEP)
  • Engineers for a Sustainable World (ESW)
  • Student Design Competition Team (WEAT)

Learn more about these organizations here.

 

The Water Resources Center strives to be a nationally recognized leader in the areas of water and environmental sustainability by developing and promoting innovative water augmentation, conservation and protection practices.

The center promotes active collaborations and works closely with other departments and water related entities on campus. In particular, close working relationships exist with TTU South Central Climate Science Center, CASNR Water Center, the Center for Communications Research, the Llano River Field Station and The Institute of Environmental and Human Health.

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