IWRRI funds strategic Idaho water research projects
BOISE, Idaho — Jan. 08, 2026 — The Idaho Water Resources Research Institute (IWRRI) has prioritized and is backing several research projects involving the state’s three public research universities to address Idaho’s pressing water challenges.
Established in 1964, IWRRI is one of 54 U.S. water research and technology centers, conducting and directing research to support the water resource needs of the state and entire Northwestern U.S.
In fall 2025, IWRRI allocated more than $580,000 for eight faculty-led research projects proposed by scientists with Idaho’s research institutions — University of Idaho, Boise State University and Idaho State University. In addition, state funds will support nine projects led by IWRRI’s staff scientists, covering priority research topics that are critical to the state but are not addressed by faculty proposals.
IWRRI’s Research Advisory Committee identified and ranked water research needs across the state, and the Institute’s Executive Board gave final approval.
“Idaho’s water future will be shaped by strong, collaborative science, and this year’s funded projects showcase what our universities and partners can achieve together,” IWRRI Director Kendra Kaiser said. “Researchers across the state are tackling challenges that affect every corner of Idaho, from aquifer recharge and snowpack monitoring to water quality and improved access to water data. By investing in this work, we’re equipping Idaho with the knowledge, tools and partnerships needed to make informed decisions and safeguard our water resources for generations to come.”
One of the projects will involve a team of researchers from U of I, ISU and Boise State, who will work together to review Idaho’s weather and climate monitoring systems and identify gaps, overlaps and opportunities for improvement. The researchers will also recommend ways to strengthen coordination and accessibility of this information for statewide water and natural resource management.
Congratulations to the following faculty-led award recipients:
Water Scarcity:
H.P. Marshall – Boise State University
“Evaluating L-band InSAR for Idaho Water Monitoring Applications”
This project will test if satellites can effectively track changes in snow depth and snow water storage using lidar technology. It will provide an assessment of a new technique of the use of remote sensing for monitoring snow water storage in Idaho’s mountains.
Alejandro Flores – Boise State University
“Enhancing Visualization of Snow Water Storage Conditions”
Researchers will build online tools to visualize how current snowpack levels compare to historical patterns, helping users gauge the likelihood of meeting snow water storage targets across basins.
Meetpal Kukal – University of Idaho
“Understanding Consumptive Use on the East Snake Plane Aquifer: Data Gaps, Uncertainty, and Impacts”
This study will compare multiple datasets for estimating water used by crops and evaluate uncertainties and trends across the aquifer. Results will clarify how factors like crop type and irrigation changes affect water demand.
Technology & Data:
Meetpal Kukal – University of Idaho, Alejandro Flores – Boise State University, Sarah Godsey – Idaho State University, Russell Qualls – University of Idaho, and Lana Cohen – University of Idaho,
“Assessing Sufficiency, Optimal Deployment, and Application-Readiness of Idaho’s Hydrometeorological Observation Network”
The team will review Idaho’s weather and climate monitoring systems to identify gaps, overlaps, and opportunities for improvement. The project will recommend ways to strengthen coordination and accessibility for hydrometrical data and natural resource management statewide.
Water Quality:
Jeffery Langman, Eric Asten, and Tim Link – University of Idaho
“Differentiating Recharge Zones and Primary Flowpaths in the Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer through Traditional and Nontraditional Groundwater Tracers”
Sampling from 40 wells will use naturally occurring age dating tracers to map groundwater recharge and flow paths. This information can be used to improve models used to sustain this key water source.
Angel Monsalve, Emily Bedwell, Gregory Moller, Clifford Swanson, and Casey Bartrem – University of Idaho
“Comprehensive Integration and Evaluation of Idaho Water Quality Monitoring”
This project will evaluate and, where possible, merge Idaho’s water quality databases to identify monitoring gaps and create accessible visual tools for agencies, researchers, and the public.
Water Hazards:
Tao Huang and Bruce Savage – Idaho State University
“Developing Probabilistic Flood Maps for Idaho Under Precipitation Uncertainty Using a Computationally Efficient 2D Hydrodynamic Model”
A new 2D flood model will be used to simulate flood risks under varying precipitation scenarios, producing maps to help communities plan for and reduce flood hazards.
Technology & Innovation:
Andy Tranmer and Daniele Tonina – University of Idaho
“Monitoring Water Seepage Gains and Losses Along Irrigation Canal Systems”
By deploying temperature sensors along canals, this new approach will track where and when seepage occurs, improving water management.
In addition to the faculty awarded projects, IWRRI will lead nine priority projects identified by the Research Advisory Committee.
- ESPA Water Budget Gap Analysis
- Analysis of Reach Gains Between Blackfoot and Minidoka
- Groundwater–Surface Water Budget for the Upper Snake
- Water Supply Analysis in the Snake River Below Swan Falls Dam and Major Tributaries
- Pend Oreille Case Study on Adaptive Lake Management
- Data Collection and Validation of Sentinel-2 Satellite Surface Water Quality Metrics
- Sensitive Aquifer Recharge Area Toolbox (North Idaho Pilot)
- Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) and Injection Wells – Water Quality Assessment
- Assessing Use of Recycled Water for Aquifer Recharge
“Working with partners throughout Idaho to identify water research priorities further illustrates how diverse our needs are, from farmers and irrigators to cities, tribes and rural communities,” said Paul Arrington, chair of the IWRRI Executive Board. “Through open conversation and shared problem solving, we can focus research efforts on the questions that matter most on the ground. This ensures available resources support practical and meaningful solutions for all Idaho water users.”
Learn more about our approach to identify Idaho’s water research needs by reading our report.
About the University of Idaho
The University of Idaho, home of the Vandals, is Idaho’s land-grant, national research university. From its residential campus in Moscow, U of I serves the state of Idaho through educational centers in Boise, Coeur d’Alene and Idaho Falls, nine research and Extension centers, plus Extension offices in 42 counties. Home to more than 11,000 students statewide, U of I is a leader in student-centered learning and excels at interdisciplinary research, service to businesses and communities, and in advancing diversity, citizenship and global outreach. U of I competes in the Big Sky Conference. Learn more at www.uidaho.edu.
About IWRRI
The Idaho Water Resources Research Institute (IWRRI) was established in 1964 by the University of Idaho Board of Regents and is one of the nation’s 54 water research and technology centers. IWRRI addresses state, regional, and national water issues by conducting research, sharing current information, and supporting the development of a multi-disciplinary water workforce.
Media contact
Lindsey Beacham
IWRRI Communications Coordinator
208-885-7955
lbeacham@uidaho.edu
