This year, the Illinois State Water Survey marks its 125th anniversary of advancing water, weather, and climate science. Our scientific research and service programs continue to anticipate and react to critical issues related to the quality, quantity, and use of ground, surface, and atmospheric water resources.

During recent strategic planning activities, the Water Survey's scientists identified three research focus areas where their expertise, data, and continued effort can deliver significant impact in Illinois and beyond:

• Community Resiliency to risks such as heat waves, droughts, flash floods, and severe storms.
• Nutrient and Sediment Transport and the impact on Illinois’ water quality and supply, habitat, land use, and economy.
• Regional Climate and Green Energy, specifically better understanding of how the changing climate will impact sources of renewable energy and providing more accurate predictions of the benefits and length of service of renewable energy investments.

The Water Survey's annual research report highlights key work in these critical areas.

Download the Water Survey's 2020 Research Report