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California’s Water Resources Research Institute
The California Institute for Water Resources (CIWR) is California’s officially designated Water Resources Research Institute. Housed within University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, CIWR represents California in the National Institutes for Water Resources, a network of 54 institutes and centers established through the Water Resources Research Act and administered in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey.
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Who We Are
CIWR is part of University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources and serves as a statewide hub for water research, Extension, education, and collaboration.
As California’s designated Water Resources Research Institute, CIWR connects the University of California with a broader national system of institutes, federal partners, academic institutions, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, communities, and water professionals.
Through this dual role—within UC ANR and within the national Water Resources Research Institute network—CIWR helps identify priority water challenges, support research, coordinate expertise, develop funding opportunities, communicate findings, and move knowledge into practice.
A Statewide and National Role
CIWR serves California while contributing to a broader federal-state strategy for water research, education, training, and knowledge exchange.
The national network includes one institute or center in every state, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam.
Our Mission
The mission of the California Institute for Water Resources is to integrate California’s research, Extension, and education programs to develop research-based solutions to water resource challenges.
We carry out this mission by facilitating collaborative research and outreach across California’s academic institutions and with international, federal, state, regional, nonprofit, and campus partners.
How CIWR Fulfills Its Mission
Coordinate California Water Research
CIWR brings together expertise from across University of California campuses and other academic institutions to address priority water issues.
Support Research and Funding
CIWR administers and coordinates research opportunities through the Water Resources Research Act, including state-focused and national competitive grant programs.
Translate Research into Practice
CIWR supports Extension, education, communication, and outreach that make research useful to agencies, communities, water professionals, and decision-makers.
Build State and National Partnerships
CIWR connects California researchers and practitioners with federal agencies, public institutions, community organizations, and sister water institutes across the country.
CIWR at a Glance
This snapshot highlights CIWR’s areas of expertise, funded research, statewide reach, partnerships, and communication activities.
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Explore More About CIWR
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Our History
Learn how CIWR developed and how its role in California water research and Extension has evolved.
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Our People
Meet the staff, researchers, students, fellows, and collaborators who contribute to CIWR’s work.
Connect with CIWR
Learn more about our programs, research, partnerships, and opportunities to connect and collaborate.