Water Research & Hydrology

Water Conservation & Efficiency research focuses on sustainable practices to manage water resources, including strategies like rainwater harvesting and regional planning to reduce demand and improve supply. It also considers broader environmental impacts, such as those from industrial activities like frac sand mining, which can affect water quality and availability.

Watershed and Aquifer research investigates the dynamics of surface and groundwater systems to support sustainable water supply, quality, and ecosystem health. It includes monitoring, modeling, and management strategies to protect these vital resources from pollution, overuse, and climate-related stressors.

Research on the Restoration & Stewardship of Water focuses on rehabilitating aquatic ecosystems and protecting water resources through science-based conservation, habitat restoration, and sustainable land-use practices. It emphasizes collaborative approaches among communities, governments, and stakeholders to ensure long-term ecological health and water resilience.

Sustainable Water Management research explores integrated approaches to balance water use with long-term ecosystem health, economic needs, and community resilience. It emphasizes efficient resource allocation, climate adaptation, and collaborative governance to ensure reliable water access for current and future generations.

The Meadows Center fulfills its mission of inspiring research, innovation, and leadership that ensures clean, abundant water for the environment and all humanity by integrating activities across four pillars of action: research, leadership, education, and stewardship. Our work in each pillar begins at Spring Lake—one of the largest artesian springs in the world—and ripples outward across Texas and beyond.

The Texas Stream Team facilitates environmental stewardship by empowering a statewide network of concerned citizen scientists, partners, and institutions in a collaborative effort to promote a healthy and safe environment through environmental education, data collection, and community action.

EARDC is a resource for information on the Edwards Aquifer. The Center provides basic and applied research in areas of aquatic biology, geochemistry, and hydrogeology. It offers a variety of technical services to the public.