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YOUR WATER, OUR TEAM
Under the federal Water Resources Research Act, the U.S. Geological Survey supports a water research institute or center in each U.S. state and territory. Since 1967, the West Virginia Water Research Institute (WVWRI) at West Virginia University has served the people of the state by developing solutions to important environmental and economic development issues and disseminating the results to the public, legislators and government officials.
Learn more about WVWRIservices
Partner with Us
There are plenty of opportunities to partner with WRI, and we are always interested in new and innovative ideas.
Economic Development
WV Brownfields Assistance Centers were created to promote economic development and environmental and public health protection through innovative redevelopment.
Education and Outreach
WV Outdoor Learning Lab and 3 Rivers Quest REACH 4Schools takes pride in reaching the community through educational programs and activities.
Research
WRI is at the forefront of research regarding water related topics, including rare earth element extraction, water quality monitoring, and more.
News & Updates
2026 Mon River Sweep Announcement
The 3rd annual Monongahela River Sweep will be on Saturday, April 18 from 10 AM to 3 PM at Ruby Hazel Ruby McQuain Park. Volunteers will be collecting trash from the Monongahela River, the banks, and the rail trail. Participants may volunteer for a portion or the entire event time and receive hours on WVU's iServe.
Read More: 2026 Mon River Sweep AnnouncementSpeaker series highlights 25 years of West Fork watershed restoration
The event focused on a quarter-century of work aimed at cleaning up streams affected by pollution and promoting recreational opportunities throughout the watershed. WVWRI Senior Research Scientist Mel Shafer outlined the long-term environmental damage caused by abandoned mine drainage and other sources of contamination.
Read More: Speaker series highlights 25 years of West Fork watershed restoration
WVU is a Proud R1 Research University
A classification earned by only the top research institutions in the nation.