Research Community
Water Challenges
Co-Led by Venkatesh Merwade (CCE) and David Johnson (POL), the Water Challenges research community fosters interdisciplinary collaboration to develop innovative solutions that help communities address pressing water issues.
AREAS OF INTEREST
Explore key topics driving discovery and innovation as Purdue researchers work to answer important questions in this field.
Water management
Addressing research challenges like scarcity, pollution, and extreme impacts by developing strategies for sustainable use, conservation, and infrastructure to ensure clean, reliable water for ecosystems, agriculture, and communities.
Human dimensions of water
Examining how behavior, culture, equity, and governance influence water use, access, and management, informing solutions to scientifically studied challenges like scarcity, pollution, and weather impacts.
Urban water systems
Managing supply, treatment, and drainage in cities, addressing scientifically studied challenges like pollution, aging infrastructure, stormwater runoff, and demand growth to ensure safe, sustainable water access and environmental protection.
Great Lakes water
Pollution, invasive species, extreme weather impacts, and water level fluctuations require coordinated management to protect ecosystems, ensure clean water, and support regional resilience.
Ecological restoration
Identifying solutions for rehabilitating degraded ecosystems, improving water quality, restoring natural flow patterns, and enhancing habitat resilience, guided by scientific research to support biodiversity and sustainable watershed management.
Water and energy
Optimizing efficiency for energy production and energy needed for water treatment, reducing environmental impact, and supporting sustainable resource management.
Agricultural water use
Examining new ways to address scarcity, runoff, and efficiency. Research guides irrigation, conservation practices, and technology adoption to protect water resources while supporting food production and ecosystem health.
Related Projects and Water Opportunities
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
ISF supports research and partnerships that advance a sustainable, resilient, and prosperous future by aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Each ISF community identifies goals tied to their focus area. These include:
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