The institute focuses on water resources and water-related environmental issues important to the state of Kentucky. In keeping with its statewide mission, the KWRI works to foster research collaborations between faculty and research staff at UK, as well as faculty and research staff affiliated with the various regional universities across the state. With a mission that encompasses research, education, training and technology transfer, the institute works with federal and state agencies.
 

The Kentucky Water Research Institute (KWRI) is part of a nationwide association of 54 federally authorized water resource institutes and centers located at land grant universities throughout the United States and its territories.  KWRI has over 50 years of involvement in water resources issues and has established itself as an important link between water-related personnel at academic institutions, government agencies, and the private sector. KWRI manages a wide variety of research projects, provides technical support to its stakeholders, and educates and trains the next generation of water resource experts.