AWI Research Entities

GWSC
The Global Water Security Center leverages cutting-edge science to deliver critical water and environmental security insights to key decision-makers and provides reliable tools and analysis to support national water security interests.

CIROH
CIROH is a one-of-a-kind partnership between The University of Alabama, NOAA and the National Weather Service, aimed at revolutionizing U.S. water forecasting through collaboration among 28 institutions.

CONSERVE
CONSERVE draws on The University of Alabama’s wide-ranging interdisciplinary expertise to address biodiversity and watershed management challenges through community-centered research.
Research News
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Machine Learning Model Improves River Flow Estimates in Ungauged Basins
Most rivers lack gauges, leaving gaps in flood forecasting, water management and emergency planning. This new machine learning approach uses downstream data to predict upstream flow with no sensors needed.
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UA Researchers Tackle Water Challenges with AWI Equipment Grants
Alabama Water Institute’s $180,640 in grants equips UA researchers with cutting-edge technology to tackle pressing water challenges, from removing “forever chemicals” to developing autonomous monitoring systems. The eight funded projects span multiple disciplines and support AWI’s mission to enhance water research capabilities through innovative technology and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
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New Machine Learning Framework Improves National Water Model Accuracy in Drought-Prone Western Watersheds
New machine learning tool sharpens National Water Model forecasting—cutting bias, boosting accuracy and helping water managers respond to drought across the Western U.S. and beyond.
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Water-R2O Program Prepares Next Generation of Water Scientists with Real-World Focus
The University of Alabama’s Water-R2O NRT program welcomes third cohort of graduate students for study tours, seminars and international experiences while developing cutting-edge skills in machine learning applied to hydrologic prediction.
WaterWorks

The Alabama Water Institute’s Annual Report highlights a year of progress in advancing water science, technology and policy. From tackling pressing challenges like floods and droughts to fostering innovation through our flagship research entities — GWSC, CIROH and CONSERVE — we continue building a nationally recognized research enterprise. Explore how our work, in partnership with NOAA, USGS and others, is translating science into solutions that benefit communities in Alabama and beyond.
AWI’s Impact
$34M Total FY24 Extramural Funds
$520K Research Support Provided
46 Employees
34 New Research Projects
159 Affiliated Papers Published
696 Research Presentations
23 Students attending the Summer Institute
11 Students joining NRT
9 Students in First REU
224K Social Media Impressions
26K Social Media Engagements