USGS, UA Celebrate Opening of World-Class Hydrologic Facility

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.- Today, the U.S. Geological Survey officially opened the USGS Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility on The University of Alabama campus near the NOAA National Water Center, providing a trifecta of opportunity for advancing water science and technology.

"Water information is fundamental to national and local economic well-being, protection of life and property, the health and diversity of ecosystems, and effective management of the nation's water resources," said David Applegate, USGS director. "The new facility will strengthen our partnership with The University of Alabama and is a major investment in the future that ensures USGS water science and data will serve the needs of all Americans for decades to come."

A New Chapter

The new 8.8-acre home starts a new chapter for the USGS facility, which originated in 1970 and was previously housed at Stennis Space Center in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. A team of about 50 USGS employees will work alongside University students and staff, strengthening existing partnerships and creating new ones as the HIF continues its tradition as the national hub for water monitoring technologies.

"UA and USGS share a mission - to conduct meaningful research to address society's greatest needs. Thanks to Sen. Shelby championing this critical initiative, this facility allows us to unite and collectively meet that mission now and into the future," said Dr. Stuart R. Bell, UA president. "The tremendous support of The University of Alabama System leadership and Board of Trustees has allowed UA to cement its place at the forefront of water research that positively impacts society."

Expand Collaboration

In addition to housing a world-class hydraulics lab, the space will also include a network operations center that will expand the capacity for the USGS to coordinate with federal partners in response to water hazards, such as floods and storm surge, around the U.S. and enable the facility to track the status of USGS water monitoring networks. The facility will play a key role in advancing the USGS Next Generation Water Observing System Program, known as NGWOS. HIF services will include sales, rental and servicing of equipment for USGS Water Science Centers and federal partners, the evaluation and creation of new technology, and the verification and certification of hydrologic equipment that is currently in service.

"This partnership between the U.S. Geological Survey and The University of Alabama, a national leader in the field of water research and science, will result in vital, transformational discoveries as the demand for innovative water research increases throughout the nation and beyond," said Sen. Richard Shelby. "The University's decision to emphasize water - a matter of national security - as a signature research and academic focus will enrich lives across the great state of Alabama and the entire country."

Construction has been underway since March 2022. The 92,000 square foot building includes:

• A 32,000 square foot hydraulics lab with a 350 feet long tow tank, a 230-foot tilting flume capable of 50 cubic feet per second, 100 by 24-foot test basin and groundwater demonstration wells
• Three training rooms, including wet chemistry and electronics configurations
• Laboratories and shops for testing, developing, and repairing hydrologic instrumentation
• An 11,000 square foot warehouse
• A 150-person auditorium space
• Network Operations Center

The staff and operations for the USGS Lower Mississippi Gulf Tuscaloosa Field Office will also be housed within the space.

Unprecedented Opportunity

"The combined academic and federal water research enterprise at The University of Alabama is second to none and is quickly becoming the premier hub for water-related research," said Matthew Womble, executive director of the Alabama Water Institute.

The USGS and The University of Alabama have already benefitted from partnerships with NOAA. In 2022 and 2023, the USGS participated in the first and second Annual Science Meeting of the new Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology, during which USGS and NOAA shared their water research needs with academic partners. University partners also had the opportunity to highlight accomplishments with the two federal agencies. In spring 2024, the USGS and the Alabama Water Institute co-hosted the inaugural Water Observing Technology Forum to showcase the latest research in innovative technologies and methods for measuring water quantity, quality and availability.

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