CENTERS & PROGRAMS

Massachusetts Water Resources Research Center

The Water Resources Research Center (WRRC) supports research, education, and outreach on water resources issues of state, regional, and national importance as one of 54 Water Centers nationwide belonging to the National Institutes for Water Resources. WRRC pioneered the use of volunteers to monitor water quality of lakes, rivers, and estuaries and has created nationally known programs such as the Acid Rain Monitoring Project and the Massachusetts Water Watch Partnership. The Center sponsors an annual research program and manages water resources projects ranging from acid rain monitoring to storm water evaluation and management. WRRC organizes an annual conference which brings together stake-holders to showcase and discuss critical water resources issues, from research to practice.

Environmental Analysis Laboratory

In partnership with the Chemistry Department the Environmental Analysis Laboratory (EAL) provides a range of inorganic analyses of water (nutrients, inorganic anions, metals, phosphorus), as well as sediments, tissue samples, and microbes for environmental research and monitoring activities. Services are provided to on campus researchers and to public agencies and non-profit clients. EAL is a leader in providing analysis and quality control for volunteer water quality monitoring groups across the state.

Earth Sciences Information Office

The Earth Sciences Information Office (ESIO) distributes maps and other cartographic information, including aerial photographs and space images from federal, state, and local governmental agencies, and private sources. The Office also manages GIS site licenses for the University system, the Five College Consortium, and numerous state and community colleges across the state.