Blackstone River Water Quality Study
The UMass Amherst Blackstone River Water Quality Study, launched in 2004, uses hydrologic modeling (HSPF) and 35,000+ water quality observations to assess pollution, wastewater impacts, and management strategies in the Blackstone River basin. Funded by UBWPAD and supported by CDM-Smith, ongoing monitoring at nine sites helps refine the model. For reports, contact wrrc@umass.edu.
Acid Rain Monitoring Project
The Acid Rain Monitoring (ARM) Program, led by the Massachusetts Water Resources Research Center (MA WRRC), tracks long-term changes in acid deposition across Massachusetts' lakes and streams. Since 1983, volunteers and researchers have collected pH and alkalinity data to assess the impacts of acid rain and environmental changes. This ongoing program supports water quality research, policy decisions, and conservation efforts.
WRRC Annual Online Symposiums
The Massachusetts Water Resources Research Center (MA WRRC) hosts two annual online symposiums in December and April, bringing together researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss key water resource issues. Stay updated on upcoming events by checking our News & Events page.
Funding Opportunities
The Massachusetts Water Resources Research Center (MA WRRC) offers funding for innovative water research through U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) grants. Opportunities include the 104(b) Base Grant, supporting statewide water research and student training, and the 104(g) Competitive Grant, funding nationally significant projects. These programs promote collaboration, sustainability, and solutions to critical water challenges.
The Environmental Analysis Laboratory (EAL)
The Environmental Analysis Laboratory (EAL) provides inorganic chemical analysis of water for University researchers, public agencies, and other publicly-supported clients to support environmental research, management, and monitoring activities, and has a particular strength in the analysis of trace levels of phosphorus.

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The Massachusetts Water Resources Research Center (WRRC) is proudly recognized as one of the 54 institutes resulting from the Water Resources Research Act. We extend our sincere appreciation to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Institutes for Water Resources (NIWR) for their continued support and collaboration, which have been instrumental in fulfilling our mission to advance water science and research.