Serving Iowans

The Iowa Flood Center (IFC) puts science-based information and technology in the hands of Iowa's decision-makers, emergency responders, community leaders, home and business owners, educators, and the public. IFC researchers, staff, and students strive to develop the most innovative tools and reliable information to improve Iowa's flood preparedness and resiliency. 

stream sensor in action

Flood Monitoring

Nearly 300 stream-stage sensors designed, built, and deployed by IFC measure river levels every 15 minutes, improving flood monitoring and forecasting. Hydrologic weather stations improve flood- and drought- prediction capabilities.

flood inundation maps for Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Flood Mapping

High-resolution statewide flood maps for every Iowa stream, along with scenario-based flood inundation maps, keep individuals and communities safe and informed—protecting lives, property, and critical infrastructure. 

farm pond

Flood Mitigation

IFC staff and researchers provide leadership and technical expertise that supports collaborations with local, state, and federal partners to develop and implement watershed-based strategies to mitigate flood damage and increase resilience. 

An outreach event at the LACMRERS facility, as students look at a watershed model located outside by the river

Education and Outreach

The IFC participates in dozens of outreach activities each year and is dedicated to ensuring its resources are easily accessible and tailored for diverse audiences. IFC support for undergrad and grad students is developing Iowa's future workforce. 

Iowa Flood Information System

IFIS is a free, Google Maps-based web platform that communicates real-time information about stream levels, flood alerts and forecasts, and hydrologic conditions for the entire state of Iowa.

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Sam Hermite

"Iowa really knows...They've modeled and mapped the state, they have great data and visualization tools, and they have really effective outreach and communication. To really have a complete flood approach, you have to do all of those things."

Assistant Deputy Executive Administrator of Water Science & Conservation for the Texas Water Development Board

News & Features

a screenshot of IWQIS with current nitrogen levels across the state

First-ever ban on watering lawns in central Iowa due to nitrate levels in rivers

Tuesday, June 17, 2025
ABC News
A ban on watering lawns has been issued in the Des Moines metro area for the first time to avoid a potential water crisis due to high concentrations of nitrates in local rivers.
A watershed group poses for a picture in a cornfield, with the IFC hydrostation behind

From Roads to Rivers: A Wisconsin-Iowa Exchange on Watershed Management and Infrastructure Resilience

Tuesday, June 17, 2025
IIHR- Hydroscience and Engineering
A group of passionate watershed conservationists, engineers, farmers, and community members from Iowa and Wisconsin connected in Postville, Iowa for an informational exchange around innovative watershed management strategies.
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Events

5th Annual BioBlitz at the Ashton Prairie Living Laboratory promotional image

5th Annual BioBlitz at the Ashton Prairie Living Laboratory

Saturday, July 12, 2025 9:00am to 11:00am
Ashton Cross Country Course
What types of plants, animals, and fungal life might you find at the Ashton Prairie Living Laboratory? Let's find out! Join researchers in collecting, observing, and recording biodiversity at the Ashton Prairie Living Laboratory in our 5th Annual BioBlitz. Your findings will inform a major research project and will contribute to the fifth data point in a multi-year documentation of how diversity changes at this site over time. Collections will be housed with the UI Museum of Natural History...
Applied Hydraulics at IIHR: Stormwater Diversion and Drop Structure Design for Ellicott City promotional image

Applied Hydraulics at IIHR: Stormwater Diversion and Drop Structure Design for Ellicott City

Wednesday, July 16, 2025 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Virtual
IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering at the University of Iowa is the oldest academic research center in the United States focused on hydraulic engineering and fluid mechanics. With over a century of experience, IIHR has played a key role in advancing the science and application of hydraulics in major civil infrastructure projects worldwide. This webinar will provide a brief overview of IIHR’s research mission, technical capabilities, and areas of collaboration, followed by a focused look at our...
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