WRRI News

Dec 10, 2025

Waste Not, Want Not

As population growth puts pressure on existing resources, a new study explores wastewater renewal, thanks to a Community Collaborative Research Grant from North Carolina Sea Grant, the NC Water Resources Research Institute, and the Kenan Institute for Engineering, Technology & Science. The CCRG Program is currently accepting proposals.

Dec 3, 2025

Reducing the Nutrient Load

Last year, researchers teamed with local experts to look at hybrid constructed wetlands as part of a solution for North Carolina’s impaired watersheds, thanks to the Community Collaborative Research Grant Program from North Carolina Sea Grant, the NC Water Resources Research Institute, and the Kenan Institute for Engineering, Technology & Science. The CCRG Program is currently accepting proposals.

Sep 18, 2025

New Tool Helps Wastewater Treatment Plants Across North Carolina

When is the last time you thought about your sewer system? While often overlooked, sewer systems play a crucial role in transporting and treating wastewater and are an integral part of our infrastructure when it comes to public health. A recent project, led by professor Chris Osburn of NC State’s Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences…

Aug 25, 2025

A New World for Microbes

“Do microplastics alter ecosystem processes in their respective habitats?”

Jun 18, 2025

Announcing Our 2025 CCRG Grant Recipients

Four new projects have received funding from the Community Collaborative Research Grant Program (CCRG). North Carolina Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI) and North Carolina Sea Grant administer the CCRG Program in partnership with the William R. Kenan Jr. Institute for Engineering, Technology and Science (KIETS). These projects, which couple scientific expertise with local knowledge, foster…

Mar 25, 2025

The 2025 WRRI Annual Conference in Review

Over 300 participants attended the 2025 WRRI Annual Conference, which took place in Raleigh on March 19 and 20 and featured engaging talks and presentations on water-related issues from researchers and practitioners across the state. The event included 39 poster presentations, 15 lightning talks, and additional oral presentations and panel discussions over 6 concurrent sessions.…

Mar 17, 2025

NC DEQ’s Wilson to Speak at WRRI Conference

For Immediate Release Secretary Reid Wilson of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) will offer opening remarks on Thursday, March 20, at 9:00 a.m., day two of the NC Water Resources Research Institute’s annual conference. “The WRRI conference has been running for almost three decades and has become an impactful, educational and engaging…

Feb 25, 2025

Announcing the 2025 NC WRRI Annual Conference Plenary Speakers

The 2025 NC WRRI Annual Conference plenary speakers have been announced! These speakers, who will lead the opening sessions on both days of the conference, include scientists, researchers, and communicators working in water. On Wednesday, March 19th, the first day of our annual conference will open with a panel titled “Managing Misinformation: Working in Communities and Building Trust.”…

Jan 21, 2025

Agenda Now Available for the 2025 WRRI Annual Conference

The draft agenda for NC WRRI’s annual conference is now available online. View the agenda to learn more about session topics and schedules, lightning talks, poster presentations, and more. Please note that this draft agenda is subject to change—attendees should periodically check for agenda updates. Our 27th annual conference will take place on March 19th…

Jan 9, 2025

Registration Now Open for the 2025 NC Water Resources Annual Conference

North Carolina’s Water Resources Research Institute will host the 27th NC Water Resources Annual Conference on March 19th and 20th. The conference will be held in person at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. Registration for the 2025 Annual Conference is now open. Rates and additional information can be found on the NC WRRI…