The Ground Water research program provides basic and applied research to understand processes affecting the quality and availability of groundwater and to evaluate and develop strategies and technologies to protect groundwater resources. Scientists conduct research to evaluate groundwater flow and factors influencing the fate and transport of anthropogenic and naturally occurring contaminants in the subsurface. Researchers also provide technical support to federal and state environmental regulators on issues regarding subsurface contamination, contaminant fluxes to other media (such as surface water and air), and ecosystem restoration.

The Ecosystem Services and Restoration research program is focused on ecosystem processes and manipulations that can be used to achieve restoration goals. Ongoing research is conducted on the evaluation and effectiveness of restoration and management activities on groundwater and surface water systems to achieve desired environmental conditions that support and maintain ecosystem services. Researchers also provide technical support to federal and state environmental regulators on issues regarding subsurface contamination, contaminant fluxes to other media (such as surface water and air), and ecosystem restoration.

Changes in global climate can have major impacts on our surface water, groundwater, and ecosystem resources. Researchers in the Climate Change research program are developing strategies to lessen the impact of human activities on global climate change. The program seeks to identify, understand, and mitigate potential water quality and availability issues that could result from strategies such as geologic sequestration of carbon, use of biofuels, and aquifer storage and recovery.