The Kansas Water Resources Institute was established in 1965 as a part of the Water Resources Research Act. It is a component of a national network of water resources institutes in every state and trust territory of the United States.
The Kansas Water Resources Institute works to develop and support research on the high priority water resources problems and objectives of the state. The institute also helps foster the dissemination and application of research results, as well as facilitates effective communication amongst water resources professionals in Kansas. The institute helps to support research through a competitive grant program. It works to distribute and apply research results through conferences, briefings, white papers, and newsletters. The institute also helps sponsor the Water and the Future of Kansas conference each year.