45th Annual Indiana Water Resources Association Symposium

The IWRA would like to invite you to the 45th Annual Indiana Water Resources Association Symposium, June 9–11, 2026, at the Clifty Inn in Clifty Falls State Park, Madison, Indiana. For more than four decades, this symposium has served as a cornerstone for collaboration and knowledge exchange among water resource professionals across Indiana and beyond.

This year’s sessions will explore diverse topics that support informed decision-making for the future of water resource management. In keeping with IWRA’s mission, the program will feature a wide range of presentations designed to foster open communication and strengthen connections within our water resources community.

• Stressors and Resilient Water Systems: Research and case studies on how climate patterns, extreme events, land‑use changes, contaminants, and aging infrastructure affect Indiana’s water resources and approaches for building resilience
• Innovative Data, Technology, and Monitoring Approaches: Advances in methods, and data analytics that enable improved characterization and management of hydrologic systems.
• Community‑Driven Water Stewardship and Working Landscapes: Efforts that integrate community engagement, agricultural practices, watershed management, and multi‑stakeholder collaboration to improve water resources at the local and regional scale.
• Water Policy, Governance, and Planning for the Future: Analyses of policy frameworks, regulatory programs, funding mechanisms, long‑term planning processes, and institutional considerations influencing water management throughout Indiana.

The Indiana Water Resources Association (IWRA), founded in 1979 as the Indiana section of the American Water Resources Association, promotes water‑resources research, education, and communication across the state. Our membership includes hundreds of professionals and students representing science, engineering, regulation, environmental health, education, law, policy, and industry.

A core goal of IWRA is to foster communication and the exchange of water‑resource information within Indiana and throughout the region. We encourage you to use our conferences as an opportunity to share your work in a welcoming, informal setting. Because many members do not regularly attend national meetings, presentations previously given at regional or national conferences are welcomed.

Info: • Presentations and Networking
• Poster Session and Awards Banquet in the evening.
• Additional tickets for the banquet can be purchased on Eventbrite for $35.

Info: • One-day registration check in will start at 8 am.
• Event starts at 9 am.
• Breakfast and lunch buffets will be provided.
• Dinner will be on your own with several options in nearby Madison, Indiana or the Inn's restaurant.
• IWRA Business meeting following dinner in the Clifty Room.

Info: • Breakfast buffet will be provided.
• Introduction to the field trip to Payne Hollow
• Symposium conclusion/ Release for field trip at 10am.

Info: Join us for an immersive visit to Payne Hollow, a serene riverside haven along the Ohio River that embodies a legacy of simplicity, creativity, and environmental stewardship. Participants will walk the historic Payne Landing Road to the Hubbard homestead, explore their writings and artwork, and learn about the ongoing mission to sustainably restore, preserve and protect this unique piece of history all while taking in the river’s sweeping views.

Guests must provide their own transportation to the Payne Hollow base camp near Milton, Kentucky. The 3/4 mile hike includes approximately 500 feet of elevation change and traverses rugged terrain. Sturdy footwear and appropriate outdoor clothing are required. All participants must sign a waiver affirming their physical ability to complete this strenuous hike. The field trip will last roughly three hours after arrival to Payne Hollow base camp with an option for a picnic lunch.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Clifty Inn at Clifty Fall State Park, 1650 Clifty Hollow Road, Madison, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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