Kentucky Water ResourcesÂ
Annual Symposium
The Kentucky Water Resources Annual Symposium brings together researchers, personnel from local, state, and federal agencies, undergraduate and graduate students, participants from volunteer groups and NGOs, and members of the public. Additionally, the Symposium provides opportunities for individuals conducting water-related work (e.g., research, management, education) to discuss their activities (preliminary or final) with others interested in the waters of the Commonwealth. Conference registration fees are kept low through partial subsidy of symposium expenses, using USGS 104(b) technology transfer and matching funds to ensure accessibility to individuals from all potential audiences. The full proceedings documents from previous Symposiums' are available for download online from UKnowledge's Kentucky Water Resources Annual Symposium page.
Join Us
The 2026 Kentucky Water Resources Annual Symposium will be held on September 18th at the Central Bank Center in Lexington, Kentucky. The day-long event combines platform and poster presentations that allow attendees to hear the latest in water research, practice, and education. Presenters include recipients of the USGS 104(b) student research enhancement grants funded through the Institute. During the awards luncheon, KWRI will present its annual awards acknowledging outstanding contributions in Water Resources Research, Water Resources Practice, and Water Quality. Attendees typically include researchers; local, state, and federal agency personnel; undergraduate and graduate students; participants from volunteer groups and NGOs; water professionals; and members of the public.
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Symposium Countdown
Registration Now Open
Registration for the 2026 Kentucky Water Resources Annual Symposium is now open. Use the link to the Eventbrite webpage or the embedded checkout below to register. Additional registration and event information are provided below.
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KWRI is seeking judges for the student poster and presentations. Judges will receive a discount on their registration. To apply to be a Judge, select the Judge option at registration.
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As in previous years, the student competition for the best poster will resume. Winners will receive a cash prize. Winners must be present at award notification to receive their award. So be sure to stick around until the end of the conference.
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Registration will close on September 2, 2026. Late registrations will incur an additional fee. If you have any questions or need assistance with your registration, please contact kwri@uky.edu.
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Student Volunteers may be eligible for discounted registration. Inquire about volunteer opportunities at: kwri@uky.edu
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UK Employees and Students must pay by JV --NO PROCARD PAYMENTS ACCEPTED! Please select "pay by invoice" at checkout. (Please email brittany.pixley@uky.edu for specific registration details).
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Draft Agenda
Click the button below to view the tentative symposium agenda.
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Jeff Steevens is the acting Center Director and a Research Toxicologist at the Columbia Environmental Research Center in Columbia, Missouri. His research interests include the bioavailability and toxicity of environmental contaminants in water and sediments. One of his current responsibilities is leading a multidisciplinary team to determine the toxicity of contaminants of interest to the Department of the Interior, including algal toxins, critical minerals, PFAS, and tire-wear chemicals. He also leads the USGS PFAS Integrated Science Team, conducting studies on the fate, transport, and toxicology of this class of chemicals.