Over 30 faculty are actively engaged in research projects targeted at water quality problems within the state. College facilities are located at strategic locations for field research. This facility supports the research, teaching, and extension programs of the college. This laboratory is capable of performing nitrate and pesticide analyses. In addition, facilities of this laboratory support programs in waste management and hazardous wastes.
Water quality is an important part of extension's effort in Idaho.
The University of Idaho Cooperative Extension System consists of over 140 faculty, strategically located throughout the state. The faculty work to improve the lives of Idahoans through educational processes based on current scientific knowledge. For example, extension faculty provide information on fertilizer recommendations, irrigation management, pesticide guidelines, erosion control, and crop rotations. This information not only improves crop production but enhances and protects water quality by reducing nutrient and pesticide losses into surface and groundwater. Commercial fertilizers and pesticides are two of the major technological breakthroughs of the twentieth century.