The State Water Survey is the primary agency in Illinois concerned with water and atmospheric resources. Research and service programs encompass the assessment and evaluation of ground, surface, and atmospheric water resources as to quantity, quality, and use.
Scientific research anticipates and reacts to practical problems.
Much of the Survey's work is facilitated by an extensive database collected and developed over the course of a century. Within each Division individual program are addressed by specific Offices composed of groups of scientists, engineers, and support staff possessing expertise in a particular field of research or problem area. Research is often accompanied by data collection when existing information resources for water and weather are not adequate.