Established in 1965, the Water Center (formerly known as the Oklahoma Water Resources Research Institute) is one of 54 institutes/centers in the U.S. and a member of the National Institutes for Water Resources.

Located in the Division of Ag Sciences and Natural Resources at Oklahoma State University, the Center helps resolve water issues in Oklahoma by sponsoring research and disseminating the knowledge that results from it. The research is funded through grants from the United States Geological Survey.

The Center enlists the help of 24 state, federal, tribal, and private organizations through its Water Research Advisory Board, which sets priorities and selects projects for funding.