The new building increased the number and scope of open channel hydraulics modeling projects possible at the UWRL.

[3] The facility holds office and laboratory space, which it dedicates mostly to research and experimentation in irrigation and water engineering.

[2] The Water Lab, as it is known locally, also works with the International Irrigation Center, housed in USU's College of Engineering, and has close ties with many major Middle Eastern institutions.

Many high-ranking government officials and academicians in arid Middle Eastern nations received their start at the UWRL.

Research performed there often applies directly to vital needs in arid nations, as a recent report listed Utah as America's second-driest state.