The State of Washington Water Research Center was established in 1964 by federal legislation along with 54 other water centers and institutes throughout the United States and territories. Located in Pullman, Washington, the Water Research Center (SWWRC) is a joint agency of Washington State University and the University of Washington, with input from other state research universities through a Joint Scientific Committee (JSC).

The Water Research Center has fostered extensive research on state of Washington water-related problems while providing research experience to graduate and undergraduate students. By 1998, over 400 projects have been funded through the center and completed with technical reports and journal articles. More than 890 undergraduates and graduate students have been assisted in meeting their educational goals through their work on these projects to become the water scientists and engineers of today and tomorrow.

The Center has recently changed leadership. Dr. William Funk, former Director, has retired. Dr. Claudio Stöckle has been appointed as Interim Director. Dr. Stöckle has been charged with developing a new vision for the center. 

The mission of the SWWRC is: (1) to plan, promote, conduct, and administer water-related research; (2) to educate and train scientists and engineers through participation in research projects; (3) to disseminate information on water related issues through technical publications, newsletters, and reports, as well as through sponsorship of seminars, workshops, and conferences, and other outreach and educational activities.

In order to better fulfill its research mission and better serve the needs of the state, the new structure for the center aims to ensure a wide participation of research faculty in the operation, decision-making and outreach activities of the center. This structure also involves water stakeholders in the state to provide guidance on the direction of the research and outreach efforts of the center.