SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — San Diego is no stranger to issues with the region’s water, between periods of prolonged drought, recent flooding and the ongoing sewage crisis in South Bay.

These challenges have wrecked havoc on the region and its waterways, leaving San Diegans searching for answers. A new research initiative from San Diego State University may be able to help.

On Thursday, the university’s researchers announced they have received a $2 million grant from the San Diego River Conservancy to fund a new laboratory aimed at educating the community on the hydrological systems around them while training the region’s next generation of water experts.

Located at SDSU Mission Valley’s river park, the new One Water Living Learning Laboratory will provide an outdoor space to gain hands-on experience with “cutting-edge technologies for studying water quality, stormwater treatment and wastewater reuse,” university officials say.

“Water issues hit home in so many ways for San Diegans. We’re going to hear more and more about extreme events like the rains and flooding that we’ve had,” said Natalie Mladenov, SDSU professor of environmental engineering and the principal investigator of the project.

“Through One Water Living Learning Lab, we want to provide a space where community members and students can have a chance to interact with different technologies and better understand the value that water has,” she continued.

The 900-foot facility, complete with a bioretention basin that captures runoff, will have space for research teams to conduct fieldwork such as collecting water samples, as well as examine storm water and waste water for studies on water reuse.

According to SDSU officials, the lab will provide students and community members a way to examine the interconnectedness of rivers, drinking water and wastewater, on top of learning how to leverage technology to use these resources to meet the region’s water needs.

“It’s not just water from the Colorado River that we need to be using, especially in this water scarce environment where we live,” Mladenov said. “We have the technologies to treat all water types — including wastewater or stormwater that runs off from the landscape — to make it clean water that’s safe enough for drinking. And it’s all connected.”

“Safely treating the water means that we can protect the water quality of our rivers so that we can enjoy them and maintain public health,” she continued.

One Water Living Learning Lab will also have spaces for family-friendly exploration of water issues and learning opportunities designed for K-12 students.

The One Water Living Learning Laboratory is scheduled to open in January 2026. When it opens, it will mark the first active research and training facility in SDSU Mission Valley’s river park.

“It is vital to collaborate on issues relating to water quality and supply, hydrology, flood control, water reuse, and local watersheds in San Diego County,” said Julia L. Richards, executive officer of San Diego River Conservancy. “This initiative will undoubtedly set a new standard for innovation and excellence in the field of water resource management.”