Mission
What does the IGWS do?
The director of the Indiana Geological and Water Survey (IGWS) serves as the state geologist of Indiana, under whose direction the Survey is charged with conducting geological research; providing geological information, data, and educational outreach; and maintaining physical and digital geological collections.
The IGWS is a long-standing, state-supported organization benefiting the welfare of the citizens of Indiana since 1837, when Dr. David Dale Owen was hired to conduct a geological assessment of the state. The Survey has been associated with Indiana University (IU) for most of the 20th century and was formally established as part of the university through Indiana statute (IC 21-47-2) in 1993. In 2022, the state legislature established the IGWS Center for Water (IC 21-47-2-7) and Center for Energy (IC 21-47-2-8) to support long-term studies of the state's natural water and energy resources.
The IGWS is the managing agency for licensing professional geologists (IC 25-17.6) and supports the activities of the Indiana Board of Licensure for Professional Geologists.
Contact information
The IGWS is in the front section of the IU-owned brick building at 5001 N. State Road 37 Business. Accessible entrances are on the north and south sides of the building.
| Contact Information | : |
|---|---|
| Business Hours | Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
| Learning Lab Hours | Tuesday–Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Third Saturday of month, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Address | 5001 N. State Road 37 Business, Bloomington, IN 47404 |
| Phone | 812-855-7636 |
| igwsinfo@iu.edu |
Directions and parking
Directions from Bloomington/Ellettsville: Take the Indiana 45/46 Bypass to N. Walnut Street, heading toward the interstate. Once you pass the storage unit (on the right) and golf course (on the left), take the next left into the parking lot of our building. If you pass the Bounds Flooring building, you have gone too far.
Directions from the north: Take I-69 South to Exit 123 for College Ave./Walnut St. Take the second right into the parking lot of our building. If you pass the golf course, you have gone too far.
Directions from the south: Take I-69 North to Exit 120A for Indiana 45/46 toward Bloomington. Use the ramp to merge onto the Bypass and get in the left lane. At the second stoplight, turn left onto N. Walnut Street. Once you pass the storage unit (on the right) and golf course (on the left), take the next left into the parking lot of our building. If you pass the Bounds Flooring building, you have gone too far.
The IGWS entrance is at the front of the brick building facing the road. Visitor parking is available along the north side of the building. Individuals with IU employee permits can park in the small EM-V lot directly north of the building.
Frequently asked questions: IGWS
The IGWS is a state-funded research institute at Indiana University. We are established through Indiana Code 21-47 and do not have regulatory authority.
We are a state repository, a research institute, a museum, and an archive due to our collection and use of geologic specimens and data.
Yes, the Indiana Geological and Water Survey Advisory Council is established through Indiana Code 21-47-2-4. Our current advisory council members are:
- Dr. David Konisky, Professor and Associate Dean for Research, Indiana University O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs
- Dr. David Polly, Professor and Department Chair, Indiana University Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
- Dr. Scott Michaels, Assistant Vice President for Centers and Core Facilities, Indiana University
- Representative Ed Soliday, Chair of House Utilities, Energy, and Telecommunication Committee, District 4
- Senator Eric Koch, Chair of Senate Utilities Committee, District 44
- Ryan Mueller, Deputy Director of Regulatory Services, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
- Andrew Pappas, Technical Environmental Manager, Indiana Department of Environmental Management
- Eli Eckart, Senior Manager of Federal Engagement and Energy Partnerships, Indiana Economic Development Corporation
- Jim McGoff, COO and Director of Environmental Programs, Indiana Finance Authority
- Robert Duncan, Principal Geologist, One Atlas Environmental
- William Karban, Senior Geologist, ERM International
The IGWS receives $2.51 million in state appropriation each year. This funding covers most of our salaries and operating budget.
We receive approximately $2 million in grant awards from federal and state organizations each year to support research, collections, and outreach projects. Current projects are funded by the U.S. Geological Survey, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Hoosier Environmental Council, and IU Research.
Public visitation is available by appointment only for Spring 2026. We plan to resume regular visitation hours in the summer.
To contact a specific staff member, please see the Staff Listing page.
Indiana's first geological survey was authorized by Governor Noah Noble in 1837 to investigate mineral resources. Indiana was a young state and needed earth materials to support infrastructure.
The first geological reconnaissance by David Dale Owen called attention to limestone and sandstone suitable for building stone, to clays and shales usable for ceramic ware, to natural cement rock, to iron ores, to rock units that could be fashioned into whetstones and rotary grindstones, and to sand and gravel deposits; and placed these resources into a geologic order to facilitate a scientific approach to their location.
Today's modern Survey expands upon Owen's legacy by conducting research related to the mitigation of geologic hazards and the wise stewardship of the energy, mineral, and water resources of Indiana. Our publications, data, and collections support innovation and data-driven solutions to economic and environmental issues in Indiana.
No, the Indiana Board of Licensure for Professional Geologists examines and licenses all eligible candidates for entry into the profession as a professional geologist. The IGWS is the managing agency and maintains the LPG website. The state geologist serves as a permanent member of the board, and is often selected as the board's chair to facilitate its management.
Please visit the Licensing page for more information.
Yes, two-thirds of the IGWS staff have moved to the new headquarters at 5001 N. State Road 37 Business, Bloomington, IN 47404. Most researchers and their laboratories will remain in the Geology Building until around fall 2026, when the entire space will be repurposed for another program.
IGWS staff are continuing to work on high-priority and grant-funded projects during the relocation process; however, communication and service delays may occur as office spaces shift.
The best way to reach IGWS staff during this transition period is through email; addresses are listed on the Staff page.
The Indiana Geological and Water Survey’s vast collection of physical samples has been in temporary storage since 2018. Visitation is open by appointment only. Read more about our Collections Needs here.
The IGWS accepts recurring and one-time gifts through the Indiana University Foundation. Gifts support general IGWS projects and are tax-deductible.
Details about ways to give are available at give.myiu.org.