Services
Science-based water management consulting: from technical analysis to applied research to training
Hay Water Solutions offers consulting services built on more than 30 years of research, engineering, and on-the-ground experience in agricultural water management. Work ranges from technical analysis and program evaluation to applied research support and professional education—always grounded in peer-reviewed science and practical implementation experience.
Systems Analysis & Planning
Evaluating drainage systems, water quality practices, and conservation strategies at the field, watershed, and regional scale, helping organizations understand what works, what doesn't, and what to do next. This includes technical review of existing systems and practices, evaluation of conservation drainage practice performance, assessment of drainage water recycling feasibility and benefits, watershed-scale analysis of nutrient reduction strategies, and review of program design and implementation approaches.
Applied Research & Technical Guidance
Translating peer-reviewed science on water management and edge-of-field practices into clear, actionable guidance for agencies, agricultural organizations, and industry partners. This includes synthesis and review of research on conservation drainage practices, technical writing and publication support, data analysis and interpretation, review of practice standards and design guidelines, and support for research program development and grant proposals.
University of Illinois, Hay Water Solutions, and Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Denitrifying Bioreactor Performance & Design
Contributing author on peer-reviewed research (Christianson et al., 2026) examining design tradeoffs and performance prediction for bioreactors treating subsurface drainage—directly applicable to practice standard development and program design.
Training & Speaking
Workshops, webinars, and invited presentations that help producers, contractors, agency staff, and industry professionals understand and apply conservation drainage practices. Topics include drainage system fundamentals and design, controlled drainage and water management, edge-of-field practices (denitrifying bioreactors, saturated buffers), drainage water recycling, and nutrient loss reduction strategies. Presentations are tailored to audience—from technical workshops for engineers and agency staff to accessible overviews for producer groups and industry partners.
Maintaining the Edge: Bioreactor & Saturated Buffer Management Resources
USDA NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant · University of Illinois (lead) · Hay Water Solutions & partners
Producers and landowners who install edge-of-field practices need practical, accessible guidance to keep them working as designed. As part of a USDA NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant project led by the University of Illinois, Hay Water Solutions contributed to a suite of management resources for bioreactor and saturated buffer operators, including a step-by-step management booklet, a six-part video series, control structure tools, and an interactive stoplog calculator. These resources are freely available through the Conservation Drainage Network.
Who I Work With
Agencies & Government
Federal and state agencies working on conservation program design, practice standards, and water quality initiatives. Past partners include USDA NRCS and state departments of agriculture.
Agricultural Organizations & Industry
Commodity groups, drainage industry partners, and agricultural businesses needing technical expertise and research translation. Past partners include Agricultural Drainage Management Coalition, Iowa Soybean Association, Land Improvement Contractors of Ontario, and Agri Drain.
NGOs & Environmental Organizations
Conservation and environmental organizations developing or evaluating agricultural water quality programs. Past partners include Environmental Defense Fund, The Nature Conservancy, and Soil and Water Conservation Society.
Agencies & Government
Academic and research partners needing applied expertise in drainage and water management. Partners include Iowa State University, Purdue University, The Ohio State University, and the University of Illinois.
Consultants & Engineers
Other consulting firms and independent engineers seeking peer review, technical collaboration, or specialized expertise in drainage water management and water quality. Past partners include ISG.