In recognition of the importance of water issues and the need to address them in a new interdisciplinary manner, the University of Florida (UF) established a campus-wide interdisciplinary Water Institute in May 2006. Engineering, policy, and legal solutions developed in Florida provide a model for others, both nationally and internationally. We envision a Water Institute at UF committed to addressing Florida issues while being recognized for providing solutions, science, and education for national and global water resource problems.