The Heidelberg National Center for Water Quality Research (NCWQR), established in 1969 as the research arm of the science departments at Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio, is a leading institution dedicated to generating knowledge on the dynamics of water and soil resources to enhance water quality and availability, ultimately envisioning a world where scientific research informs sustainable use and preservation for future generations. Renamed in 2004 through a U.S. House resolution, it pioneered long-term monitoring via the Heidelberg Tributary Loading Program (HTLP) in 1974 to restore Lake Erie, expanding to over 140,000 surface water samples analyzed for sediments, nutrients, pesticides, and metals from watersheds covering more than 50% of Ohio's land area, including Lake Erie and Ohio River tributaries. The center integrates continuous stream and river monitoring with field/watershed modeling and short-term projects to assess human impacts on ecosystems, offering analytical services for surface and well water testing, and collaborating with entities like the USGS, USDA, and universities on initiatives such as nutrient stewardship and best management practices. With a prolific output of peer-reviewed publications, annual analyses of over 11,000 samples, and community outreach through workshops and data portals, NCWQR plays a pivotal role in informing policy, conservation, and healthier aquatic environments.