Coming Fall 2027
A water, education and training center for west tn and beyond.
Powering innovation and storm readiness through hands-on experiences.
Innovation and hands-on education to mitigate impact of storm-related disasters
When “hundred-year floods” are happening every few years*, we need smarter, stronger infrastructure to protect our communities. The WET Center offers a unique solution, providing experiential education in our outdoor flood labs. By supporting WET Center today, you can help create a safer future for Tennessee.
*9 100-Year flood occurrences in West TN since 2010
Why It’s Needed
Stormwater affects Tennessee and the U.S. in significant and unpredictable ways. The damage costs TN millions each year — and it’s getting worse. In our 20-county region alone, over 1,000 culverts fail annually. We need trained professionals and smarter infrastructure now.
1000+
culvert replacements per year
$80,000,000
TN flood damage/2019
Building skills for a safer future.
Managing stormwater takes a team—from designers in an office, to operators in the field, to officials in city hall. The WET Center will serve them all, offering practical programs designed to improve performance, train contractors and operators, and build resilience across Tennessee and beyond. Through strong partnerships and a focus on real-world skills, we’ll grow the workforce our state and region needs.
Operators
Responders
Public Officials
Design Pros
Students
Testimonials
The TBR Center for Workforce Development (CFWD) is honored to have the opportunity to be a training partner with the Water Education and Training (WET) Center. We envision that this $28 million facility will become the national leader in swift water rescue certification and road/street infrastructure repair training. The CFWD, led by Dr. Jeff Sisk, stands ready to design, develop and deliver quality training through this partnership with the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation and the WET Center.Dr. Kim McCormick, Executive Vice Chancellor for External Affairs Tennessee Board of Regents
Where better to go for static and dynamic water training in a safe setting where the chaos can be controlled?David Puckett, Fire Chief - Sevier County, TN
The Water Education & Training Center will place Tennessee at the forefront of water management, safety and resilience. This will be a great resource for training our customers across the state – especially road builders and emergency responders. We’re looking forward to collaborating with the center on such an innovative training and research facility.Dr. Herb Byrd III, Vice President UT Institute for Public Service
The WET Center represents a major advancement in training capabilities for emergency responders at the local, regional, and national level. The ability to conduct real-world, scenario-based training in a controlled environment—unaffected by natural water conditions—is a true game-changer for preparedness and response.Phillip Dix, Division Chief, Memphis Fire Department TNTF-1 Task Force Leader
Ready to shape the future of storm resilience?
Help build the WET Center, and equip those who protect our communities.
FAQs
When will the WET Center start to hold classes?
Currently, classes are scheduled to begin the Fall of 2027. Make sure to check back to the website or follow along on Facebook for the most up-to-date information.
Who can visit or use the WET Center?
Anyone! It is by appointment only, however. We expect that the WET Center will be prominently used by county, city, and state personnel, equipment operators, contractors, engineers, first responders, students, and community members interested in stormwater management and infrastructure development.
What kind of training will the WET Center offer?
Once open, the WET Center will offer a host of classes that we are working to develop right now. Classes such as Rivers and Roads, Flood 101, Safe Woody Debris Management, SWIFT Water Rescue, Stream Restoration will be potentially offered. Make sure you are following the WET Center on Facebook to receive the most up-to-date information on class offerings.
How do I register for a class? Can I schedule a custom training session for my team?
A few months prior to opening, we will open the registration process with clear instructions on how to participate. If you have any questions on how to do that or how to use the facility specifically for your team, please click the Contact Us at the bottom of the page and someone will be back in touch with you.
What is the WET Lab?
The WET Lab is a 30-foot by 80-foot hands-on learning environment designed to help participants understand water movement through interactive, small-scale demonstrations. The lab features a variety of water flow models that allow learners to design, construct, and test water-related structures in a controlled setting. This immersive experience enables students to observe the impacts of their designs in real time, enhancing their understanding of hydrology, infrastructure, and water behavior across different terrains and conditions.
Can’t find the answers you are looking for? Contact us.