The Alabama Office of Water Resources administers programs for river basin management, river assessment, water supply assistance, water conservation, flood mapping, the National Flood Insurance Program and water resources development. Further, OWR serves as the State liaison with federal agencies on major water resources related projects and conducts any special studies on instream flow needs as well as administering environmental education and outreach programs to increase awareness of Alabama’s water resources.

The Office of Water Resources plans, coordinates, develops, and manages Alabama's water resources, both ground and surface water in a manner that is in the best interest of the State of Alabama. This includes recommending policies and legislation, conducting technical studies, implementing and participating in programs and projects, and actively representing Alabama's intra and interstate water resource interests.