Augustana's new president, Andrea Talentino, made her first official appearance on Wednesday to announce the partnership.
"This opportunity also showcases that importance of collaborating with our community partners to do good for the region that's exciting for all of us and a really great example of what high quality education should be."
Rock Island will work with the college's Upper Mississippi Center for Sustainable Communities to give students opportunities to explore and solve real world issues.
Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms says the agreement will be a great help for the city.
"And we're glad to have Augustana here in the city of Rock Island, and partner with them on a number of projects and look forward to that in the future, that's for sure. And we have great confidence that Augustana has the resources to complete this project on a timely and professional basis."
Rock Island will use research by Augustana's Upper Mississippi Center for Sustainable Communities to comply with a recent state law requiring the eventual replacement of lead water pipe lines.