Line lists of vibration-rotation transitions for the H 2 16 O, H 2 17 O, and H 2 18 O isotopologues of the water molecule are calculated, which cover the frequency region of 0 -20 000 cm −1 and with rotational states up to J =20 ͑J = 30 for H 2 16 O͒. These variational calculations are based on a new semitheoretical potential energy surface obtained by morphing a high accuracy ab initio potential using experimental energy levels. This potential reproduces the energy levels with J = 0, 2, and 5

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... sed in the fit with a standard deviation of 0.025 cm −1 . Linestrengths are obtained using an ab initio dipole moment surface. That these line lists make an excellent starting point for spectroscopic modeling and analysis of rotation-vibration spectra is demonstrated by comparison with recent measurements of Lisak and Hodges ͓J. Mol. Spectrosc. ͑unpublished͔͒: assignments are given for the seven unassigned transitions and the intensity of the strong lines are reproduced to with 3%. It is suggested that the present procedure may be a better route to reliable line intensities than laboratory measurements.