Introduction to Water Resources Engineering: Part Two
Presented by Clear Creek Solutions
Welcome back, stormwater designers! In this continuation of our educational series on hydrology and water resources, we’re diving deeper into the foundational aspects of water resources engineering—what it is, why it matters, and how it affects both our natural and built environments.
About Clear Creek Solutions
Founded in 2005 by Joe Brascher and Doug Beyerlein, Clear Creek Solutions specializes in software development, hydrology modeling, and stormwater design. With over 60 years of combined experience, our team developed the Western Washington Hydrology Model and has contributed to numerous tools used across the U.S. Learn more about us at clearcreeksolutions.info.
What Is Water Resources Engineering?
Water resources engineering focuses on the management and use of water in ways that benefit society while protecting the environment. It encompasses the planning, development, and maintenance of systems that manage water for:
Municipal water supply
Irrigation
Hydroelectric power
Navigation
Flood control
Water quality management
Water is essential to nearly every aspect of modern life—from agriculture and energy production to public health and environmental preservation. Proper management ensures that we minimize harm to people, property, and ecosystems.
Benefits of Water Utilization
Water use provides a range of benefits crucial to the operation of a functional society:
Municipal Supply: Clean, accessible water for daily needs like bathing, drinking, and sanitation.
Irrigation: Vital for agriculture and food production.
Hydroelectric Power: A renewable and clean source of energy, especially prevalent along the U.S. West Coast.
Navigation and Shipping: Facilitates trade and transport across rivers and oceans.
Threats to Water Utilization
Despite its importance, water use comes with challenges—particularly pollution, which is the greatest threat to sustainable water use. Historically, water management often ignored water quality, simply routing runoff into nearby bodies of water. Today, with increased urbanization and impervious surfaces, pollutants can quickly collect and be carried into streams and oceans, degrading water quality and harming ecosystems.
Key threats include:
Pollution: Chemicals, sediments, and waste affecting ecosystems and human health.
Flooding: Poor water management can damage infrastructure and natural landscapes.
Overconsumption: Mismanagement can lead to water scarcity and ecological stress.
Controlling Excess Water
Effective water resources engineering includes methods to manage and redirect excess water, such as:
Storm drainage systems
Flood mitigation techniques
Bridges and culverts
Sewerage and sanitation systems
These systems are designed to reduce flooding risk and minimize damage to infrastructure and natural areas.
Water Conservation
Water conservation involves both quantity and quality. Key strategies include:
Monitoring and reducing water usage
Optimizing irrigation systems
Promoting hydroelectric power where appropriate
Protecting water quality through pollution control
By managing water resources wisely, we ensure availability for future generations.
Quantity vs. Quality
Water resources engineering often revolves around quantity—how much water is moving, falling, or stored—and how to manage it. However, quality cannot be overlooked. Designs must account for pollutants, environmental impacts, and societal needs.
Moreover, water is not just a technical issue; it intersects with economic and social considerations. Engineers must consider affordability, equity, and long-term sustainability in all water-related projects.
Water Rights and Legal Considerations
Water rights define who can access and use specific water resources. These rights are highly valuable and often contested, especially in arid regions or places with limited fresh water. It's essential to consider:
Who owns or controls the water?
Is diversion or consumption justified?
How do legal and societal impacts shape access?
Not all available water can be freely used; it must be allocated to serve the public good while preserving ecosystems.
Ready to Learn More?
This concludes Part Two of our introduction to water resources engineering. If you're still navigating the world of stormwater design or hydrology, download our Ultimate Hydrology Guide and subscribe to our newsletter for free educational resources and tools.
Stay tuned for the next video in the series, and thanks for learning with Clear Creek Solutions!
