Water resource management involves managing the upstream (source) and downstream (distribution) flow and quality of water for human and ecosystem needs. The ultimate goal of this management is to achieve a sustainable supply of high-quality water goods and services over the long term that best meet our environmental, social and economic needs.
To meet this water resource management goal, we require fundamental knowledge of hydrological and human systems, as well as an in-depth understanding of the sensitivity and dependency of one on the other. In addition, we require an ability to analyze the water supply and quality risks and impacts of human activities, as well as develop and implement strategies that meet our competing and often-conflicting objectives.
Our Water Resource Management major will help you understand hydrological and human systems (along with their interactions) through courses in hydrology, fish habitat, biodiversity, sociology, economics, watershed management and others. It will also prepare you to understand water supply and quality risks and impacts of human activities by equipping you with water quantity/quality assessment and management tools including wet areas mapping, hydrology modeling. These tools are supported with state-of-the-art water quantity/quality monitoring technologies (e.g., PH meters, hydrometers, etc.), fish sampling methods (electrofishing, etc.), digital mapping and global positioning technologies, statistical analyses, and others to ensure you have the expertise to excel in your career as an environmental professional in water resource management.