1.) What is the water resources engineering?
Water resources engineering is the quantitative study of the hydrologic cycle --
the distribution and circulation of water linking the earth's atmosphere, land
and oceans.
Surface runoff is measured as the difference between precipitation and
abstractions, such as infiltration (which replenishes groundwater flow), surface
storage and evaporation. Applications include the management of the urban
water supply, the design of urban storm-sewer systems, and flood forecasting.
Hydraulic engineering consists of the application of fluid mechanics to water
flowing in an isolated environment (pipe, pump) or in an open channel (river,
lake, ocean). Civil engineers are primarily concerned with open channel flow,
which is governed by the interdependent interaction between the water and the
channel.
Applications include the design of hydraulic structures, such as sewage
conduits, dams and breakwaters, the management of waterways, such as
erosion protection and flood protection, and environmental management, such
as prediction of the mixing and transport of pollutants in surface water.
Hydroelectric-power development, water supply, irrigation and navigation are
some familiar applications of water resources engineering involving the
utilization of water for beneficial purposes.
ROLES of water resources engineers in designing and managing water based
systems include
🔸 designing major water distribution systems that transport water to water
users and collection systems that convey waste and storm water,
🔸 managing surface and ground water resources, metering and quantifying
flows in rivers and streams,
🔸 modeling and designing major water resources projects (e.g. canals,
reservoirs, and hydroelectric works),
Categories of water resources engineering :
1.) Groundwater engineering: focuses on modeling and managing
subsurface water and designing extraction systems;
2.) Hydrology: primarily associated with watershed and river modeling and
understanding interactions between atmospheric, surface, and
subsurface water;
3.) Hydraulics (or hydromechanics): emphasizes the mechanics of water
flow, including pressurized flow, open channel flow and flow-structure
interactions
2.) How to become a Water Resources Engineer?
To become a Water Resources Engineer, you first need a university degree in
civil engineering and then a master's degree in water management. This
role requires excellent analytical skills.
🔸 Philippines: UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES – MS IN CIVIL
ENGINEERING – WATER RESOURCES ENGINEERING
🔸 Other countries: Students seeking a B.S. in civil engineering are required to
complete three 300-level courses that are closely related to water resources
engineering: Fluid Mechanics, Hydraulic Engineering Laboratory, Introduction
to Water Resources Engineering. In addition to the required courses, students
need to take two design electives in water resources: Flow Systems Design and
Water Resources Development.
3.) Career of a Water Resources Engineer.
🔸 Skills of a Water Resources Engineer:
1.) Planning and designing water distribution systems, sanitary and storm water
collection systems, and the pumping and storage infrastructure required by
these systems
2.) Designing highway drainage systems and conveyance structures such as
culverts and bridges.
3.) Managing floodplains and municipal streams and developing floodplain maps
and management plans.
4.) Managing rivers and reservoirs for recreation, flood control, irrigation, and other
multi-use functions.
5.) Developing groundwater resources and remediating polluted groundwater
resources.
6.) Designing the hydraulic features of new hydraulic structures such as dams,
locks, hydroelectric stations, levees, erosion control measures, and many other
applications.
🔸 Fundamental skills and specialism of Water Resources Engineer:
1.) Analysis of observed data
2.)Development of conceptual and numerical models of the hydrological cycle
3.)Design and development of plans using industry standard methodologies
4.)Feasibility and option analysis
5.)Technical and commercial reporting
6.)Public consultation and presentation
7.)Options appraisal including cost estimation
8.)Programme and/or project management
9.)Assessment of uncertainty and risks including extreme events e.g. floods and
droughts
10.) Root cause analysis and problem solving
11.) Analytical review of peers’ work
12.) Advising on best management of water in its natural state
🔺 The average water resources engineer gross salary in Philippines is
₱480,173 or an equivalent hourly rate of ₱231. In addition, they earn an
average bonus of ₱14,645. Salary estimates based on salary survey data
collected directly from employers and anonymous employees in
Philippines. An entry level water resources engineer (1-3 years of
experience) earns an average salary of ₱342,915. On the other end, a
senior level water resources engineer (8+ years of experience) earns an
average salary of ₱600,102.
