Water Resources

Problems of water scarcity are widespread and of growing concern in both developed and developing countries. The environmental and financial costs of water resource development greatly limit traditional structural solutions to water scarcity. Yet population and economic growth continue to increase the demand for water. Societal interest in protecting water quality and in-stream uses of water has increased greatly, yet water pollution, especially from non-point sources, threats to in-stream uses are substantial.

Research and outreach issues include:

1. Treatment of water, wastewater, and surface runoff
2. Design of natural and engineered systems for treating water for the purpose of enhancing water reuse
3. Impacts of population and economic growth on the demand for water and water quality
4. Role of demand management in addressing water scarcity
5. Relationship between human activities and water quality
6. Impacts of changes in in-stream flows and water quality on human health, amenities, materials, the economic productivity of bioeconomic systems, and natural ecosystems
7. Management technologies, institutions, and their costs pertaining to water
8. Design of water quantities and quality policies that are effective, efficient, and fair
9. Understanding the natural variability of the water budget