Description

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. More recently, concern for preserving our natural environment and meeting the needs of developing countries has increased the importance of water resources engineering.

Civil engineers play a vital role in the optimal planning, design and operation of water resource systems. Job opportunities in hydrology and water resources are quite varied. Positions are available in large and small consulting firms, and at all levels of government (municipal, provincial and federal). Particularly in Quebec, due to its abundant water resources, hydrology has played an important role in the social and economic development of the province.

Recommended courses

In order to achieve a specialization in the area of Water Resources and Hydraulics Engineering at the undergraduate level, the following courses are:

• Strongly recommended:
  CIVE-428  Water Resources and Hydraulics Engineering
  CIVE-550  Water Resources Management
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• Recommended:
  EPSC-549  Hydrogeology
  CIVE-553  Stream Pollution and Control
  CIVE-570  Waves and Coastal Engineering
  CIVE-571  Hydraulic Machines
  CIVE-572  Computational Hydraulics
  CIVE-573  Hydraulic Structures
  CIVE-574  Fluid Mechanics of Water Pollution
  CIVE-575  Fluid Mechanics of Air Pollution
  CIVE-576  Hydrodynamics
  CIVE-577  River Engineering
  CIVE-579  Water Power Engineering
  CIVE-585  Groundwater Hydrology
  MIME-434  Turbomachinery