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Service

Water Resources

Clean water and healthy watersheds benefit both people and the environment.

Overview

At SWCA, our water resources services support clients in understanding surface waters and groundwater systems for regulatory, planning, and project implementation purposes.

Our water resources permitting services focus on compliance with water quality regulations including delineations of waters under state and federal jurisdiction, compliance with water quality and water right regulations, and aquatic resources mitigation. Our experts bring an interdisciplinary approach to help clients navigate water laws at all levels of government.

Our water resources scientists conduct thorough investigations of surface water hydrology, hydrogeology, water quality, water security, and aquatic habitats. We develop and implement plans related to water supply, water quality improvement, lake and stream restoration, aquatic ecosystems and watershed management, and source vulnerability.

Aquatic Ecology and Fisheries

SWCA’s services are designed to provide comprehensive insights into aquatic ecosystems, supporting both conservation efforts and industry needs. Our team of freshwater and marine fisheries experts collaborates with agency clients and industries such as development, government, mining, energy, and transportation to deliver tailored solutions. By employing advanced study techniques, we assess fish distribution, analyze ecological factors, and develop management practices that sustain and enhance fish populations. Through our integrated approach, SWCA aims to promote ecological health and ensure the sustainable use of aquatic resources.

Relevant Services

  • Aquatic and Riparian Community Assessments
  • California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM)
  • Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Design, Implementation, and Monitoring
  • Stream and Riparian Habitat Assessments
  • Stream Restoration
  • Threatened and Endangered Species Surveys
  • Wetland Design, Restoration, and Development
  • Wetland Delineation, Enhancement, Mitigation, and Monitoring
Fisheries Sampling Study in the Middle Rio Grande. River

Hydrology and Hydrogeology

SWCA hydrologists and hydrogeologists analyze the distribution and processes of the water cycle for evaluation of flood risk, stream flow patterns, climate driven water stress, and water supply planning. The team works with state and local regulations to determine the proper analytical criteria for the project and then models the results to inform planning, infrastructure design, and water resource assessments.

Relevant Services

  • Aquifer Tests
  • Climate Driven Water Stress
  • Hydrographic and Geomorphic Surveys
  • Hydrologic and Hydraulic modeling
  • Stream-Gaging and Weir Design
  • Water balance
  • Water rights technical support
  • Water Supply Assessments

Water Quality

SWCA is recognized as a leading authority in water quality management, monitoring, analysis, and Clean Water Act permitting and compliance. Our experts are seasoned watershed scientists and water quality specialists with extensive experience across the country.

Relevant Services

  • Aquifer Tests
  • Natural Resources Damage Assessments (NRDA)
  • National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permits (CWA 402)
  • Sediment Quality Testing
  • Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) studies
  • Water Quality Monitoring
  • Watershed Characterization and Assessment
  • Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Development and Inspections

Water Security

SWCA’s Sustainability and Management Consulting experts helps our clients address water stewardship through various projects that create value across the globe. We help companies manage water-related risks through Source Vulnerability Assessments (SVAs), Risk/Resilience Assessments, and collective watershed management. These assessments identify vulnerabilities in water supply, quality, and availability, and provide opportunities for better water management. Additionally, we evaluate impacts such as changing weather patterns and water stress, and estimates the financial risks of inaction. By using nature-based solutions and promoting long-term watershed management, we support sustainable water governance and resilience-building for our clients.

Relevant Services

  • Alliance for Water Stewardship Workplan
  • Basin Diagnostics
  • Cloud-Based Water Management Plans
  • Global Water Risk Assessment
  • Satellite-Based Monitoring Water Scarcity
  • Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) Target-Setting
  • Source Vulnerability Assessment (SVAs)
  • Stakeholder Mapping for Collective Action
  • Strategy and Framework Alignment
  • Volumetric Benefit Assessment/Calculations for Replenishment Initiatives
  • Water Risk Screening
  • Water Security/Stewardship Workshops
  • Water Stress Assessments

Watershed and Water Planning

Our services are dedicated to fostering sustainable water management practices that safeguard ecological health and support community resilience. Our team employs a holistic approach to assess water systems, integrating scientific research with strategic planning to optimize water resource use and management. By collaborating with stakeholders and utilizing advanced modeling techniques, SWCA develops comprehensive plans that address water supply, quality, and security challenges. Our commitment to innovative solutions ensures that clients can navigate regulatory landscapes and implement effective watershed management strategies that enhance environmental stewardship and promote long-term sustainability.

Relevant Services

  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Support
  • Integrated Water Financing Plans
  • National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Support
  • Source Protection Plans
  • Water Conservation Plans
  • Water Resources Management Plans
  • Water Supply Assessments
  • Watershed Based Plan (EPA 9-Element)
  • Watershed Resilience Plans

Wetland Delineation and Aquatic Resources Inventories

SWCA conducts rigorous field surveys to delineate wetland and stream boundaries and evaluate their ecological functions. Our team collaborates closely with government agencies to streamline the permitting process, ensuring our clients’ projects move forward efficiently. When necessary, we implement strategic mitigation and restoration plans to minimize environmental impact and meet agency requirements.

Relevant Services

  • Aquatic and Riparian Community Assessments
  • Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 401 Water Quality Certifications
  • Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 Permitting
  • Field Delineations of Aquatic Resources
  • Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Design, Implementation, and Monitoring
  • Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) Determinations
  • Stream and Riparian Habitat Assessments
  • Wetland Delineation, Enhancement, Mitigation, and Monitoring
  • Wetland Design, Restoration, and Development

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