New residential or commercial developments can't go ahead in areas where there is no water to sustain a population. Communities cannot safely grow when supply is limited or unsafe. Before any major project goes ahead, the organization responsible for initiating development must assess water resources in the area. Many projects require a sustainable source of water, but learning the realities of water resources requires skill earned in the classroom and on the job.

Who Are Water Resource Planners? 

Professionals involved in this field include geologists, engineers, and hydrogeologists. Geologists look at land formations and terrain; hydrogeologists explore how groundwater travels beneath the surface. Consumers engaged in development need to know for their own sakes, to satisfy regulations, and to encourage investors that if work commences, clean, reliable sources of water will be there. Visit cochraneng.com for more details.

What Do They Do?

These professionals approach water resource planning from several directions. They look carefully at maps, conduct experimental drilling with the help of experienced drillers, monitor and assess the aquifer, and explore what has already been written or said about an area. Most of their analysis is conducted at a scientific level but they will also listen to anecdotal evidence as supplied by locals.

What are the drillers for? When there is evidence of water below the surface, it must be located and tested. Drillers are directed to optimum spots where they are contracted to access water sources. All of these teams are tasked with attempting to cause the least possible disruption to existing natural inhabitants (animals and plant life). Water might also be available for testing above ground already but the potential for continuous supply as yet unknown, something the team must determine.

Regulations

Whether a project is government or industry-sanctioned, there are always rules to follow. An important part of the team seen less by the public or clients but relied upon by those in the field is their legal support. Specialists research laws and rules about drilling and water testing. They sometimes face the extra challenge of potential environmental or indigenous protest. In some parts of the world, land rights are challenged by native people who object to a company's project going through or are concerned about methods. Public relations experts need to handle these cases sensitively. Click here for more info.

Outcome

Simply possessing an experienced and knowledgeable team is insufficient: all of the pieces of the puzzle must come together. A report will acknowledge either the existence or lack of sustainable water, the quality of that water, challenges to access, and legal hurdles involved in continuing with the project in light of their findings if challenges exist. They reveal risks which must also be assessed before making a decision to proceed or postpone. Exploring for alternative sources of water could offer a compromise.

Hiring Water Resource Planning Professionals

Certain companies specialize in handling the search for water and its testing. Their teams are already comprised of the individuals noted above. They are certified and able to prove their skill with examples of past projects, plus contacts who will confirm or deny the abilities of team members and the quality of their performance.