Picture this: You’re standing at the edge of a watershed, analyzing how rainfall patterns affect water quality and availability for an entire region. Think about turning on your tap water – a hydrologist helped ensure that water is safe and sustainable.
Hydrologists are water science specialists who study how water moves above and below Earth’s surface, its physical properties, and its relationship with the environment. They play a crucial role in solving water-related problems, from preventing floods to managing water resources for growing populations.
They research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of surface water and groundwater. They also study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of evaporation into the atmosphere, infiltration into soil, or return to the ocean.
Total Employment: 6,150 (2023)
Common Names for Hydrologists
- Groundwater Consultant
- Hydrogeologist
- Hydrologist
- Physical Scientist
- Research Hydrologist Scientist
- Source Water Protection Specialist
What Hydrologists Do
Hydrologists combine scientific expertise, technical skills, and environmental knowledge to study water’s distribution, movement, and quality across Earth’s systems.
Their core responsibilities include:
- Water Resource Analysis: Studies the distribution, circulation, and properties of water to ensure sustainable management of water resources and inform environmental planning.
- Data Collection & Monitoring: Gathers and analyzes data on water quality, quantity, and movement using specialized equipment and observation methods to track changes and identify patterns in water systems.
- Environmental Impact Assessment: Evaluates how human activities and natural phenomena affect water resources to prevent environmental damage and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Groundwater Management: Assesses aquifer conditions and groundwater movement to determine sustainable extraction rates and protect underground water resources.
- Research & Reporting: Prepares comprehensive technical reports and presentations on findings to inform decision-makers and stakeholders about water-related issues and solutions.
- Field Investigation: Conducts on-site examinations of water bodies, collecting samples and measuring various parameters to assess water conditions and identify potential problems.
- Conservation Planning: Develops strategies for water conservation and sustainable use, helping organizations and communities manage water resources effectively.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensures projects and activities meet federal, state, and local water regulations, maintaining necessary permits and documentation.
Signup or login for free access!
Signing up is easy and takes about 1 minute.
