Often when speaking to younger members of my family and friendship groups I get asked the question about what I do for my job. It is always a tough conversation to explain to them due to the vast nature of my past work, what it entailed and who for? The nature of working in the hydrology sector is that each job is different and in general it is dependant on who I have worked for and with, and at the end of the day who needs it and who is paying!
To summarise the basics of hydrology, I thought I would write a short article explaining. The below is an overall big picture so to speak. Hopefully it can be a good read for those people who want to understand more about hydrology and what hydrologist do.
Hydrologist play a vital roll in managing and preserving water systems through out our planet.
Hydrology, the study of the Earth’s water resources, is a crucial field that plays a vital role in ensuring the sustainability of our planet’s most precious resource. Hydrologists, the professionals who dedicate their careers to this field, are responsible for collecting and interpreting data from natural and artificial waterways to solve environmental and sustainability problems. Their work is multifaceted, involving the monitoring, management, and protection of water resources in various settings, including commercial, environmental, and academic environments.
As a hydrologist, one’s responsibilities are diverse and demanding. They supervise the collection, processing, and evaluation of data for water resource planning and flood / drought management, using computer modelling packages to assess the most effective methods of managing available water in a particular area. Hydrologists also analyze the effect of environmental changes on water flow, study the effects of land use changes on flows, and plan responses to specific weather conditions such as droughts and floods. Additionally, they estimate water yields, assess the relationship between rainfall, runoff, and soil and rock features, and investigate factors affecting water quality. Hydrologists take into account how the water is managed and how the risks can affect the planet and surrounding communities in their specific environments. Anything that has an effect within the hydrologic cycle may require the advice or monitoring from hydrologists. We will touch on more detail on the hydrological cycle in a future article.
To become a hydrologist, one typically needs a bachelor’s degree in a physical or natural science, such as geology, earth science, civil or environmental engineering, or a related field. A master’s degree in hydrology, water resources engineering, or a related subject is sometimes preferred, especially for research or teaching positions. Hydrologists must possess strong analytical, communication, critical-thinking, and interpersonal skills, as well as physical stamina for fieldwork. There are various ways career paths and opportunities to enter the industry. Hydrologists can work in various sectors, including component manufacturing, research and development, project development, construction, and operations and maintenance. They may specialize in either underground water or surface water, and their work can involve research, consulting, or working for government agencies or private companies. With experience, hydrologists can take on project management roles, overseeing the technical management of various hydrology projects, including water resources planning, reservoir and river flood risk assessment, and water quality.
The work of hydrologists is essential for environmental preservation, as they project water shortages, analyse the quality of potential water sources, and monitor the inflow and outflow of reservoirs. They also forecast and help prepare regions for conditions such as flooding, snowmelt, drought, and the formation and melting of river ice. By studying the feasibility of water reclamation or routing projects, hydrologists determine the possible effects of activities such as drilling, land development, and bridge construction on local waters.
In conclusion, hydrologists play a vital role in managing our planet’s water resources, ensuring their sustainability for future generations. Their work involves a wide range of responsibilities, from data collection and analysis to project management and environmental preservation. With the right education and skills, hydrologists can pursue a rewarding career in this field, making a significant impact on the health of our planet. Personally, I have enjoyed being outside and being in nature from as long as I can remember, I studied environmental science at university and then worked across a few areas within hydrology in private and government organisations. Because every project is different, it is a really rewarding sector to work when you know that you are helping communities, countries or organisations manage and improve their hydrological systems.
Thank you for your time and I look forward to you reading my next article.
Lewis
