水资源是对人类有用或潜在有用的水源。用水包括农业，工业，家庭，娱乐和环境活动。几乎所有这些人类用途都需要淡水。淡水是一种可再生资源，但是世界上清洁，淡水的供应正在稳步减少。在世界许多地方，水的需求已经超过了供应，而且随着世界人口的持续增长，水的需求也是如此。直到20世纪，人们才意识到在全球范围内保护水对于生态系统服务的重要性，因为世界上一半以上的湿地已经失去了宝贵的环境服务。目前，生物多样性丰富的淡水生态系统的下降速度比海洋或陆地生态系统的下降速度更快。用于向用水者分配水资源的框架（在存在这种框架的地方）
The field of Civil and Environmental Engineering represents challenging and rewarding professions that serve the needs of the public at all levels from locally to internationally. Our graduates practice in local, state and government agencies, small, medium and large consulting firms both domestic and internationally to launch careers in fields such as law, medicine and venture capitalism.<br><br>Each graduate student works out an individual degree plan with their advisor tailored to their needs. There are six academic areas to choose from. The degree requires the completion of at least 30 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree, including a research thesis for which no more than six credit hours may be granted. The non-thesis option (32 credit hours) may be permitted at the discretion of the student's advisory committee.