A Brief History

Created in 1999, the Environmental & Water Resources Institute is a civil engineering specialty institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the country's oldest national engineering society. EWRI services are designed to complement ASCE's traditional civil engineering base and to attract new categories of members (non-civil engineer allied professionals) who seek to enhance their professional and technical development.

EWRI was formed in keeping with the Strategic Plan of ASCE to provide improved and comprehensive products and services to a variety of engineering teams working in technical, educational, and professional areas. Former ASCE Technical Division enrollees (Environmental Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Water Resources Planning and Management - as well as the Water and Environmental Standards Council), form EWRI's 22,000 person membership base. The former Divisions and Council have a long and successful record of performance. EWRI expands on the strong core of products and services originated by these members.

Vision

The EWRI will be a recognized worldwide leader within ASCE for the integration of the technical expertise and public policy into the planning, design, construction and operation of environmentally sound and sustainable infrastructure impacting air, land, and water resources. To accomplish this vision, EWRI is committed to:
  • A diverse and empowered membership
  • Excellence in products and services
  • Collaborative partnerships
  • Innovative programs and solutions

Mission

EWRI will provide for the technical, educational and professional needs of its members; promotes the sustainable use, conservation, and protection of natural resources; and promotes human well-being by:
  • Advancing the knowledge and improving the understanding of relevant sciences
  • Improving the practice of engineering
  • Partnering with national and international organizations
  • Providing public policy input to governmental decision-makers

Leadership

An eight-member Governing Board administers to the EWRI affairs. The 2006-2007 President is Jeanette A. Brown, P.E., DEE, F.ASCE. The 2006-2007 President-elect is Kyle E. Schilling, P.E., DEE, Hon.M.ASCE. The Director is Brian Parsons, P.E. In addition to Governing Board Level Committees, EWRI is organized around two primary interest areas - Technical Activities and Institute Operations.