Hydrologists are scientists who specialize in the subject of the Earth's
water. Working as a hydrologist means dealing with the problems of having
too much water, having too little water or having polluted water.
Hydrologists study the physical properties of water. They also study how
it circulates and where it is found. They study both surface water, like oceans,
and underground water.
Examples of surface water projects include:
- Reducing flood damage
- Monitoring water supply for agriculture
- Generating hydro power
- Forecasting floods
- Caring for rivers
- Identifying pollution sources in order to protect wildlife
- Studying the impact on the environment caused by pollution
Examples of projects involving groundwater (that is, water below the surface
of the ground) include:
- Supplying water through the construction of wells
- Monitoring wells for pollutants
- Treating polluted groundwater supplies
- Studying the effect of groundwater production on the surface water supply
Be prepared to make some pretty important decisions as a hydrologist. It
may be your research and your final say that causes a water reservoir to be
closed or people to be evacuated during a flood.
Hydrologists also help determine how roads and buildings should be built
and what impact these developments will have on the existing water.
"Hydrologists play an important role in monitoring the environmental impact
and implications of new development," says Peter Best. He is a hydrologist
from Australia whose interest in water developed from growing up in the dry
Australian outback.
You're likely to find hydrologists working for governments on issues of
flood control, water quality or water supply. They may work for private consulting
firms on issues such as pollution control and engineering.
Hydrologists divide their time between fieldwork and the office. In the
field, they measure water levels or collect data for research. In the office,
they'll work with that data using computers. And they'll come up with solutions
to their water problems.
Most hydrologists work a 40-hour week. Yet those who work in areas like
flood forecasting for the National Weather Service may find themselves at
work on evenings and weekends.
Working for a private consulting firm allows hydrologists to work on a
wide variety of projects, but it has its drawbacks.
"I don't always enjoy the competitive, stressful environment that surrounds
private consulting companies. Since we have to concern ourselves with making
a profit, budgets and deadlines often decide the quality of work we can do,"
says Geoff Harris, a hydrologist in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Using modern techniques to study age-old water systems, hydrologists are
often involved in helping to supply water to remote areas where there seems
to be none.
"It's rewarding to see the faces of these people when the pump starts up
and the first fresh water ever begins to flow in a remote village," says Best.