Water is often cited as the emerging global resource crisis of the 21st century. It is central to human health, sanitation, economic growth and ecological sustainability – yet the quality and quantity of natural supply can vary greatly from place to place (a billion people in the developing world still lack access to safe drinking water). Inefficient use of water resources is often the root cause of the problem, exacerbated by climate change, land use, deforestation and pollution.

The world’s water consumption has risen sixfold in the last 100 years, reflecting a rapid expansion in industrial, agricultural and domestic demand. But as the scale of development increases, there is a tendency for short-term water needs to be met at the cost of long-term damage to the natural environment. To redress the balance, more effective water management is needed to mitigate water scarcities, ensure more economic supply and avoid further damage to aquatic ecosystems.

Buro Happold recognises that the sustainability of fresh water supplies is one of the key issues for the future. Our water engineers are specialists in the maintenance and management of rivers, lakes, reservoirs, groundwater and coastal waters. We work closely with water companies and developers to identify potential sources, providing advice on the best means of storage and distribution, the requirements for remediation and the regulations covering abstraction from the ground or open watercourses.

With so many competing demands for water, proper maintenance of the resource infrastructure is essential to ensure a consistent supply and reduce environmental impact. Buro Happold’s holistic approach helps ensure the long-term protection of this precious resource. We monitor quality and reliability by carrying out a range of studies including surface and groundwater hydrological modelling, sediment and pollution testing, hydraulic analysis of river flow and flood risk assessment.