Hydrological surveys calculate the amount of surface water flowing through a specific area. The volume, speed and extent of surface water movement is an important hydrogeological characteristic of a region which must be taken into consideration for a variety of commercial reasons. Real estate developers and commercial builders must hire certified professionals to perform hydrological surveys before breaking ground on any large project.

The data collected during hydrological surveys can also be used for modeling an area using geographic information systems (GIS). The hydrology of a a given location is critical to understanding its environment. Hydrological surveys have many applications; but to be useful, hydrological surveys must be conducted by professionals.

1. Hire only certified professionals to conduct hydrological surveys.

2. Develop a database of information gathered during hydrological surveys.

3. Use data gathered during hydrological surveys to create a detailed digital model of the study area.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Hire experienced professionals to conduct hydrological surveys

Only an experienced professional hydrologist and geologist should be hired to conduct hydrological surveys. The sophisticated measurement of water flow across a given area requires advanced equipment and high level mathematical skills. Water volume fluctuates seasonally, and this seasonal variation can be taken into account by an experienced professional.

I recommend: The experts at the Water Resources Consulting Services can provide a wide array of services related to hydrological surveys including: wetland and estuary evaluation, floodplain analysis, channel stabilization and much more. The experts at the Mitchelmore Engineering Company provide a full spectrum of hydrological services to meet your needs.

Work directly with government certified hydrologists for hydrological surveys

State government geological agencies certify professional geologist and hydrologists. Not every state has a licensing procedure for hydro-geological professionals, but staff from reputable firms should produce professional credentials before you contract them. Larger, more complex hydrological surveys can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and require months or years to develop.

I recommend: Huffman & Carpenter has worked with over 300 clients. The firm has a wide range of skills related to the ramifications of the information gathered when conducting hydrological surveys. The experts at WK Dickson can provide a watershed solution to all your hydrological surveys needs.

Find professionals familiar with the local terrain to develop hydrological surveys

Regional experts often build their entire careers on their understanding of specific watersheds. Regional watershed information forms the basis for any hydrological survey and hiring a regional expert can be very cost-effective. Watershed experts have access to large amounts of watershed data that is not easily accessible to others.

I recommend: The Rickly Hydrological Company has the local expertise to set up and gather data from a network of instruments required for detailed hydrological surveys. It specializes in states across the Upper Midwest, but has also worked abroad in Asia and the Middle East. The data collection experts at Western Hydrological Systems can set up all kinds of hydrological gauging equipment. Its area of expertise is the Western states, with a particular focus on rugged mountainous terrain.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Utilize existing data available from state geological departments and regional EPA offices to create a baseline for hydrological surveys.