Water resource planners help an agency meet the water needs of its population and its economy. When the agency needs to increase the water supply, these specialists ask such questions as: Should we dig a new well into an underground aquifer? Dam a river to create a water supply reservoir? Buy from neighboring regions? Treat sea water to remove the salt in a process called desalination? Many of these options require years of planning, permitting, buying land, and construction. Thus, water needs must be planned for years in advance. The water resource planner:

• undertakes complex planning, data gathering, and research assignments;
• interprets data about projected water delivery, use and storage, conservation, and population trends;
• investigates existing long-term water supplies and alternatives, such as conservation programs and transfer agreements;
• prepares detailed reports and presentations.