Environmental and Water Resources Institute (EWRI)

Created in 1999, the Environmental & Water Resources Institute (EWRI) 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. The Pittsburgh Chapter of the EWRI was initiated in 2000.

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 20,000 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.

The vision for the EWRI is to 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

The mission of the EWRI is to 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

The Pittsburgh Section EWRI plans and conducts activities to retain current members and encourage member participation. Typically the EWRI conducts 3 to 4 dinner meetings and one day-long seminar each year. Dates for these events will be published in the ASCE Section newsletter and will be posted on the Section website.