Sustainable Water Engineering
Responsible + Reliable Water Management Solutions & Services
AQUALIS Approach to Sustainable Water Engineering
Sustainable water engineering follows the One Water concept in that all water is interconnected and a precious resource. These concepts guide our engineers in assessment, evaluation and design, and requires a specific set of expertise to properly address water quality and quantity issues and the complexity of regulatory compliance at the local, state, and federal level. The AQUALIS Engineering Services Division team helps property owners and managers conduct annual assessments, upgrade site designs, obtain stormwater credits, rehabilitate existing infrastructure assets, communicate with regulatory drivers and oversee post-construction maintenance programs. AQUALIS provides sustainable engineering services, in states in which we are licensed, from concept through construction, working closely with our clients to identify and deliver their ideal solutions.
Planning Services
We assist our clients to develop strategies to manage both quantity and quality of all water, as it fits within our community, our project sites, and our lives. Our approach combines traditional “gray” infrastructure with innovative green infrastructure solutions, resulting in a comprehensive and effective sustainable management plan.
Sustainable Planning
Implement cost-effective strategies that maximize financial and environmental returns.
Innovative and Compliant Plans
Develop plans that address current needs and future demands while benefiting both community and commerce.
Natural and Engineered Solutions
Employ a blend of natural and engineered green practices to manage stormwater effectively at its source.
Revenue and Funding
Focus on strategies that ensure service remains both accessible and affordable.
Analysis & Evaluation Services
We assist our clients by analyzing and evaluating water, wastewater, and stormwater utility management systems to ensure they are operational, efficient, safe and complaint with regulations. Our assessments focus on system performance, interactions with other services, alignment with overall goals, guiding effective decisions for design, maintenance and upgrades.
AQUALIS engineers conduct studies, planning, and design to identify optimal solutions that comply with regulations and promote long-term sustainability.
AQUALIS engineers perform well site assessments, pilot testing, test pumping, and chemical treatment analysis to produce comprehensive reports for public water supplies.
Use various approaches such as hydraulic and hydrologic analysis to evaluate and enhance stormwater management systems for effective control of both water quantity and quality.
Regular evaluations allow for detection of potential compliance issues with environmental and safety regulatory, allowing for proactive maintenance and informed system replacements or upgrades.
Sustainable Design & Consulting Services
Sustainable Design integrates civil engineering and environmental science to implement best management practices (BMPs), such as green infrastructure, and to develop innovative solutions for environmental challenges. By adopting long-term sustainable practices, we aim to deliver compliant management solutions that enhance the well-being of our nation’s communities and businesses.
Implement the Hannover Principles and the Envision® Sustainability (ENV-SP) Design Practices, focusing on the use of renewable or recyclable resources to reduce and ultimately eliminate waste.
Provide comprehensive site development services, integrating stormwater engineering with civil engineering, landscaping, habitat improvements, drinking water, sewer and other utility needs.
Integrate sustainability practices into water design to conserve natural resources and minimize environmental impacts.
Design stormwater management systems that comply with permit requirements for MS4 and NPDES regulations.
PE Inspection Services
AQUALIS engineers and certified field staff bring extensive experience to on-site inspections and certifications. Our engineers promptly identify potential risks and swiftly devise an effective mitigation plan. These inspections are essential for ensuring the safety, value, integrity, and longevity of construction projects and infrastructure.
Tailor solutions to site-specific needs and long-term design goals, ensuring cost effectiveness and sustainability.
Detect environmental risks and liabilities early to mitigate potential impacts.
AQUALIS engineers ensure that existing stormwater systems continue to operate effectively and remain compliant with regulatory requirements through thorough inspections and recertification.
Provide comprehensive construction administration and inspection services throughout the entire construction processes, from project bidding to project completion.
Permitting
AQUALIS has the expertise to anticipate permitting needs and guiding clients through the permitting process efficiently. Our permit services cover erosion and sediment control, MS4, NPDES, stormwater management, utility (i.e., sewer, water, and lift stations), and wetlands. Our engineers are well-versed in local, regional, and federal regulations, ensuring your operation and project remains compliant with evolving regulatory requirements.
Regulatory Compliance
Provide consulting to ensure your operation and project meets all local, state, and federal regulatory standards.
Operation Permits
Conduct inspection and renewal/recertification for utility and stormwater management permits to ensure systems operate as intended.
Assist municipalities with MS4 permits, which regulate stormwater discharge quantity and quality. Services include water quality testing, developing public education programs, and fulfilling additional criteria to meet end-of-pipe requirements.
Ensure compliance with the Clean Water Act by managing NPDES permits, which set discharge limits, monitoring and reporting requirements, and other conditions to protect water quality and public health.
Flood Management
At AQUALIS, we view stormwater as a resource and incorporate nature-based solutions to mitigate and manage flood risks while ensuring long-term sustainability. We have extensive experience performing flood studies and completing associated permit requirements.
Assess properties in FEMA flood zones, recommending optimal actions for site development.
Conduct risk assessments and complex modeling to predict dam failures outcomes and prepare emergency management plans.
Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI)
Design GSI solutions that allow stormwater to infiltrate on-site, reducing runoff and alleviating localized flooding.
Flood Resilient Communities
Implement flood management strategies to enhance community resilience against the increasing frequency and severity of floods due to climate change.
Geographic Information System (GIS)
A Geographical Information System (GIS) integrates data into geospatial maps, creating detailed visuals and analytics. By consolidating multiple data sources, GIS provides comprehensive records and clear insights into systems. At AQUALIS, we leverage GIS to enhance data organization and analysis, improving accessibility and decision-making for our clients.
Asset Management
Utilize spatial mapping to organize and analyze asset data, offering detailed, real-time updates. This improves monitoring, maintenance, and informed decision-making.
Flood Management
Integrate hydraulic and hydrologic information with GIS to assess climate-driven flood risks and design infrastructure that effectively manage and mitigate flood impacts.
Utility Mapping
GIS enables real-time data analysis for utilities to assess infrastructure needs, evaluate risks, and enhance operational efficiency. Leading to increased reliability and effectiveness.
Planning
GIS allows for the storage, analysis, and visualization of geospatial data to identify patterns and trends, supporting data-driven decision-making and fostering sustainable planning solutions.
Grant Assistance
At AQUALIS we help secure the most suitable financial resources for your project, aligning with your long-term goals. We guide you through the entire grant application process– from identifying opportunities and completing applications to tracking progress and fulfilling reporting requirements. Our expertise has led to $3.6M in successful grant funding for our clients.
Accessibility and Affordability
Strategic grant acquisition and management to reduce costs for our clients.
The Clean Water State Revolving Fund
Offers low– or no–interest loans for public wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, utilizing both state and federal funds.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Provides grant for hazard mitigation projects, focusing on sustainable solutions to reduce long term community risks.
State and Federal Grants
Assist in navigating various state and federal grant programs aimed at mitigating environmental impacts and protecting public health.
Review our locations and find your local representative with our interactive search.
How is Sustainable Engineering Different?
Implementing a sustainable approach to engineering focuses on the environmental, social and economic impact to guide developing sustainable solutions. Sustainable Engineering integrates sustainable practices, such as nature-based solutions, to create infrastructure that is cost effective, benefits the community and resilient to climate impacts.
The principles of sustainability focus on addressing:
- Economy Impact
- Economic Environmental Aspects
- Environmental Impact
- Social Environment Aspects
- Societal Impacts
- Socio-economic Aspects
What is a Sustainable Approach for Water Engineering?
A Sustainable Approach to water engineering is making a balanced solution, focusing on all the aspects the developments impacts. At AQUALIS, our engineers reference the 15 guiding principles of sustainable engineering, approaching each site holistically to implement innovative solutions.
What are the Three Pillars of Sustainable Engineering?
- Environmental Sustainability: The project does NOT cause negative impacts or changes to the environment.
- Economic Sustainability: Project is a cost-effective solution, both short and long term.
- Social Sustainability: Project provides added benefits to the community and environment
What are Examples of Adopting a Sustainable Approach?
The goal of sustainable engineering is to create a solution the implements Environmental, Social, and Economic values. Compared to traditionally engineering, sustainable engineering adopts different approaches for creating solutions. These approaches can include:
- Accounting and planning for the whole system.
- Reviewing both technical and non-technical issues.
- Developing long-term solutions for problems.
- Understanding the problems full impact when developing a solution, including environmental, economic and social aspects.
Funding and Grants For Your Projects
Case Studies
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Reach out to an AQUALIS representative today.