In this month's EWRI news, read about the Institute & Society News, and Upcoming Conferences

Institute & Society News

April is Low Head Dams Public Safety Awareness Month

Each year, dozens of lives are lost at dams on America's waterways. Low head dams are deceptively deadly, and even the strongest swimmers and rescuers wearing the best personal floatation devices have drowned at low head dams. It is critical that the public is made aware of the many ways they can keep themselves safe and avoid a tragedy.

The American Society of Civil Engineers Environmental & Water Resources Institute, along with partner organizations such as the Association of State Dam Safety Officials and the U.S. Society on Dams, determined that April will be known as Low Head Dam Public Safety Awareness Month. EWRI and our partnering organizations call for:

  • Spreading awareness of the dangers and risks associated with low head dam structures
  • Encouraging public assistance in identifying locations throughout the country where these dams are located
  • Encouraging people who recreate on or near water to avoid low head dams both upstream and downstream
  • Keeping a safe distance away from dams both upstream and downstream to avoid drowning, and if you need to go around them, walk or portage over land to a safe distance downstream.

Learn More about EWRI's low head dams' safety efforts and download our media outreach kit. Help us spread the word about these attractive nuisances!

Congratulations to the Class of 2025 EWRI Fellows

The Environmental and Water Resources Institute of ASCE has established the membership grade of EWRI Fellow to recognize its most outstanding members. An EWRI Fellow is someone who is recognized by the field, and their peers, as a leader in water resources and/or environmental engineering. Please join us in congratulating this year's class of EWRI Fellows! Learn more and view the full list of EWRI Fellows.

ASCE-EWRI Vice President FY2026

We are still accepting nominations for the position of Vice President for the ASCE Environmental and Water Resources Institute (EWRI) for FY2026!

As a vital part of our leadership team, the Vice President plays a key role in advancing our mission to promote excellence in the field of environmental and water resources engineering. Contribute your vision, expertise, and passion to our community and help shape the future of EWRI.

Nomination Process:

  • Eligibility: Any active EWRI member is eligible to nominate or be nominated.
  • Deadline: Please submit nominations by April 7, 2025. 
  • Submission: Nominations should be sent to [email protected].
  • Learn More 

ASCE/EWRI Water Regulatory Standards Committee New Member Request

The ASCE/EWRI Water Regulatory Standards Committee is seeking new members. This committee oversees the following standards:

Those interested in joining the committee should apply online here: Committee Application Form | ASCE. Select “EWRI” from the “Institute or Committee” dropdown menu, then choose “Water Regulatory (ASCE/EWRI 40,60)”. The deadline to apply for this committee is April 18, 2025, you can view the full call for members here.

Publish in the April Currents

There is still time to submit to the spring issue of EWRI Currents! Showcase your latest work, your committee activities, Chapter events, and student news! Please send your submissions or questions to EWRI by Friday, April 18, 2025.

The Grades are In

The 2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure was released on March 25, 2025, at Planet Word Museum in Washington, D.C. Following the elease, ASCE held its Solutions Summit with industry leaders and officials from all levels of government to discuss the next steps to ensure America’s infrastructure grades keep rising and the importance of ongoing investment in the systems every American depends on.

Recognizing Civil Engineering Leaders

ASCE needs your help casting a spotlight on a diverse group of high achievers. Nominations are being accepted for Outstanding Projects and Leaders (OPAL) leadership awards in the categories of Construction, Design, Education, Government and Management. Civil engineers whose career accomplishments make them icons of the profession will be showcased at the OPAL Gala. Do you know an outstanding civil engineering leader deserving of recognition in one of these five categories? Nominations are now being accepted until June 2, 2025. Learn more here!

Conferences & Events

World Environmental & Water Resources Congress

Have you registered for the 2025 World Environmental & Water Resources Congress? Don't miss out on Anchorage in the spring; the beluga and grey whales will be popping up in the inlets, the snow melting off, and the foliage vibrant! Don't miss this unique conference opportunity in the ultimate bucket-list location.

Enhance your conference experience by adding on a technical workshop or join your friends and colleagues for one (or more) of our outstanding tours and outings!

Watershed Management Conference

We are accepting abstracts for the 2025 Watershed Management Conference!

Join us in Reston, VA at ASCE Headquarters as we bring together engineers, hydrologists, soil scientists, ecologists, foresters, environmentalists, and professionals from other related disciplines to discuss current and emerging issues and knowledge related to watershed management, particularly watershed health and sustainability.

View the topics and submission criteria and be sure to your research or practice-oriented abstract by April 30, 2025 for consideration by the Watershed Management Conference Technical Program Committee.