Water resources engineering is the quantitative study of the hydrologic (water) cycle in nature. It includes the distribution and circulation of water in the earth’s atmosphere, land
and oceans. The various components of hydrologic cycle are precipitation, abstraction such as infiltration, evaporation, evapotranspiration, surface storage and surface runoff. Surface
runoff results into flows in valleys, streams and rivers. The applications include the management of the urban water supply, the design of urban storm-sewer systems, flood
forecasting and others. The mechanism of flow in the system is studied as Hydraulic Engineering that consisting of application of fluid mechanics to water flowing in pipes and in
an open channel (river, lake, and ocean).
The branch of Civil Engineering related to the collection and management of water is known as water resources engineering. It includes both the prediction and management of the
quantity of water in both underground (aquifers) and above ground (lakes, rivers, and streams) resources. The various courses include water resources and hydraulic engineering,
water resources management, ground water hydrology, river engineering and environmental data analysis.
Irrigation Engineering
Irrigation engineering is a field of Civil Engineering which includes the study of controlling and harnessing the various natural resources of water. It is the process of artificial
supply of water to the soil for raising crops with an economic, low-cost and efficient system that fit natural conditions. It addresses the use of irrigation in crop production and how new principles and technologies can be employed for irrigational practices. It is essential to study irrigation engineering as it helps in determining future irrigation expectations and impacts of
irrigation in the agriculture field. Irrigation Engineering is very important for designing and planning of cost-effective and efficient irrigation systems. There are different types of
irrigation techniques such as surface and subsurface irrigation, sprinkler and drip irrigation, and the study includes the design of different irrigation systems and analysis of efficiency of
each of the system and list their advantages and disadvantages. Irrigation projects are complicated and expensive. Therefore, a trained professional is
required to understand and design the plan which is why there is a need for an irrigation engineer who can handle and manage all these tasks. The responsibility of an irrigation
engineer includes the designing and planning of the irrigation systems, study of rivers, design of hydraulic structures such as dams, canals, other canal regulating structures. It also includes
hydroelectric power generation, navigation and other applications.
Dr. Rajkumar V. Raikar
Professor and Dean R&D
KLE’s Dr. M.S.Sheshgiri College of Engineering & Technology,
Belgaum, Karnataka, India
