Environmental and Water Resources Systems addresses the development and application of quantitative systems methods for the analysis, evaluation, planning, and operation of water resource and environmental systems. Courses and research consider the integration and analysis of systems engineering and of economic policy issues posed by the need to manage water, land, air, and human resources, as well as environmental remediation efforts. Domain Knowledge Such analyses are based upon an understanding of hydrology, hydraulics, environmental sciences, biology and environmental engineering. Systems Analysis Courses and research consider the integration and analysis of systems engineering and of economic-policy issues posed by the need to manage water, land, air and human resources, as well as environmental remediation efforts. The analytical methods fall within the realm of systems sciences, including operations research, computer science, statistics, risk analysis, economics and engineering management. Leadership By examining engineering, socio-economics, ecology, and public policy issues using analytic model-oriented frameworks, engineers with EWRS skills strive to develop and communicate estimates of the impact and risks of alternative decisions to the many stakeholders associated with environmental management issues. Motivation The 21st century is a time of quantum leaps in computing technology. At the same time, local and national governments face tight budgets. As a whole, society has a desire for economic efficiency and sustainability, an interest in the intelligent use of environmental resources, and a concern for risks to human health. Energy generation and climate change are important international issues with local impacts. This is the challenge and the opportunity for environmental systems engineering, and is why this is an important and promising area for study and research.