Water sustains every part of modern life, but the systems that manage, transport, treat, and store it are often invisible until they fail. Designing, operating, and maintaining those systems requires more than basic engineering—it demands technical precision, regulatory foresight, environmental responsibility, and local knowledge. That’s exactly where WRE Inc excels. Formally known as Water Resources Engineering, Inc., this highly specialized civil engineering firm has quietly delivered mission-critical water infrastructure solutions since 1989. With over 30 years of excellence, WRE Inc has built a sterling reputation for technical competence, practical designs, and exceptional responsiveness. Its boutique size is a major advantage: clients receive tailored attention, agile execution, and consistent leadership.
The Origin and Vision Behind WRE Inc
Founding Principles and Early Growth
WRE Inc was founded in 1989 by civil engineer Gustavo Arboleda, whose vision was to create a firm that specialized solely in water-related work, unlike larger generalist engineering companies. Based in San Francisco, the company quickly carved out a niche by delivering technically sound solutions in flood control, stormwater design, and wastewater treatment. Its exclusive focus on water helped establish deeper insight into the hydrologic cycle, infrastructure demands, and climate-sensitive planning. From its earliest years, WRE Inc stood out by integrating science, policy, and community needs into every solution. By resisting the temptation to diversify into unrelated markets, the firm developed unmatched expertise in designing infrastructure that functions reliably, meets strict compliance standards, and supports long-term environmental health.
A Mission Rooted in Client Responsiveness
At the heart of WRE Inc’s success is a client-centered mission: “To respond to clients’ technical, economic, and policy concerns using expert knowledge.” This mission is not just a statement but a promise carried through every engagement. As a Certified Small Business by both the State of California and the U.S. Small Business Administration, and a Minority-Owned San Francisco Local Business Enterprise (LBE), WRE Inc is uniquely positioned to offer personalized, locally rooted engineering services. Clients consistently benefit from the firm’s ability to respond rapidly to requests, pivot around challenges, and collaborate closely with public and private stakeholders. The small, highly specialized team allows for senior engineers to remain deeply involved in each project, resulting in faster delivery, more accurate problem-solving, and stronger client relationships that often last decades.
Core Philosophy – Precision Meets Practicality
WRE Inc has never followed a one-size-fits-all approach to engineering. Instead, it adheres to a core philosophy built on precision, practicality, and sustainability. Every water project, whether for a city utility or a private development, is treated as a custom engagement. The company emphasizes a full project life-cycle strategy, starting from feasibility and master planning through to construction, operations, and long-term maintenance. This ensures continuity in quality and vision from start to finish. Because the firm exclusively handles water resource projects, its specialization enables a higher degree of innovation and efficiency. Clients receive accurate hydraulic and hydrologic models, regulatory-ready documentation, and infrastructure that performs reliably even under stress. The firm’s collaborative structure ensures that multiple disciplines—civil, mechanical, and environmental—are aligned from day one, producing smart, cost-effective, and future-proof designs.
Comprehensive Services Across the Water Lifecycle
Planning and Analysis
WRE Inc begins each project with meticulous planning grounded in real-world data and regulatory context. The firm’s capabilities include hydrologic modeling, groundwater studies, watershed planning, and stormwater system evaluation. With expertise in climate resilience and water quality analysis, the planning phase helps clients anticipate risk, meet environmental standards, and secure funding approvals. These services set the foundation for every successful design and eliminate surprises down the line.
Design and Engineering
The firm delivers comprehensive design services for all major water infrastructure types. This includes pump stations, water pipelines, reservoirs, stormwater detention facilities, and full-scale wastewater treatment plants. Engineers use advanced software tools to simulate flow, pressure, and treatment performance, optimizing every component before it’s built. Every design is carefully reviewed for constructability, maintainability, and environmental compatibility, ensuring that infrastructure will operate smoothly under real-world conditions.
Construction Support and Oversight
WRE Inc remains actively involved during the construction phase to ensure designs are executed properly. Services include field inspection, contractor coordination, and documentation of as-built conditions. The team also helps clients navigate regulatory inspections and adapt to site-specific challenges. This integrated role protects the design intent, controls costs, and maintains timelines—critical factors in public works and capital improvement programs.
Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Planning
Once a facility is operational, WRE Inc provides detailed O&M manuals, emergency response plans, and monitoring protocols. Engineers help utility staff understand how to operate complex systems efficiently while ensuring safety and compliance. In addition to proactive maintenance scheduling, the firm also supports performance audits and retrofitting of aging systems. This full-cycle approach distinguishes WRE Inc as not just a designer but a long-term partner.
Key Industry Specializations
Drinking Water Systems
Delivering clean and safe drinking water is one of WRE Inc’s core competencies. The firm designs source development systems, transmission pipelines, and disinfection units that comply with public health standards. Special attention is given to pressure zoning, redundancy, and system resilience, especially in high-density or wildfire-prone areas.
Stormwater and Flood Management
WRE Inc plays a leading role in helping communities manage increasing flood risks due to climate change. Projects include channel restoration, storm drain retrofits, detention basin design, and floodplain modeling. Each system is modeled to perform under extreme conditions, protecting homes, roads, and critical assets from storm surges and flash flooding.
Wastewater Treatment and Reuse
With water conservation becoming a global imperative, WRE Inc leads efforts in wastewater recycling and energy-efficient treatment. The firm has designed wastewater plants that not only meet discharge limits but also recover heat, nutrients, and reusable water. Their approach integrates process modeling, energy audits, and resource recovery technologies.
Dams and Reservoir Safety
Safety and compliance are essential when dealing with dams and reservoirs. WRE Inc specializes in dam inspections, inundation mapping, and Emergency Action Plans. These services are critical in meeting state Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulations, especially in California’s earthquake-prone regions.
Landmark Projects That Define WRE Inc
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC)
WRE Inc worked with SFPUC to assess storm damage to infrastructure, implement erosion control measures, and stabilize creek embankments. These efforts improved flood resilience while protecting critical water supply pipelines.
Hetch Hetchy System Modernization
In collaboration with AECOM, WRE Inc contributed to system-wide hazard mitigation for one of California’s most important water systems. Responsibilities included site planning, risk modeling, and operational redesign to ensure uninterrupted delivery from Hetch Hetchy to the Bay Area.
Southeast Wastewater Treatment Plant
WRE Inc designed significant upgrades to San Francisco’s largest wastewater facility, including HVAC and mechanical systems. These upgrades improved treatment capacity, reliability, and environmental performance.
Dam Safety and Emergency Preparedness Programs
After the Oroville Dam crisis, WRE Inc developed Emergency Action Plans for more than 25 dams across California. Their work involved topographic analysis, inundation modeling, and inter-agency coordination to enhance public safety and regulatory compliance.
Who WRE Inc Serves
WRE Inc’s client portfolio includes public agencies such as state departments, counties, and federal bodies like the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. It also serves municipal utilities managing drinking water and wastewater systems in urban centers. Private developers—particularly those working near wetlands or waterways—also rely on WRE Inc for permitting, mitigation, and infrastructure design. Lastly, the firm acts as a subconsultant to large engineering teams on billion-dollar capital projects. While most of WRE Inc’s work is in Northern California, its technical expertise and reputation have led to selected national and international engagements.
Sustainability, Innovation, and Technology
Environmentally Responsible Design
Sustainability is embedded in every design. WRE Inc applies low-impact development strategies such as permeable surfaces, bioretention systems, and vegetated swales to reduce runoff and improve water quality. Recycled water integration and energy-efficient system layouts support the firm’s commitment to long-term environmental health.
Advanced Modeling and Tools
The firm uses cutting-edge tools like HEC-RAS for river modeling, SWMM for urban stormwater systems, and InfoWorks for real-time data integration. GIS platforms are also used to map catchment areas, assess floodplains, and track asset performance.
Climate Resilience Focus
WRE Inc’s engineering frameworks incorporate future climate scenarios, ensuring that systems can withstand drought, flood, and extreme heat. Adaptive designs and risk-based modeling enable infrastructure to evolve with changing weather patterns.
Why WRE Inc Stands Out
WRE Inc succeeds because it does what many larger firms cannot—focus deeply on one domain with excellence. This exclusive focus on water allows the company to remain ahead of technical, regulatory, and climate trends. Its small size guarantees agility and executive-level attention to every project. Clients trust WRE Inc not only for its accuracy but also for its honesty, responsiveness, and long-term support. With a legacy of performance and a future-focused mindset, WRE Inc is one of the most respected names in water infrastructure consulting.
Company Culture and Team Dynamics
WRE Inc’s team is built on collaboration, mentorship, and shared values. The multidisciplinary group includes civil, mechanical, and environmental engineers who are passionate about water. The leadership team, led by founder Gustavo Arboleda, has remained stable for decades, ensuring consistency and continuity. The company fosters open communication, encourages technical innovation, and supports professional growth—creating a culture where every team member feels invested in project success.
Future Outlook – Building Tomorrow’s Water Systems
The future of water infrastructure demands bold thinking and proven expertise. WRE Inc is already adapting to rising water scarcity, climate volatility, and aging assets. By investing in digital modeling, AI-assisted diagnostics, and decarbonization strategies, the firm is helping cities modernize their systems sustainably. Its mission for the next decade includes leading innovation in water reuse, decentralized infrastructure, and smart utility operations.
Conclusion – A Legacy of Reliability and Innovation
WRE Inc is more than a consultant—it is a long-term partner in shaping resilient water systems. For over three decades, it has delivered precise, practical, and sustainable solutions that stand the test of time. Clients return because they know WRE Inc offers not just technical plans, but peace of mind. As infrastructure demands grow more urgent, WRE Inc remains a cornerstone of excellence in water resource engineering.
FAQs About WRE Inc
What is WRE Inc?
WRE Inc, or Water Resources Engineering, Inc., is a California-based civil engineering firm specializing in water infrastructure planning, design, and sustainability since 1989.
What services does WRE Inc provide?
WRE Inc offers services in hydrology, hydraulic modeling, stormwater management, wastewater design, dam safety, and operation planning for public and private clients.
Who are WRE Inc’s clients?
WRE Inc serves public agencies, utilities, private developers, and federal bodies like the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, focusing on water-related projects across Northern California.
How does WRE Inc support sustainability?
WRE Inc integrates green infrastructure, recycled water systems, and low-impact development to promote environmental sustainability and climate resilience in all its projects.
What makes WRE Inc stand out?
WRE Inc stands out for its exclusive focus on water, agile team structure, rapid client response, and 30+ years of proven expertise in sustainable, high-quality engineering solutions.
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