Reconfiguring, Replumbing, and Repurposing Hydraulic Structures - Responding to New Realities

We look into an ever-changing future filled with challenges to continue developing new water resources but with an increased emphasis on water conservation and preserving our natural environment. This is a different approach to that of the 20th century, where the emphasis was generally on development of water resources. As water engineers and managers facing an increasingly limited water supply, our challenge is to build, and in some cases change, infrastructure for a resilient future. The built infrastructure for water systems must protect life and provide a safe living environment, including an adequate supply and quality of fresh water. Skills and technologies adaptable to the new societal realities of the 21st century will be needed. This presentation will focus on the possibilities of reconfiguring, replumbing, and repurposing hydraulic structures even as we look to develop new water resources and face the growing water needs of an ever changing future. The paper is based on several case studies that concentrate on “Doing Things Differently.