LRE Water is part of Spheros Environmental.
Our water resources team continues to deliver trusted technical expertise, now within a more integrated, science-forward consulting approach.
Please note that this site is no longer maintained, please head to spherosenv.com for the latest information. 

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Connecting Water to Life

Services Include

Water is local - and our team at LRE Water has the local knowledge in river administration and management, case history, court and rule making hearing decisions, and application of the prior appropriation doctrine that is needed to develop appropriate water resource strategies throughout the western US. Our water rights expertise, paired with our institutional knowledge of local water administration and Water Court matters, gives LRE Water a unique ability to forecast potential issues, and gives our clients the information necessary to minimize the impact of potential unknowns, plan ahead for uncertainties, and focus on those issues that have the potential to directly impact their water right assets.

Servicegroup Water Resource Strategies

Water Resource Strategies

Our experience has shown that water planning requires consideration of both short-term and long-term impacts.&nbsp; Our team offers the skills and tools necessary to evaluate, plan, and manage a water portfolio capable of meeting all needs while addressing their associated current and future impacts.
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Our team has a detailed understanding and knowledge of water rights throughout the western United States. We provide technical litigation support and expert testimony in Colorado, Texas, Arizona, and Idaho.&nbsp; On behalf of applicants and objectors, our Water Rights Team performs historical consumptive use analyses for changes of use, develops augmentation plans, analyzes exchange potential, evaluates the effects of new water right applications or operations, participates in settlement negotiations, and provides expert witness technical support for water related matters.
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We translate complex decrees and administration protocol into easily-understood language and manageable requirements. Plus, we routinely support long-term water supply planning by developing projection models that compare future replacement obligations and available supplies.

Water Rights and Litigation Support

Our master planning services help guide water providers through development of formal or informal plans for developing and managing water resources. This work is also done as part of larger integrated resource or capital improvements planning efforts. We utilize our local knowledge and insights to compile data, research issues, and analyze information to recommend the timing and magnitude of future actions related to development, treatment, distribution, and conservation of water supplies. Our deliverables incorporate clients&rsquo; objectives related to land use, capital outlay, and balancing customer demands with protecting the environment.

Master Planning

Our water rights valuation services enable metropolitan districts, commercial financial institutions, and private owners to make important financial decisions.&nbsp; Our opinion of value work has involved valuation of surface water rights, groundwater rights, designated groundwater basin rights, and storage rights.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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When developing an opinion of value for water rights we believe it is important to consider other&nbsp;factors that may impact the potential value of the water right including:
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>The priority of the water right</li>
<li>The type of water right (surface versus groundwater)</li>
<li>Decreed location and use</li>
<li>Water availability</li>
<li>If water right is being changed to a new use, the &ldquo;highest and best use&rdquo; for which the water right could be used</li>
<li>The historical use of the water right and the anticipated yield of that water right for the highest and best use in a water court change of use, if needed</li>
<li>Comparable sales and leases of similar water rights in the same area</li>
</ul>

Water Rights Valuations

Many of today&rsquo;s water resource problems are complex and can only be answered using a well designed defensible model. We specialize in surface water allocation modeling to answer physical and legal water supply questions. Our experts develop water demand projections for agriculture, environmental and recreation, augmentation, and a wide range of municipal related water uses, and perform supply-demand studies, consumptive use, and return flow analyses supporting both planning and water court efforts. Our team also regularly completes hydrologic investigations, including flood forecasting and watershed modeling in support of planning and water management needs. We assist our clients by developing simple transparent solutions to complex water resource problems, using a data-centered approach.

Surface Water Allocation Modeling

Our Groundwater Team serves our clients’ needs for groundwater resource development and management throughout the western United States. Working closely with our water rights/water resources planning and management team, environmental permitting and regulatory compliance specialists, and water information technology experts, we provide innovative groundwater solutions and develop resilient and reliable water supplies.

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Groundwater

Our hydrogeologists are experts in every phase of groundwater supply development including: feasibility assessment, permitting, well siting, aquifer characterization, well design, construction and testing, commissioning, and ongoing operations. We use advanced field investigation and data analysis methods to plan well fields that meet our clients&rsquo; yield and water quality objectives. We further help our clients protect their valuable infrastructure with data-informed planning of wellhead protection, operations, and maintenance.&nbsp;

Groundwater Supply Development

Our groundwater services go beyond supply development by holistically enhancing the broader benefits of groundwater systems, while minimizing negative impacts related to well pumping. We collaborate with clients to protect their resources, and with multi-stakeholder groups to avoid costly conflicts, by using innovative groundwater resource management approaches including:
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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Conjunctive Use Management - We collect and analyze data to identify groundwater pumping depletions of surface water while guiding mitigation measures such as managed aquifer recharge and demand management.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Riverbank Filtration (RBF) - We design, install, and optimize RBF wells that can access surface water rights, provide water quality improvements, reduce treatment costs, achieve GWUDI goals, and eliminate the need for in-channel infrastructure.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Subsidence Risk Management - We assess and manage subsidence risk at scales ranging from a single well to basin and statewide scales to evaluate and mitigate risks of land subsidence due to groundwater pumping in compressible aquifer systems and prolong the life of vulnerable aquifers.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Groundwater Resource Management

We are a one-stop shop when it comes to MAR/ASR.&nbsp; MAR/ASR systems can be viewed as complex and overwhelmingly difficult to manage; however, our team at LRE Water has first-hand experience with MAR/ASR, having worked in the municipal sector and involved in MAR/ASR programs from the desk-top studies through system operations.&nbsp; It is this comprehensive and transferable experience that we bring to clients wanting to assess and implement MAR/ASR to meet short and long-term recharge and extraction goals and objectives, or resolve complex operational issues.&nbsp; Our expertise related to MAR/ASR includes:&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Planning and Economic Assessments (Life-Cycle Analyses)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Regulatory Permitting</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Design and Construction of Pilot Programs and Full Scale Systems</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Testing, Commissioning, Training</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Creation of Data Visualization Tools to Improve Decision-Making</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Optimizing operations and developing maintenance plans&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Troubleshooting operational problems</li>
</ul>

Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) /Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR)

At LRE Water we understand operator challenges that are inherent in managing and maintaining well infrastructure, and the importance of extending the life of water-related assets for meeting peak demands or mitigating drought.&nbsp; We know that well performance can degrade over time due to physical clogging, mineral scaling, or biological fouling of well screens.&nbsp; LRE Water's experts have extensive, hands-on experience addressing the wide range of issues that lead to well performance degradation, reducing operations and maintenance costs, and working directly with operators in extending the life-cycle of well systems. Our comprehensive assessment approach include the following:&nbsp;
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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Evaluation of the well asset,&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Provide well rehabilitation recommendations (mechanical and chemical methods),&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Oversee and assess technical well rehabilitation practices, and&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Test well performance and analyze results.</li>
</ul>
We are committed to working with you to improve pump efficiency, extend the life of the well asset, and ensure that wells meet peak demands to mitigate drought and/or system outages.

Optimized Well Operations and Maintenance

Our hydrogeologists construct groundwater models ranging from simple analytic models to complex regional and basin-wide MODFLOW models. We use 3D geological modeling to assess, analyze, and visualize subsurface data. We construct and work with numerical groundwater models with large amounts of input data, use automated calibration software to improve model accuracy such as PEST, and employ rigorous stochastic and uncertainty analyses. Our modelers also frequently gain schedule and budget efficiency by implementing advanced data analysis techniques including scripting, programming, automation, and cloud computing.

Groundwater Modeling

Airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveys are a powerful technique to characterize electrical properties (resistivity) of earth materials in the subsurface using electromagnetic induction. LRE Water uses Leapfrog Works 3D, a powerful 3D visualization software package, to interpolate and visualize existing AEM data. Complex 3D geologic models are created from the AEM data to better characterize groundwater flow systems and build numerical groundwater flow models (i.e., MODFLOW). Correlations between AEM resistivity data and hydraulic conductivity allow us to define specific resistivity zones with initial hydraulic conductivity ranges to use in groundwater flow model parameterization and calibration.&nbsp; Incorporating AEM data using Leapfrog Works 3D and having the ability to export to a numerical groundwater flow model grid allows LRE to make use of robust AEM datasets. In addition to using Leapfrog Works 3D to build flow models, the 3D geologic models are helpful when mapping aquifer extents, characterizing aquifer vulnerability, identifying recharge areas, siting wells, and other applications used in groundwater management decision making.

AEM and Leapfrog Works 3D Visualization

Using cost-effective and creative approaches, we help clients assess and implement proactive and actionable management approaches to resolve complex issues related to water quality, environmental permitting and regulatory compliance, watershed planning, and reservoir and source water management. Our clients include, but are not limited to, municipalities, water and wastewater districts, state or county agencies, industrial water users, and private landowners.

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Environmental Management

At LRE Water, we assist public and private clients navigate the complexities of federal, state, and local water quality requirements. Our team has extensive experience working within a wide range of regulatory frameworks including:&nbsp; Clean Water Act; Safe Drinking Water Act; Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act; National Environmental Policy Act; and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. Past and current projects include:&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Development, evaluation, and attainment of water quality standards;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Colorado Discharge Permit System wastewater discharge permit reviews, associated comments drafting, negotiations, modifications, and compliance schedule commitment assistance;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Water Quality Control Commission Rulemaking Hearing participation, including Regulations 31, 33, 38, 72, 85, and 93 (303(d) List);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Section 401 certification reviews and associated comments drafting;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Environmental Impact Statement and Environmental Assessment development and process participation; and&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">1041 county&nbsp; permit applications and negotiations.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Regulatory and Permitting

At LRE Water we specialize in development and implementation of water quality monitoring plans that are tailored to the specific needs of a water body or aquatic environment.&nbsp; The sampling and analysis plans are structured based on client specific goals, water use classifications, and regulatory requirements. Our focus is always on protecting the beneficial uses of the water body while helping clients evaluate the appropriateness of a given water supply for proposed uses, based on its water quality.

Water Quality Management

LRE Water is experienced with the development of watershed plans to characterize conditions and identify priorities for basin wide improvements. Our technical experts conduct investigations to recognize and target key pollutant sources and recommend physical, chemical, and biological solutions. We merge this expertise with our in-depth experience in water supply planning, water rights/water law, hydrologic analysis, augmentation plans, water rights engineering support, consumptive use modeling, and supply optimization to ensure comprehensive assessments and valuable recommendations are provided.
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Our Watershed Management Plans include:
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<ul>
<li>Collaboration of diverse groups, (governmental, public, and private) for successful stakeholder engagement;</li>
<li>Characterization of historical water quality, biological, spatial, and drainage infrastructure information;</li>
<li>Data analysis to identify stressors, pollutant loading sources, and watershed dynamics;&nbsp;</li>
<li>Comprehensive reports that detail and prioritize management strategies and planning and implementation of water quality improvement measures.</li>
</ul>

Watershed Management and Planning

At LRE Water, we develop lake, reservoir, and watershed management plans to improve, preserve, and enhance water quality.&nbsp; Our services include:
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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Feasibility and alternatives analyses to determine proactive management strategies that adhere to budgets and timelines;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Assessments and analysis of biological impacts to aquatic resources such as harmful algal blooms (HABs) or aquatic nuisance species (ANS);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Bathymetric surveys to quantify depth, volume, and sedimentation accumulation to evaluate conditions that may impact management or changes over time; and &nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sediment studies to determine nutrient concentrations, spatial variability, phosphorus fractionation and mobilization potential.</li>
</ul>

Reservoir Management

Today, successful water management relies on an increasingly vast store of historical and real-time data. Our dedicated group of information specialists and modelers offer intelligent tools and customized data solutions to meet each client’s planning and operational needs. Our team members combine decades of water resources experience with data management, technical development, and modeling skills to support innovative and practical solutions.


Our team has developed custom tools ranging from desktop tools to web-based interactive accounting tools and decision support systems. These tools rely on a proven approach that supports rapid deployment and long-term management, ensuring the tools remain operable and relevant for years to come.      


Our team’s modeling experience includes deterministic solutions supporting permitting and water supply assessments as well as sophisticated probabilistic water allocation models using a variety of platforms to support projections and decision support systems. 


By combining systems development and water resources expertise, we are able to leverage the best fitting platforms and techniques for building robust modeling solutions, effective data management interfaces, and intuitive data visualizations that guide decision making and address the unique challenges of the water industry today.

Binary Waterfall 2   Mark Mitisek

Water Innovation & Technology

Complex water operations require collection of timely data and long-term storage of these data in a usable form. Advancing technology makes it possible to capture and manage more data than ever before, but done poorly, this can be overwhelming. &nbsp;At LRE, we know that water data is not just data &ndash; water information is unique. Capturing data and storing it in a way that can serve the unique reporting, accounting, and operational needs of our industry is the key. &nbsp;Our Technology team includes domain experts who know Colorado&rsquo;s water rights laws and water quality regulations inside and out. They are able to design and deliver data capture and management solutions that can turn data into information that supports efficient daily water operations and management, long term planning and decision support, and truly effective data visualization and outreach.

Data Capture

When evaluating software to support daily water operations in Colorado, there is no &ldquo;one size fits all&rdquo; solution. Irrigators, canal and reservoir companies, utilities, special districts, and all water users have distinctly different needs and goals for collecting, managing and using data to support efficient operation of their systems. LRE Water has developed a modular suite of &ldquo;Dashboard&rdquo; tools that can be assembled uniquely for each client, leveraging the cost effectiveness of an off-the-shelf system without giving up customization. As the original developer of these tools, LRE&rsquo;s water resource engineers and hydrologists are highly qualified to design and implement a unique Water Information Dashboard that provides clients with a superior level of operational ease and efficiency.

Daily Water Operations

Demands for detailed water accounting and use reporting have increased sharply in the last few years. In larger and more complex systems, traditional reporting tools are falling behind.&nbsp; Spreadsheets are bogged down with years of daily data, and for the state engineer, generating accounting and use reports has become an all-consuming task. LRE Water has decades of experience in Colorado water accounting. We maintain open, positive relationships with State regulatory agencies to keep up with the latest requirements. We leverage enterprise-class tools that can satisfy a modest system inexpensively but can also be scaled up to meet even the most complicated needs. Our team&rsquo;s water rights and water quality experts will design relevant and secure accounting solutions that free up many hours of tedious spreadsheet manipulation, allowing our clients to put that time and expertise to work where it is better served.

Water Accounting

LRE Water has been developing decision support and modeling tools for more than three decades. We have expertise in Colorado&rsquo;s Decision Support System tools (StateMod, StateCU, Hydrobase, etc.) as well as other recognized decision support tools and modeling programs.&nbsp; These include the Integrated Decision Support (IDS) tools, Glover-based programs, ModSim, WEAP, GoldSim, HecRas &ndash; the list goes on. Our Technology team has an eclectic background in modeling and decision support system development. Our vast experience allows us to design innovative combinations of existing tools, leverage new technology where it makes sense and customize modeling and decision support solutions to exactly fit the task at hand.

Decision Support

The internet has changed how people access and use information and we now expect to find data online and interact with informative analytics and maps on the web.&nbsp; LRE Water has both the web development skills and water resources expertise to turn your data into web based graphics, maps and tools. These web pages can be secured behind a login or open to the public; regardless, they are always based on the latest technology. LRE Water also provides cloud system setup and hosting and can manage and maintain web-based data visualization systems long term.
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However, not all data visualization belongs on the internet. In addition to web-based graphics, LRE Water develops data communication graphics and maps in hard-copy, for public outreach, reporting and water court exhibits. We have in-house GIS and graphics expertise with the domain knowledge to turn complex water issues into clear and intuitive visual presentations.

Data Visualization

LRE Water provides integrated water resource engineering, water development planning, management, and permitting for its non municipal clients. Rather than simply providing services, we form partnerships with our clients and together we focus on developing solutions that provide measurable improvement to reduce our client’s capital spends while improving operational efficiencies.

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Commercial Water

The LRE Water Commercial Water practice provides legal and regulatory guidance and engineering services regarding water management solutions that are consistent with the firm&rsquo;s business objectives. &nbsp; Through our over 70+ years of water rights, law, logistics, and water solution experience we assist our clients with evaluating legal and regulatory&nbsp; information to ensure that engineering solutions comply with the required legal and regulatory requirements. &nbsp; We maintain strong relationships with State Engineers in the western US, skilled Colorado water counsel, and expert engineering design companies to assist our clients in all aspects of water solutions.

Legal Guidance and Logistics

LRE Water&rsquo;s Commercial Water practice provides water development planning, permitting, engineering and program management services for the upstream oil &amp; gas (O&amp;G), mining and other industrial clientele.&nbsp; Our engineering expertise includes:
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Investigation/development of new groundwater and surface water sources</li>
<li>Strategic water acquisition and delivery</li>
<li>Pipeline hydraulic analysis and design</li>
<li>Program management and oversight</li>
<li>Pipeline permitting</li>
<li>Reservoir and impoundment permitting, design, and construction oversight</li>
<li>Industrial water treatment and reuse technologies</li>
<li>Permitting and design of O&amp;G and mining Class II UIC salt water disposal wells (SWDs)</li>
</ul>

Integrated Water Resource Solutions

The LRE Water Commercial Water practice provides our clients with information on the valuation of water rights to assist in the purchase or sale of such assets.&nbsp; Valuation of water is complicated and varies by the source (groundwater or surface water), the location, the quality, the priority, and the historical use.&nbsp; We evaluate all these components to give our clients the best information available to make informed decisions regarding their water assets.&nbsp; We also provide our clients with financial models to assist them in making informed decisions regarding the highest and best use of their water assets, and to maximize return on investment.&nbsp; Our clients range from private equity to corporations working in the water supply space.

Financial Modeling and Valuations

At LRE Water, we specialize in providing comprehensive solutions to address water- and waste-related challenges in mining operations. Leveraging our expertise in hydrogeology, geochemistry, water management, and mine waste management, we offer pragmatic and cost-effective strategies tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients. At LRE Water, we are committed to delivering tailored solutions that prioritize sustainability, regulatory compliance, and cost-effectiveness. Partner with us to address your mine water and waste management challenges effectively.

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Mine Water and Mine Waste Services

Our experts excel in mining and industrial hydrogeological characterizations worldwide. From project design to on-site field management and implementation of mine water management solutions, through post-closure, we provide a range of services including:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Water Supply Design and Management</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Mine Dewatering Design and Management</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Mine Water Balance Modeling and Management</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pit Lake Water Quality Prediction and Management</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hydrologic Impact Assessments</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Groundwater Quality Evaluation and Prediction</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">In-Situ Leach Simulation and Optimization</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Permitting Support</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Mine Closure Support</li>
</ul>

Hydrogeological Services

Utilizing industry-standard modeling software and custom-built techniques, we employ a suite of hydrogeological tools, including:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Groundwater Flow Modeling (1D, 2D, and 3D)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Simulation of Fully-Saturated and Unsaturated Conditions</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Chemical Fate and Transport Modeling</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Aquifer Test Analysis</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Climate and Runoff Analysis</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Facility and Site-wide Water Balance Modeling with GoldSim&trade;</li>
</ul>

Advanced Analytical Tools

We develop robust water and chemical modeling tools to support responsible and sustainable water management practices in mining operations. Our services include:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Feasibility Studies and Water Demand Analysis</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Operational Water Tracking and Optimization</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Compliance with Water Treatment Requirements regulations.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pit Lake Modeling and Management</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Closure and Reclamation Planning</li>
</ul>

Mine Water Management

Our mine closure and waste management services adhere to global standards and focus on material characterization to develop waste management strategies. We offer solutions for tailings, waste rock, pit lakes, spent ore, and more, aiming to minimize costs and optimize the permitting process.

Mine Waste Management 

Our team conducts water quality and materials characterization studies, supporting mine closure and waste management programs. We specialize in:
Geochemical Characterization Programs to Support Permitting and Material Handling
Acid Rock Drainage and Metals Leaching Prediction and Management
Geochemical Modeling for Pit Lakes, Tailings, Waste Rock, and Other Contact Waters

Geochemical Services

We take a pragmatic approach to evaluating and managing pit lakes. Our services include:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Water Balance Modeling</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Geochemical Modeling</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pit Lake Water Quality Prediction, Management, and Optimization</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ecological Risk Assessment</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Real-Time Monitoring</li>
</ul>

Pit Lake Management

River Through The Mountains

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LRE Water, a Spheros Environmental Company, exists to Connect Water to Life. Since 1970, LRE Water has provided leadership in engineering and consulting services related to planning, managing, and developing water resources throughout the Rocky Mountain, Southwest, Midwest, South-Central, NorCal, and SoCal Regions of the United States. 

Connecting Water to Life

LRE Water is part of Spheros Environmental. Our water resources team continues to deliver trusted technical expertise, now within a more integrated, science-forward consulting approach. Please note that this site is no longer maintained, please head to spherosenv.com for the latest information.

Services Include