WRE Inc: Pioneering Water Infrastructure Solutions Since 1989

WRE Inc, formally known as Water Resources Engineering, Inc., is a highly specialized civil engineering firm that has been delivering expert water infrastructure solutions since 1989. Focused on providing comprehensive services in planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of water systems, WRE Inc caters to both public and private sectors. Renowned for its deep technical expertise and boutique-size responsiveness, the company is a trusted partner for municipalities, utilities, and federal agencies seeking dependable water resource solutions.

Introduction to WRE Inc

Water is one of the most essential elements of life, yet designing and maintaining the infrastructure to manage it is a complex task. That’s where WRE Inc comes in. Also known as Water Resources Engineering, Inc., this boutique civil engineering firm has been a silent backbone of water management systems across Northern California and beyond for over three decades. Founded in 1989, the company offers a rare blend of personalized service and specialized expertise, helping clients tackle everything from flood control to water reuse.

This article explores the origin, core services, key projects, market focus, and the enduring impact of WRE Inc, shedding light on why it stands out in a crowded engineering landscape.

The Origins and Evolution of WRE Inc

Founded by Gustavo Arboleda in San Francisco, WRE Inc was born from a vision to offer high-quality, targeted water engineering services with a strong emphasis on sustainability and technical accuracy. Since its inception in 1989, the company has grown steadily by focusing exclusively on water-related engineering. This focused mission allows WRE Inc to deliver deeper insights, tailored strategies, and better outcomes for its clients.

The founder’s passion for efficient water management and policy compliance paved the way for a firm that merges science, technology, and environmental responsibility.

Core Philosophy: Expertise Meets Practicality

At its heart, WRE Inc believes in practical solutions rooted in advanced engineering. Their philosophy revolves around:

Offering services that span the entire water project lifecycle

Customizing every project based on local environmental, regulatory, and operational factors

Prioritizing client satisfaction through responsiveness and detail-oriented work

This approach has positioned WRE Inc as a trusted advisor for city planners, public utilities, environmental consultants, and private developers.

Full Spectrum of Services

WRE Inc is not just another engineering consultancy; it’s a one-stop shop for all things related to water resource engineering. Their service portfolio includes:

Planning and Analysis

From watershed hydrology to hydraulic modeling, WRE Inc helps clients understand their water systems before putting a shovel in the ground. Key services include:

• Stormwater master planning

• Groundwater management

• Hydrologic analysis

• Climate adaptation planning

• Water quality assessments

Design and Engineering

The company handles end-to-end design for various water-related infrastructure:

• Pump stations

• Water conveyance pipelines

• Reservoirs and storage tanks

• Wastewater treatment plants

• Stormwater detention and retention facilities

Construction Support

WRE Inc often supports the construction phase with:

• Technical oversight

• Field inspections

• As-built documentation

• Contractor coordination

• Regulatory compliance assistance

Operation and Maintenance Planning

Once systems are up and running, the real test begins. WRE Inc supports operations with:

• O&M manuals

• Emergency contingency planning

• Monitoring protocols

• Maintenance scheduling

• Troubleshooting and retrofitting services

This comprehensive scope ensures that clients receive consistent quality from initial feasibility to long-term operations.

Industry Specializations

What sets WRE Inc apart is not just their wide range of services but also their specialization across key water-related sectors:

Drinking Water

WRE Inc helps cities design and maintain systems that deliver clean, safe drinking water. This includes source development, transmission pipelines, and disinfection systems.

Stormwater and Flood Control

With climate change intensifying weather events, WRE Inc plays a critical role in flood mitigation. Their work on detention basins, channel restoration, and hydrologic modeling is helping protect communities from extreme weather.

Wastewater and Reuse

Sustainability is a key theme in WRE Inc’s work. Their wastewater treatment designs are not just efficient—they’re also focused on resource recovery and water reuse.

Dams and Reservoirs

Safety and compliance are critical for dam management. WRE Inc provides dam safety inspections, inundation mapping, and Emergency Action Plans that meet state and federal standards.

Noteworthy Projects

WRE Inc’s portfolio is filled with high-impact projects that demonstrate both technical skill and environmental stewardship. Here are a few that stand out:

San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC)

WRE Inc partnered with SFPUC to perform storm damage assessments, erosion control, and creek embankment rehabilitation. These projects safeguarded critical pipelines and improved flood resilience.

Hetch Hetchy System Modernization

Collaborating with AECOM, WRE Inc contributed to hazard mitigation efforts for powerhouses and substations in the Hetch Hetchy system. Their responsibilities included site planning, risk analysis, and operational redesign.

Southeast Wastewater Treatment Plant

In San Francisco, WRE Inc provided HVAC, structural, and mechanical improvements to one of the city’s largest wastewater facilities. Their work helped increase system reliability and efficiency.

Emergency Action Plans for Dams

Following the Oroville Dam incident, WRE Inc developed Emergency Action Plans and inundation maps for more than 25 dams. These efforts enhanced regulatory compliance and public safety.

Client Base and Market Focus

WRE Inc serves a diverse range of clients:

Public Agencies: Including counties, state agencies, and federal bodies like the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

Municipal Utilities: Water and sewer utilities from medium to large cities

Private Developers: Especially those involved in land use planning near waterways

Other Engineering Firms: As a specialist subconsultant on large infrastructure teams

Their primary geographic footprint is in Northern California, but their expertise is recognized nationwide, with select projects in other U.S. states and abroad.

Sustainability and Innovation

WRE Inc’s commitment to sustainability isn’t just lip service. The firm actively incorporates:

Low-impact development (LID) techniques

Green infrastructure

Recycled water planning

Net-zero energy principles in their designs

Moreover, their use of advanced modeling tools like HEC-RAS, InfoWorks, and SWMM allows them to simulate real-world conditions and optimize systems accordingly.

Why WRE Inc Stands Out

Here’s what distinguishes WRE Inc in a competitive marketplace:

Depth of Specialization: Unlike generalist firms, WRE Inc focuses solely on water, leading to superior insight and results.

Agile Team Structure: Their small team ensures quick turnaround and hands-on leadership for every project.

Decades of Trust: Over 30 years of consistent performance has earned them long-term clients and repeat engagements.

Regulatory Savvy: Their knowledge of both local and federal regulations ensures smoother project approvals.

Company Culture and Team

WRE Inc prides itself on being a tight-knit firm with a collaborative, mission-driven culture. Employees are experts in civil, mechanical, and environmental engineering. The leadership’s long tenure promotes consistency, while the company’s size encourages open communication and creative problem-solving.

Future Outlook

As water scarcity, climate change, and population growth challenge the U.S. infrastructure landscape, firms like WRE Inc are becoming more essential than ever. With expertise rooted in tradition and an eye toward innovation, WRE Inc is poised to continue shaping the future of water infrastructure in the decades ahead.

Final Thoughts

WRE Inc is more than just an engineering firm—it’s a partner in sustainable water development. Their commitment to precision, responsiveness, and environmental stewardship makes them a standout in the world of civil engineering. For any public or private entity seeking water infrastructure solutions, WRE Inc represents reliability, depth, and forward-thinking design.