WRE Inc, formally known as Water Resources Engineering, Inc., is a specialized engineering company that focuses on water systems and infrastructure. Founded in 1989, this San Francisco-based firm has spent over three decades helping cities, utilities, and government agencies build and maintain safe water systems. Whether it’s clean drinking water, flood control, or wastewater treatment, WRE Inc plays an important role in keeping communities safe and healthy.
What Is WRE Inc?
WRE Inc is an engineering consulting firm that works only on water-related projects. Unlike many large engineering companies that work across different industries, WRE Inc chose to focus on one area: water. This decision has helped the company become a trusted expert in its field.
The company serves both public and private clients. Their customers include federal government agencies, city governments, water utilities, and other engineering firms. Most of their work happens in Northern California, but the firm has also completed projects across the United States and in other countries.
The History of WRE Inc
Gustavo Arboleda founded WRE Inc in 1989 in San Francisco, California. He wanted to create a small team of specialists who work only on water engineering projects. His experience working with government agencies and large engineering firms showed him how valuable focused expertise can be.
The company started small and grew steadily over the years. WRE Inc expanded its services to meet client needs while staying true to its original mission. Today, the founder still serves as the company’s President. The main office has been in San Francisco since 1997, and the firm opens field offices when projects require on-site presence.
Key Services Offered by WRE Inc
WRE Inc provides a full range of water engineering services. These services cover every stage of a water project, from early planning to long-term maintenance.
Planning and Analysis: The firm helps clients understand their water systems before construction begins. This includes studying water flow patterns, evaluating flood risks, and creating computer models to predict how systems will perform.
Design Services: WRE Inc designs water infrastructure such as pump stations, pipelines, reservoirs, dams, and wastewater treatment plants. Their engineers use advanced software tools to create detailed plans that meet safety and environmental standards.
Construction Support: During construction, WRE Inc provides technical guidance to make sure projects follow approved plans. This helps prevent costly mistakes and ensures infrastructure works properly when completed.
Operation and Maintenance: After systems are built, the company helps clients keep them running smoothly. This includes creating maintenance plans, troubleshooting problems, and upgrading aging infrastructure.
Types of Water Projects
WRE Inc works on many different types of water projects. Each requires specialized knowledge and careful planning.
Drinking Water Systems: The company helps cities design and maintain systems that deliver clean, safe water to homes and businesses. This includes water treatment facilities, storage tanks, and distribution pipes.
Stormwater Management: With climate change causing more extreme weather events, managing stormwater has become critical. WRE Inc designs drainage systems, detention basins, and flood protection measures that help protect communities from flooding.
Wastewater Treatment: The firm designs wastewater treatment plants that meet environmental regulations. Their modern designs focus on resource recovery, including heat, nutrients, and reusable water.
Recycled Water Systems: Water conservation is increasingly important. WRE Inc helps cities develop recycled water systems that reduce waste and stretch limited water supplies further.
Dam Safety and Emergency Planning
Dam safety is one of WRE Inc’s most important specialties. The company has worked on dams since its founding in 1989, starting with projects at Calaveras Dam in California.
After the 2017 Oroville Dam crisis, California passed new regulations requiring dam owners to prepare emergency action plans. WRE Inc responded by creating inundation maps and emergency plans for more than 25 dams across the state. The firm also developed a Dam Safety Program for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and created surveillance and monitoring plans for six dams in the Yosemite Park area for Hetch Hetchy Water and Power.
Notable Projects and Clients
WRE Inc has contributed to many important water infrastructure projects over the years. Their client list includes major public agencies and utilities.
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission: The company has worked on storm damage assessments, erosion control planning, and creek embankment protection projects. In 2024, they addressed sites where major water supply pipelines were exposed due to erosion.
Treasure Island Water System: When the US Navy transferred this water system to San Francisco, WRE Inc created an inventory of service connections and documented potential safety hazards to protect public health.
Golden Gate Park Recycled Water: WRE Inc participated in designing recycled water facilities that bring treated water to irrigation systems at Golden Gate Park, Lincoln Park, and Park Presidio.
US Bureau of Reclamation: The firm completed the Madera Canal Capacity Restoration Feasibility Study, which identified improvements to increase water delivery reliability for long-term contractors.
Why WRE Inc Stands Out
Several factors make WRE Inc different from other engineering firms in the industry.
Deep Specialization: By focusing only on water engineering, the company has developed expertise that generalist firms cannot match. Their engineers understand the unique challenges of water infrastructure and can solve complex problems effectively.
Small Business Advantages: As a certified small business, WRE Inc offers personalized service and quick response times. Senior engineers stay closely involved in each project, which leads to faster delivery and stronger client relationships. The company holds certifications from the State of California, US Small Business Administration, and San Francisco’s Human Rights Commission as a Minority-Owned Local Business Enterprise.
Commitment to Sustainability: The firm considers environmental impact in every project. They design systems that reduce water waste, improve water quality, and support long-term community health.
Conclusion
WRE Inc has built a strong reputation over more than 35 years by staying focused on what it does best: water engineering. From drinking water systems to dam safety planning, the company provides essential services that keep communities safe and healthy. Their specialized expertise, commitment to sustainability, and responsive client service make them a valuable partner for cities and utilities facing complex water challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does WRE Inc stand for?
WRE Inc stands for Water Resources Engineering, Inc. It is an engineering consulting firm based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in water-related infrastructure projects.
When was WRE Inc founded?
WRE Inc was founded in 1989 by Gustavo Arboleda. The company has been serving clients in the water engineering field for over 35 years.
What services does WRE Inc provide?
WRE Inc provides planning, analysis, design, construction support, and maintenance services for water systems. This includes drinking water, stormwater, wastewater, recycled water, and dam safety projects.
Where is WRE Inc located?
WRE Inc has its main office in San Francisco, California. The company primarily serves clients in Northern California but has completed projects throughout the United States and in other countries.
Who are WRE Inc’s main clients?
WRE Inc works with federal and state government agencies, city governments, water utilities, and private engineering firms. Major clients include the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and the US Bureau of Reclamation.
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