Skip to Main Content
logo
Aerial view of a river winding through a forest and past red cliffs at sunset.Aerial view of a river winding through a forest and past red cliffs at sunset.

Water

Environmental data plays a critical role in informed water planning and management. CDM Smith supports clients by transforming complex data into clear insights that manage risk, meet regulatory requirements, and enable sustainable project delivery.

Our water management strategies are designed to deliver value to clients while protecting and enhancing the environment. We offer a broad range of water, groundwater contamination and environmental services.

Groundwater and Water Resource Management 

Aerial view of a rocky coastline with red cliffs and adjacent sandy beach, next to green water.

Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (GDEs) 

Assessment and management of ecosystems reliant on groundwater, protecting biodiversity and ecological function.  

Groundwater Modelling  

Predictive modelling to analyse groundwater flow, water availability, and the effects of proposed developments or activities.  

Hydrogeology  

In-depth assessment of groundwater systems, aquifer characterisation, and hydrogeological modelling to guide water supply, water resource investigations and assess potential impacts.    

Water Resource Management  

Strategic planning and sustainable management of surface and groundwater resources to meet project requirements and protect the environment.  

Regulatory Compliance  

Expert guidance to navigate Australian water regulations and standards, ensuring projects meet all legal and environmental obligations.  

Risk and Impact Assessments  

Comprehensive evaluation of project risk to receptors and impacts on water resources, ecosystems, and surrounding environments, ensuring compliance with Australian standards.  

Climate Impacts 

Modelling of climate change impacts to water resource availability to future-proof projects and support sustainable resource management. 

Groundwater and Land Contamination  

Contaminated Land  

Comprehensive investigation and management of land and groundwater impacted by historical or current contamination, integrating water and soil assessments for holistic solutions.  

Emerging Contaminants  

Industry-leading investigation and management of new contaminants, including PFAS and microplastics, to stay ahead of regulatory and community expectations.  

Remediation  

Design and implementation of solutions to address contaminated water and land, restoring environmental values in line with best practice and regulatory requirements.  

Contaminant Modelling  

Predictive modelling to analyze contaminant transport in the environment, and the effects of proposed developments or remediation activities. 

Hazardous Materials  

Identification, risk assessment, and management of hazardous substances affecting water resources and land.  

Due Diligence  

Thorough reviews for acquisitions, developments, or divestments, identifying water-related risks and liabilities.  

Toxicology  

Assessment of toxic substances in water and soil, safeguarding human and ecological health.  

Aerial view of a muddy riverbank bordered by dense, green forest.

Field Investigation Programs 

Person in hard hat holding a glass of water with laptop outdoors near a pond.

Groundwater Monitoring  

Design and implementation of ongoing programs to track groundwater quality, levels, and trends, supporting compliance and adaptive management.  

Site Investigations  

Field-based studies to evaluate water and soil quality, quantity, and contamination risks, providing the foundation for effective environmental management in urban and remote environments.    

Integrated Water Management Across Diverse Sectors

CDM Smith Australia’s Water Discipline delivers integrated solutions for managing water resources responsibly and efficiently, supporting clients across diverse sectors including infrastructure, mining, and urban development. Our services encompass groundwater monitoring, contaminated land management, regulatory compliance, protection of groundwater dependent ecosystems and employment of integrated digital solutions. We combine technical excellence with innovative tools and a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks to help clients achieve compliance, minimize environmental risk, and meet sustainability objectives and regulatory requirements.  

What sets us apart is our multi-disciplinary approach. By leveraging expertise across hydrogeology, environmental science, groundwater modelling, digital and data services and remediation, we provide holistic strategies that address complex water challenges from every angle. Our teams collaborate seamlessly to deliver tailored solutions—from site investigations and risk assessments to remediation design and long-term monitoring programs.  

At CDM Smith, we partner with clients to align technical solutions with project goals, ensuring cost-effective, practical outcomes that protect communities, ecosystems, and water resources for future generations. 

Meet our Experts

Connect with an expert to find out how we will deliver your project.

Person in a dark button-up shirt standing against a two-tone wall.

Jonathan Fawcett

Principal Hydrogeologist

Jon has over 20 years of experience in hydrogeology and soil water landscape studies related to salinity, soil water dynamics, groundwater-dependent ecosystems and groundwater resource assessments.

Person with long brown hair wearing a black shirt stands in front of a dark blurred background.

Eliza Wiltshire

Principal Hydrogeologist

Eliza Wiltshire is a hydrogeologist with 20 years’ experience in groundwater appraisals, contamination investigations, and mine water management.

Man in a blue shirt standing outdoors against a blurred green background.

Dr. Dougal Currie

Principal Hydrogeologist

Dougal has 15+ years’ experience in natural resource management, specializing in soils and groundwater; Certified Professional Soil Scientist.

Related Practices 

Supporting practices that enhance project outcomes across the lifecycle. 

Digital

Turn your data into actionable insights. Our experts design smart frameworks and interactive tools to help you make better, informed decisions.

Environment and Technology

Integrated environmental solutions that help clients manage risk, meet regulatory requirements, and achieve sustainable business outcomes.

Environmental Approvals and Planning

Integrated environmental approvals and planning services supporting government, private and community projects across Australia.

Water

CDM Smith Australia’s Water Discipline delivers integrated solutions for managing water resources sustainably and efficiently.
Abstract digital network with glowing blue and green nodes and lines.

Ready to Take the Next Steps? 

We love collaborating with passionate individuals and organizations. If you're interested in joining our team, check our careers page for open positions or internships.

CDM Smith logo

Let's Build Something Together

Have a project in mind or want to stay in the loop? Reach out to our team or subscribe to get the latest updates from our work.

CDM Smith Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, waters, and community.

Australia Headquarters

Suite 1, Level 4
140 Ann Street
Brisbane City, QLD Australia
CDM Smith™ | CDM™ | WILBUR SMITH™
© 2026 CDM Smith. All rights reserved.