About
Governing Documents
Mission Statement
The purpose of AIH is to enhance and strengthen the standing of hydrology as a science and a profession by:
- Establishing standards and procedures to certify individuals qualified in surface-water, groundwater and water-quality hydrology.
- Establishing and maintaining ethical standards to protect the public from irresponsible work.
- Providing education and training in hydrology.
- Providing the public and government advice and guidance concerning activities related to the hydrologic profession.
History
During the late 1970s and early 80s, a variety of regulatory and quality assurance requirements resulted in a great demand for services of hydrologists and hydrogeologists, a demand that could not be met by the existing number of professionals. Because of the concern that unqualified individuals would be hired to satisfy this demand, the need for certification of hydrologists and hydrogeologists was expressed repeatedly by individuals, consulting firms, and some state and federal agencies. For example, in 1979, an Ad Hoc Committee of the Association of University Watershed Scientists recommended strengthening of the U.S. Civil Service entry-level requirements for hydrologists. This effort was in response to professionals within the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Bureau of Land Management who were concerned that the existing standards “did not ensure high-quality entry-level professionals in hydrology.”
Code of Ethics
Each Member of the American Institute of Hydrology is charged with knowledge of the Code of Ethics and the Rules of Professional Conduct hereinafter set forth or as such Code and Rules may be amended from time to time.
Members of the Institute acknowledge their responsibilities to society and their professions; subscribe to this Code of Ethics to guide them in their practices as professional hydrologists; and shall…
- Hold above all the public trust and reputation of their professions, perform services only in the areas of their competence, and strive to enhance their qualifications through continuing education and professional development.
- Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner, and endeavor to extend public knowledge and to prevent misunderstandings of the achievements of hydrological sciences.
- Act in professional matters for each client or employer as faithful agents or trustees, and avoid conflict of interest.
- Build their professional reputations on the merit of their services, and not compete unfairly with others.
- Not only conduct their practices in accordance with this Code and the Rules but also bring to the attention of the Institute unethical practices of any other Member.
Leadership and Management
Dr. Emitt C. Witt, III Dr. Miguel A. Medina, Jr. Dr. Patrick P. Leahy | Dr. Vijay P. Singh Dr. Stephan J. Nix |
President 2019-2020 John L. Nieber Past President 2019-2020 Rao Govindaraju President Elect 2019-2020 Jamil S. Ibrahim 2017-2019 Faisal Hossain 2019-2020 Julé Rizzardo | Vice President for International Affairs 1998-2002……R. Kanivetsky Vice President for Communication 2011-2012…… D.J. StGermain General Secretary 1981-1994……A. Zaporozec Treasurer 1983-1984……L. L. Cross, Jr. Board of Registration Chairman 1982-1984……R. C. Heath Board of Registration Secretary 1981-1991……R. Kanivetsky |