About the Firm
Grounded in the West. Built on Decades of Field Work.
Anderson Water Consulting brings rigorous hydrologic science and deep regional knowledge to water resource challenges across the Northern Great Plains and Black Hills.
Our Story
Four Decades of Water Resource Practice
Anderson Water Consulting was founded on a straightforward premise: that sound water resource decisions require both rigorous technical analysis and an intimate understanding of the land, the law, and the communities that depend on water in the American West.
Mark Anderson began his career in the field — measuring stream flows, logging well data, and mapping aquifer boundaries across the Northern Great Plains. That foundation in direct observation has shaped every project the firm has undertaken since.
Over four decades, the practice has grown to encompass the full spectrum of water resource consulting: hydrology, geo-hydrology, groundwater studies, water rights, surface water analysis, and long-range water supply planning. Clients range from individual ranchers protecting century-old water rights to federal agencies managing transboundary river systems.
Areas of Expertise
A Complete Water Resource Practice
Hydrology
Flood frequency analysis, rainfall-runoff modeling, stream flow characterization, and watershed studies.
Geo-Hydrology
Aquifer mapping, geologic framework analysis, and the intersection of subsurface geology with groundwater systems.
Groundwater Studies
Well design, pump testing, aquifer characterization, and groundwater availability assessments.
Water Rights
Appropriation research, beneficial use documentation, adjudication support, and expert witness testimony.
Surface Water
Stream gauging, water quality sampling, floodplain analysis, and stormwater master planning.
Water Supply Strategies
Long-range supply planning, source development, and regulatory permitting for municipal and rural systems.
Principal Consultant
Mark T. Anderson, P.H.
Founder & Principal Hydrologist
Mark T. Anderson built one of the most distinguished careers in federal water science over more than four decades with the United States Geological Survey. His work spans the full range of water resource challenges — from aquifer characterization and stream flow analysis to water rights adjudication, long-range supply planning, and landmark environmental research.
He served as Director of the USGS South Dakota Water Science Center from January 2006 through October 2016, leading water science programs for both South Dakota and North Dakota and serving as the region's chief technical authority on surface water and groundwater supply strategies. Earlier in his USGS tenure he served as Director of the Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center in Sioux Falls — the facility that manages the world's most extensive archive of land remote sensing data, foundational to platforms like Google Earth.
Earlier in his career, Anderson led pivotal USGS research in Arizona, including coordinating the first-ever controlled flood on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon — a historic environmental experiment designed to restore sandbars and riparian habitat that set the template for adaptive river management nationwide.
While directing the Dakota Water Science Center, he developed and led an international outreach program providing technical training and capacity building to help developing nations address water supply and groundwater challenges. Following his federal retirement in late 2016, he joined the faculty of his alma mater as Adjunct Professor at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, where he teaches Water Law, Water Policy, and environmental groundwater field courses.
He has served as expert witness in water court proceedings in South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana, and has provided technical analysis to the International Joint Commission, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, state engineer offices, municipal water systems, agricultural producers, and private developers. His approach is grounded in direct field observation — reading the landscape, understanding the geology, and building a picture of how water actually moves through a system before reaching for a model.
USGS Career Highlights
A Distinguished Federal Career in Water Science
January 2006 – October 2016
Director, SD & ND Water Science Center
U.S. Geological Survey
Led USGS water science programs for South Dakota and North Dakota. Chief regional authority on surface water and groundwater supply strategies, overseeing monitoring networks, research programs, and technical assistance to state and federal agencies.
Earlier career
Director, EROS Data Center
U.S. Geological Survey — Sioux Falls, SD
Directed the Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, which manages the world's most extensive archive of land remote sensing data — the foundational repository that underpins modern platforms like Google Earth and supports global land-use monitoring.
Earlier career
Lead Researcher — Grand Canyon Controlled Flood
U.S. Geological Survey — Arizona
Led and coordinated the first-ever controlled flood on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, a landmark environmental experiment designed to restore sandbars and riparian habitat. The project established the template for adaptive flow management on regulated rivers.
During SDWSC directorship
International Water Ambassador
U.S. Geological Survey — Global Outreach
Developed and spearheaded an international technical assistance program providing capacity building and training to developing countries addressing water supply and groundwater challenges.
Post-USGS
Academia & Private Practice
Adjunct Professor
South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
Teaches Water Law, Water Policy, and environmental groundwater field courses at his alma mater.
Founder & Principal Hydrologist
Anderson Water Consulting
Applies four decades of federal and field experience to water resource challenges across the Northern Great Plains and Black Hills.
Professional Affiliations
Recognized Standing in the Profession
Ready to Discuss Your Project?
Whether you're facing a water rights challenge, planning a new supply system, or need independent hydrologic analysis, Anderson Water Consulting brings the technical depth and regional knowledge your project requires.