The response of a large system to change is often difficult to quantify. Changes over a long time period or over a large area may be difficult to predict and can easily be masked by the natural variation in the system. A classic example of this is the response of a hydraulic network to a change in operating rules. The response may be direct (e.g., water levels, flows) or indirect (e.g., erosion, habitat loss). It may be slow or rapid, and may be uniformly distributed or only affect certain areas.
Coldwater Consulting has unique experience in the planning, development and execution of large, multi-year, multi-disciplinary projects. These projects have ranged from water level regulation on the Great Lakes, to changes in marine transportation systems, to dam operation management plans.