The Water Resources Program at the Center for Urban Ecology (CUE) provides technical assistance on water resource issues to protect the natural, cultural, and historic resources of the parks within the National Capital Region (NCR). Anthropogenic impacts such as urban development have seriously degraded aquatic ecosystems. Innovative approaches toward restoration and protection, such as long-term ecosystem monitoring, water quality assessment, geographic information systems (GIS), and data analysis are tools used by scientists to address aquatic habitat health. Protection of aquatic habitats is also accomplished through the management of the region's streams, wetlands, floodplains, riparian corridors, and groundwater systems. Effective water resource preservation, protection, and management are improved through research and partnerships between the Water Resources Program and other organizations concerned with the water resources of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

The Aquatic Ecologist at CUE serves both the National Capital and Northeast Regions, providing integration across ecoregions, states, and watersheds, including the Chesapeake Bay.