High Water Mark answers a pressing need at the confluence of law and infrastructure. We bring deep technical water expertise to consulting engineering and courtrooms.
Technical accuracy is only the beginning for High Water Mark. We prioritize transparent communication, methodical analysis and a client-first approach.
We’re not just measuring water. We’re measuring risk, responsibility and resilience.
High Water Mark founder Chad Ballard has over two decades of experience spanning public agencies, private consulting and high-stakes litigation. He’s gained a reputation for grounding his work in both scientific rigor and civic responsibility.
Chad’s His work has touched riverbanks and boardrooms alike. His career includes leadership roles at AEM (Applied Ecological Management), where he helped pioneer new approaches to ecological restoration and watershed-scale planning.
Chad holds licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) and is a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM). He’s instructed undergraduate, graduate and professional continuing education courses in water resources as well as 2D numerical modeling tools such as HEC-RAS and SRH-2D. He has also been recognized by peers for his ability to teach, persuade and lead.
Our credentials go beyond acronyms and licenses. We demonstrate a lifetime of immersion in the complex world of water systems, civil infrastructure and litigation support.
Chad is a licensed civil engineer in California, Texas, Colorado and Washington. He works specifically in hydrology and hydraulics and specializes in advanced hydraulic and hydrologic modeling, stormwater and flood mitigation
Chad is also active in professional organizations including American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the Environmental & Water Resources Institute (EWRI) and the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) where he’s served in various leadership positions at the state and national level. He is a current volunteer member of the Region 3 State Flood Planning Group overseeing the Regional State Flood Plan development effort in the Trinity River watershed and is a current FEMA Scientific Resolution Panel Member.
Chad Ballard’s work extends into classrooms, conference halls and industry journals. He is a respected speaker and published author on water resources engineering and floodplain policy.
