WATER RESOURCES ASSESSMENT
Definition
Water resources assessment is the process of measuring, collecting and analysing relevant parameters on the quantity and quality of water resources for the purposes of development and management of water resources. It involves the following activities: 
planning and implementation of data acquisition stations and network
checking and processing of data acquired
compilation of data with the best available data management system
analysis of data to produce application information
Role of Water Resources Assessment
Water Resources Assessment allows water resources science, engineering and management to be quantified to provide the basis or foundation for the following: 
formulation of policies/strategies/legislations for water resources development and management.
planning and implementation, operation, regulation monitoring and maintenance of water resources project
decision making on water resources development proposals
research and development in water resources areas in the interest of the nation (e.g. island hydrology, highland hydrology, wetland development, urban drainage masterplans, etc.)
development of hydroinformatics technology
international and interdiscipline communication and exchange of water resources data, information and advances
Water Resources Development
There are 15 elements which can be associated with Water Resources Development in Sarawak. They are: 
  1. Flood Control
  2. Irrigation
  3. Hydro-electric 
  4. Navigation
  5. Domestic and Industrial Water Supply
  6. Watershed Management, Soil Erosion Control, Torrent Control
  7. Drainage
  8. Fish and Wildlife
  9. Pollution Abatement
  10. Insect Control
  11. Recreational Use of Water
  12. Sediment Control
  13. Salinity Control
  14. Artificial Rainfall
  15. Sand Extraction Zoning
The types of works associated with water resources development are classified into engineering and non-engineering works. The engineering works are the building and construction of dam, leeves, channel improvement, pumping plants, harbour improvement, head water control structures, debris detention dams, works for pollution control, reservoirs for augmenting low flow,etc. The non-engineering measures are flood plain zoning, flood forecasting and warning, soil conservation and forest management practices, sewerage collection systems, legal control measures, etc.
The purpose of the above works is to maximise the utilisation of water resources so as to stimulate economic activities and enhance the standard of living.
Basic data are to be collected through the setting up of instruments or system of instruments. The principal kinds of water resources data required for project consideration in each element are to be derived from the basic data through general statistical analysis or using specific computer softwares.