This thesis studies water development of the Assiniboine River Basin. The study is based on a conceptual framework which states that resource processes, consisting of inputs and outputs, function to alter their environments producing goods and services, and thus creating new environments Further, the relevant environment of these processes is seen to be multi-dimensional in nature. In both the historical and future study, particular emphasis is given to the often-overlooked cultural dimension. It is seen that the engineer's imperative is to take a comprehensive accounting of the ramifications of his actions. In order to be able to act on this imperative it is seen that the engineer must work within an ongoing inter-disciplinary team.