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A public non-profit foundation dedicated to furthering the knowledge of past civilizations through the study of ancient water management and practices.

The Wright Paleohydrologic Institute (WPI) is a public foundation with a proud record of public interest activities related to ancient water management. Webster defines paleohydrology as “the study of ancient use and handling of water.”

In 2006 the WPI research sites of Machu Picchu and Tipon were designated International Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks by ASCE.

In September 2004 the four Mesa Verde reservoirs we studied were designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by ASCE.

Listen to Ken Wright's Interview on Mesa Verde Reservoirs on Colorado

Watch and hear a lecture on Machu Picchu for World Bank by Ken and Ruth Wright

Directors of the WPI:

Ken Wright, P.E., President

Ruth Wright, Vice President

Dr. Jack Smith, Secretary

Dr. T. Andrew Earles, Treasurer

Dr. Gordon McEwan, Public Member

Gwen Dooley, Public Member

Eric DeLony, Public Member

We have formed the non-profit corporation of WPI because paleohydrology is an important emerging field of research and study. WPI is dedicated to engineering and scientific research to advance the knowledge of our water management heritage and, in turn, ancient people and empires.

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