Having worked as a senior hydrogeologist for large consulting companies, Rick Gagné recognized that being "big" did not mean better client service. So in 1993 he started his own groundwater and environmental consulting firm under the name RG Hydro-Environmental Ltd. That company developed an excellent reputation for client service in many areas, including: contract and quality management; contamination hydrogeology; project planning and management relating to phase I, II and III site contamination assessments, site remediation; environmental audits; and water supply development.

Noting that market and client needs were changing, in 2000 the new name earth-water Concepts was chosen and incorporated as a new company to better reflect an increased focus in serving clients in watershed studies and water resource planning, management, and water supply development.