This paper aims to analyze historical changes in water resources management in the lower basin of Cerna on the Cinciş - Santuhalm sector. Historical issues of water resources management near the city of Hunedoara begins with the development of the steel industry in the late 1880s. Gradual development of industry has brought urban development in the area of Hunedoara, this imposing the creation of complex structures including dams, water management systems, water intakes, river bed deviations, land drainage, etc.. Following the two periods of development of the steel industry in Hunedoara, U.F.H. Steel Works from 1882 to 1956 and then C.S.H. from 1956 to the present, culminating with the construction Cinciş dam, we will analyze specific problems and solutions in water management in each era. Using a series of historical maps and with the help of GIS tehniques we will identify how industrial development and the demographic boom affected the structure and quality of water resources in the Cerna basin.