The Corps Water Management System (CWMS) includes four interrelated models to assist with water management for the basin:

- GeoHMS (Geospatial Hydrologic Modeling Extension)
- ResSIM (Reservoir System Simulation)
- RAS (River Analysis System)
- FIA (Flood Impact Analysis)

The Pearl River watershed originates at the confluence of the Nanawaya and Tallahaga Creeks in Neshoba County, Mississippi. Flowing southwest across Mississippi and Louisiana to a point near the Gulf of Mexico, where it enters the Rigolets via the West Pearl River and Lake Borgne via the East Pearl River. The Pearl River drains an area of some 8,760 square miles (22,700 square km) and has a length of 444 miles (715 km). The banks of the Pearl River are erosive causing active meandering of the river channel as bank caving and sediment deposits occur from each flow event.

The main stem of the Pearl River flows through one USACE Districts, Vicksburg District (MVK) in the Mississippi Valley Division (MVD). The Vicksburg District operates no reservoirs in the Pearl River watershed. There is one reservoir in the Pearl River Basin managed by the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District. The reservoir impounds 52 square miles in Rankin and Madison Counties, Mississippi and is used for water supply and recreation. Flood control is not an authorized purpose for this Project.

The Corps of Engineers owns three locks along the lower Pearl River Navigation Channel. This project was authorized by congress in 1939 and included the channelization of the West Pearl River, construction of 2 low head sills, a spillway, a 20 mile parallel canal and 3 navigation locks. The project was completed in 1957. . These include Pearl River Lock 1 and spillway (LA 00089) at River Mile 28.5, Bogue Chitto Sill and Pearl River Lock 2 (LA 00088) near River Mile 44, and Pools Bluff Sill and Pearl River Lock 3 (LA 00086) near River Mile 48.7

The Pearl River locks were placed in caretaker status in 1990 due to lack of use. In 2003 the project exceeded its 50 year project life and was considered for de-authorization. However, funding to initiate necessary studies was never approved.