The late preclassic Maya center of Cerros, northern Belize, 300 BC to 150 AD, has revealed evidence of a sophisticated water control system. Canals and raised field platforms have been examined inside the comunity center. An underlying limestone caprock was systematically removed during the quarrying of monument fill to maintain adequate drainage in the community. The result was a man-made relief or a watershed across the entire core site area. The role of present and past microenvironments at Cerros is addressed.