Let’s photograph water without getting wet.  Cloudy days are great days for water shots.  Shadows work great as it takes the brightness off white water.  Direct sunlight makes it difficult to balance neutral and dark areas. 

When photograph moving water and you want a smooth, silky look, use a circular polarizer and dial it in to take the glare off the surface of the water.  With your camera on a tripod use the slowest shutter speed available with your smallest f stop that you pan to use. If you want a

natural look and flow use fast shutter speeds.

For the stream flow, low volume and lots of movement around boulders and logs has a more pleasing effect than a flat river.  Pleasing shots usually show the stream flowing past the camera (across the stream) or as the water flows towards you (shooting up steam). 

When it is raining or snowing, speed up the shutter speed to catch the raindrops or snowflakes.  Use a slow shutter speed to make the rain or snow streak across the frame.  Keep your equipment protected from water by using an umbrella or camera raincover.  

All photography is in the eye of the beholder.