Engineering careers in the water sector - diverse, impactful and rewarding

From reducing flood risk to restoring rivers and ensuring clean drinking water

When I started out in civil engineering more than 22 years ago, I never imagined the variety, purpose, and fulfilment I would find in the water sector. Today, I lead Stantec’s Civil and Structural discipline team for our Water Business, across the UK and Ireland. I help our technical teams deliver projects that protect communities, improve public health, and support the environment. It’s a career that has challenged me, inspired me and given me the chance to make a real difference.

Water is essential to life, but managing it is one of the biggest challenges we face as a society. From reducing flood risk to restoring rivers and ensuring clean drinking water, engineers in the water sector tackle problems that directly affect people’s everyday lives. I’ve worked on projects that protect homes from flooding, deliver significant upgrades in water quality, and also support biodiversity. These aren’t just engineering projects. They’re about helping communities thrive and safeguarding the future of our environment.

One of the things I love most about this sector is its breadth. It’s not just for civil engineers like me. I work alongside mechanical engineers who design and maintain pumping stations and treatment plants. I work with electrical engineers who power and automate water systems and process engineers who ensure water is treated safely and efficiently. I also work with geotechnical and structural engineers who make sure infrastructure is stable and resilient. We also collaborate with environmental scientists, ecologists and planners who help us design with nature in mind.  Whether you’re passionate about sustainability, design, technology, or solving complex problems, there’s a place for you in the water sector.

The challenges we face are evolving fast. The climate crisis, population growth, and rising expectations mean we need to think differently. I’ve seen engineers develop nature-based solutions, use smart monitoring systems, and design infrastructure that’s both resilient and sustainable.  Innovation isn’t in the future or a buzzword, it must be part of our everyday work. As engineers and as a sector we need to be constantly learning, adapting, and finding better ways to protect people and the planet.

Every project is different, and every solution matters. You could be designing systems that prevent stormwater flooding and protect homes and businesses, restoring rivers and coastal areas to improve biodiversity and public health. This helps create an infrastructure that delivers clean water to millions of people or develop solutions that make communities more resilient to climate change.

Water engineering isn’t just about people. It’s about every species that shares our environment. I’ve worked on projects to design new badger setts where you have to consider how to keep tunnels dry and usable. I’ve also created fish passes to help aquatic life migrate safely, and selected plant species to support rare moths found only in one part of Europe. These details might seem small, but they’re vital. They show how holistic and thoughtful our work really is.

There are many ways to start a career in water engineering. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and a practical route in. University degrees in civil, mechanical, electrical, or aligned engineering subjects provide a strong foundation. Graduate schemes help you develop quickly with structured support. Professional qualifications through bodies like the Institute of Water (IWater), build credibility and open doors. What we value most in this sector however, is curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to sustainability. These are qualities young people can start developing now and will serve them well in whatever path they choose.

I’m passionate about supporting the next generation of engineers. That’s why I’m actively involved in professional bodies like IWater, Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Engineering and Technology, and Women's Engineering Society. And why I was honoured to be named a finalist in the Top 50 Women in Engineering awards in 2023. Engineering in the water sector is more than a job. It’s a chance to make a lasting impact. If you’re a teacher, careers leader, or school leader, I encourage you to show your students the possibilities. There’s a place for every interest and a future full of purpose.