Insights How water engineers are contributing to Net Zero

What does a water engineer do? 

Water engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining water systems and infrastructure. This role is essential in ensuring that communities have access to clean, safe, and sustainable water resources. 

As one of the world’s most respected design, engineering and project management consultancies, AtkinsRéalis is well equipped to respond to the most technically challenging and time-critical water infrastructure projects and the urgent transition to a Net Zero economy. 

Are you looking for a challenging yet rewarding role as a water engineer? Then AtkinsRéalis could be your next career destination, a place where you can make a difference by contributing to sustainable water projects. 

If you are interested, learn more about: 

• The biggest challenges to water sustainability
• How water engineers are contributing to Net Zero 
• Water engineering careers with AtkinsRéalis

What is the biggest challenge to water sustainability? 

The challenges surrounding water sustainability are multifaceted and intricate: 

• Population challenges - rapid population growth is increasing the pressure on water resources. Roughly half of the world’s population is experiencing severe water scarcity for at least part of the year and this number is expected to increase. 
• The climate crisis - climate change has meant that the world has seen more extreme weather conditions such as droughts and floods. These conditions put more strain on existing water infrastructure and can even damage these networks causing widespread issues.
• Lack of access to clean water - social and economic disparities often result in vulnerable populations having limited access to adequate water and sanitation services. 

These are just a few examples of the challenges water engineers face in their roles but what this means is there is great opportunity for innovation and new technologies to be developed. 

At AtkinsRéalis, we encourage our teams to redefine engineering by thinking boldly, proudly and differently. Finding new and better ways of doing things is what sets us apart and allows us to deliver exceptional outcomes for all of our clients. 

How water engineers are contributing to Net Zero 

Net Zero carbon by 2050 is a global deadline we cannot afford to miss which is why every one of us at AtkinsRéalis has made a commitment to make a difference by working together to deliver on this promise. 

Here is how water engineers specifically are building a sustainable future: 

• Energy efficient infrastructure - water engineers can design systems that consume minimum amounts of energy, helping to reduce the carbon footprint of our clients. 

• Sustainable wastewater management - there are nutrients and energy in wastewater which can be extracted and utilised for agriculture. This follows the concepts of a circular economy where resources are used, repaired, transformed, and reused indefinitely, rather than continuously making new ones.

• Smart technologies - new technologies such as IoT-enabled sensors and real-time monitoring systems allow for efficient water usage, leakage detection, and distribution, optimizing water use and reducing waste.

• Renewable energy in water infrastructure - leveraging sources like solar, wind, or hydropower into water systems to power treatment plants, reduces reliance on fossil fuels and contributes to a cleaner energy mix. 

Make a difference as a water engineer with AtkinsRéalis 

Protect water sources, design water plants, return wastewater safely to the ecosystem, finalize flood defence strategies, and build a career as a water engineer at AtkinsRéalis. 

Not only will you be contributing to a Net Zero future, but you’ll also be working alongside industry experts who are always pushing research and innovation. 

If you're looking for your next role as a water engineer, water network specialist, project manager or project director, browse our latest water jobs today.