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Careers in Water Resources Engineering

The document discusses the growing global water crisis and issues related to water management. It notes that water demand is increasing 1% annually due to factors like population growth, urbanization, and industrialization. Many regions already face water scarcity and pollution problems. India in particular is highly water stressed, with over a million people lacking access to safe drinking water. The document argues for the need for more qualified water policy professionals to help address India's water governance challenges and mitigate the deepening water crisis.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
173 views11 pages

Careers in Water Resources Engineering

The document discusses the growing global water crisis and issues related to water management. It notes that water demand is increasing 1% annually due to factors like population growth, urbanization, and industrialization. Many regions already face water scarcity and pollution problems. India in particular is highly water stressed, with over a million people lacking access to safe drinking water. The document argues for the need for more qualified water policy professionals to help address India's water governance challenges and mitigate the deepening water crisis.

Uploaded by

Vivek Kasar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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They are many, and each stage must be correctly performed to prevent a

catastrophic failure further down the line

First the soil type and land form to be irrigated and the water requirements of
the proposed crop must be considered to ascertain the volume, distribution, and
frequency of applications best suited to the project.

Then the water source has to be established and quantified, both in water
quality, and available volume, particularly if from subterranean sources.

Next, the distance water needs to be moved and the elevation through which it
must travel has to be detailed accurately by survey. The friction losses need to
be calculated to determine the most efficient and economical pipeline diameters,
or channel width/depth and velocities therein, etc

Finally the pressure required at the irrigation site to operate sprinklers or


whatever distribution method is selected.

Then comes the design of pipelines, selection of suitable materials of pipelines,


and the pumping equipment, including the motive power, whether solar, mains
electricity, diesel or gravity.

Finally there is supervision of the installation and commissioning of the


equipment, and the training of personnel who will be operating the equipment
and maintaining it.
Careers in Water Resources Engineering

Although physicians, attorneys, economists, and many other professionals often


are primary players in developing and managing water resources, engineers play
a significant role in water resources management. Potential employers include
large and small businesses; government at all levels; corporations that are local
to national and multinational in scope; and schools and universities. Even self-
employment as engineering consultants and other technically applied positions
is an expanding career option for water resource engineering professionals.

To become an engineer requires a formal education at the college or university


level, and advancement in the profession calls for professional registration by
state-level agencies. Engineers work alongside, and often supervise, other
workers such as technicians, surveyors, draftsmen, and computer programmers.

Engineering and Society

General engineering functions include research, development, design,


production, construction, operations, sales, and management. Other engineers
are involved in testing, teaching, and consulting. In all these activities,
engineers seek to understand the laws of science and mathematics and to put
these laws to practical use for the improvement of society and civilization.
Engineers seek out and apply practical solutions to technical problems. This role
has not changed since the origins of engineering in ancient times; only the
objectives pursued, the techniques used, and the tools available for analysis
have changed. Advances in developing new materials and in the capabilities of
modern computers for analysis and design combine to make many forms of
engineering, particularly the specialties in the water sciences, attractive career
choices.

Preparing for an Engineering Career

Young people planning careers in engineering should seek the best and most
thorough background possible in mathematics and science from their secondary
school. Study of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry is essential, and classes
in calculus and other "higher" mathematics courses are desirable. Other
branches of science that are important to water resources engineering include
chemistry, physics, and biology. As in every modern career field, familiarity
with computer applications is essential; word processing and
electronic spreadsheets are basic applications, and students will also be
introduced to software design and programming of computer code.

The aspiring engineer can expect these subjects to be repeated at advanced


levels in college classes, but secondary school study will pave the way for
success in their college work. Introductory engineering course work is available
at most community colleges. However, aspiring engineers will complete their
bachelor of science degree work at colleges and universities accredited by the
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the national
agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to monitor and
evaluate engineering education programs. ABET provides world leadership for
quality innovations in engineering, technology, and applied science education.

Engineering Fields Related to Water Sciences

Degree programs that will prepare graduates for engineering careers in the
water sciences include civil engineering, environmental engineering, hydrology,
water resources management, and others with similar functions. Almost all are
nominal 4-year programs, but heavy course loads and the increasing popularity
of cooperative degree programs, which alternate periods of study and work,
often extend the work beyond 4 years to 5 (or more) years.

The employment market, usually favorable for graduating engineers, was


exceptionally good as the twenty-first century began. Young engineering
graduates almost always have their choice of several employment opportunities,
and signing bonuses and other benefits are not unusual. As in all professional
careers, the graduate should investigate and accept employment in positions that
offer challenge and the opportunity for meaningful work and advancement,
rather than just seeking the highest available salary offer.

Beyond the Bachelor's Degree

Graduate degree work is typically not expected for initial employment with a
company or other organization, but is becoming increasingly important for
advancement, and is a good choice for all engineers early in their careers. Most
employers are supportive, and will usually provide assistance for part-time
master's-level study.

Engineering students with a strong undergraduate record can usually study full-
time with tuition and fees paid for them while working as teaching or research
assistants at research universities. These positions are normally applied for at
the schools of the student's choice during the fall months for study beginning
the following summer.

Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) is legally required in most states to


be "in responsible charge" of major engineering projects. State registration
boards conduct examinations and certify the experience requirement for PE
status, which is four years in most states. Students can begin this process by
passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination during their final
year of undergraduate study.

see also Army Corps of Engineers, U.S.; Careers in Environmental Science and
Engineering.

Career as a Water Science Policy Professional


Rayies Altaf
Water Science Policy
Water is an essential element of life as well as the ecosystem, we live in.
Without it, life cannot be imagined on this earth. Freshwater comprises only 2-
3% of total amount of water found on this earth. Thus this resource has to be
used judiciously. According to UN World Water Report 2018, the global
demand for water is increasing at the rate of 1% per year and it will continue to
grow in future as well. A major chunk of growth in demand for water will come
from developing and emerging economies such as India and China. Global
water cycle is getting disrupted due to climate change also. Other factors which
have led to increase in water consumption include intensified agriculture and
rapid urbanization. The report further states that water pollution has worsened in
almost all rivers in Africa, Asia and Latin America. There are new demands on
water from rising urbanization and rapidly expanding industrial activities. Water
scarcity is a key challenge before the world and its mitigation is pivotal from
environmental, economic and social sustainability point of view. As the water
crisis deepens, the old solutions appear to be ineffective in tackling this global
threat.
The major focus of Goal 6 of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is also
about ensuring the availability and proper management of water resources. The
World Water Report 2018 states that more than 2 billion people in the world
lack access to safe drinking water and more than 4 billion people don't have
access to safe sanitation. Thus access to safe drinking water is a challenge
which needs effective and immediate redressal.
India too faces an imminent water crisis and it figures among the most water
stressed countries in the world. More than a million people in India don't have
access to safe drinking water, and majority of others face regular water
shortages. Many cities in India are currently also experiencing acute water
shortages. According to the official estimates, India which has 18% of world's
population, has only 4% of total freshwater resources. More than half of India's
rivers are highly polluted whereas others are at levels which are considered
unsafe by current global and national standards. The Central Pollution Control
Board (CPCB) has doubled the number of polluted rivers from 121 to 275 in the
last five years. The situation with groundwater is equally alarming with
scientific findings showing fast depletion of groundwater especially in the states
of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi. A very recent NASA study which is published in
nature in May 2018 only, has also shown India among the global hotspots where
overuse of water resources has caused a serious decline in the availability of
freshwater especially in North India. Scientists and environmentalists also
predict occurrence of frequent and severe droughts across several states in the
coming years. In the midst of all this crisis, there is dearth of qualified
professionals needed for bringing effective transformation in governance of
India's water sector. Water crisis is going to deepen further in the near future
due to rising urbanization, expanding infrastructural projects and climate
change, and India will need more and more trained professionals in the field of
water policy and water management, to meet the growing challenge of water
scarcity. Keeping in view such scenario, special courses on water policy and
water management, focusing on both theoretical as well as practical aspects, are
offered by various universities and research institutes in India as well as abroad.
The aim of such courses is to produce human resource, trained in dealing with
water and water related issues, and help formulate as well as implement an
effective and efficient water science policy which is based on sound science and
rigorous data, thus ensuring sustainable water management pathways.
Water science policy is studied and practiced under the broader framework of
science-policy. The science-policy interface is a methodological process, which
involves exchange of information between scientists, policy makers,
practitioners and sometimes public also, so that scientific findings and data is
integrated in policy making. Insights from both natural as well as social
sciences is prerequisite for inclusive, holistic and rigorous policies. 'Water
Science Policy' by incorporating scientific, social, economic and institutional
perspectives, contributes in managing both water quantity as well as quality,
thus ensuring that every citizen gets access to safe drinking water, while at the
same time ensuring an optimum use of water in agricultural as well as industrial
sector.
Scope:
Water Science Policy professionals can find work opportunities at both policy
as well as practice levels in various agencies and bodies, both at Central and
State levels (e.g. Central Water Commission, Central Soil and Material
Research Station, Central Ground Water Board, Flood Control Commissions,
River Boards, National Projects Construction Corporation Limited,
Environment Departments, State Agricultural Departments, Public Works
Departments (PWDs), Planning Commissions, Urban Development and
Housing & Rural Development Sector etc.) Besides they can work in NGOs,
international advocacy bodies, think tanks and also as independent researchers.
Following is a list of popular programmes offered by Universities in India as
well as some Universities abroad. The list is not exhaustive and may include
many more Universities and institutions across the world:
Degree Programmes and Training Courses:
1. Centre for Public Affairs and Critical Theory (CPACT) at Shiv Nadar
University offers following multi-disciplinary programmes in Water
Science Policy.
M.Sc in Water Science Policy
Ph.D in Science Policy
PG Diploma in Water Science Policy
Certificate course in Water Science Policy
Eligibility: For the M.Sc programme, PG Diploma Programme and the
Certificate course, the minimum qualification required is B.Sc/B.A/ B.Tech or
any equivalent under-graduate degree. Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate
courses are particularly designed for mid-career professionals, administrators,
managers and development activists. The University also offers some
scholarships in these courses.
For further details visit https:// cpact.snu.edu.in
2. Water Science and Governance offered at TERI University New Delhi
Courses offered:
M.Sc Water Science and Governance (Eligibility: Graduate (B.Sc/B.A) or
equivalent from any branch of Engineering, Environmental Science,Physics,
Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry, Geology, Atmospheric Science, Economics,
Geography, Zoology, Botany, Anthropology, Agricultural Science.)
M.Tech. Water Resource Engineering and Management (Eligibility: Graduate
or equivalent from any branch of Engineering or Postgraduate or equivalent in
Environmental Science,Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry, Geology,
Atmospheric Science, Economics, Geography, Agricultural Science with
Mathematics at 10+2 level)
PG Diploma in Water Science and Governance (Eligibility: Graduate
(B.Sc/B.A) or equivalent from any branch of Engineering, Environmental
Science, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry, Geology, Atmospheric
Science, Economics, Geography, Zoology, Botany, Anthropology, Agricultural
Science)
Certificate Course in Water Science and Governance (Eligibility: Graduate
(B.Sc/B.A) or equivalent from any branch of Engineering, Environmental
Science, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry, Geology, Atmospheric
Science, Economics, Geography, Zoology, Botany, Anthropology, Agricultural
Science.)
Ph.D in Water Science and Governance (Eligibility: M.Sc or M.Phil in a
relevant field or equivalent.)For Details visit: www.teriuniversity.ac.in
3. Centre for Water Policy, Regulation and Governance in School of
Habitat Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)-Mumbai.
Programmes Offered:
M.A/M.Sc in Water Policy and Governance (Eligibility: Bachelor's Degree of
minimum of 3 years duration or its equivalent ( under the 10+2+3 or 10+2+4 or
10+2+2+1 year bridge course pattern of study or any other pattern fulfilling the
mandatory requirements of 15 years formal education) from a recognised
University, in any discipline)
4. Interdisciplinary Centre for Water Research (ICWaR), Indian Institute
of Science (IISC)-Bangalore.
The centre is meant to carryout state-of-art research in water science and
technology.
Programmes Offered:
M.Sc. (Engg), Ph.D. and Post-doctoral research (Eligibility Criteria: B.tech,
M.Tech and Ph.D  in relevant field)
For more details visit: http:// www.icwar.iisc.ac.in/
5. School of Water Resources at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
Programes offered:
M.Tech. in Water Engineering and Management and Ph.D.
For details visit: http:// www.iitkgp.ac.in/ department/WM
6. Department of Water Resource Development & Management at Indian
Institute of Technology, Roorkee
Programmes offered:
M.Tech. and Post Graduate Diploma in Water Resource Devlopment
(Eligibility: Engineering degree in civil, electrical or mechanical)
M.Tech. Irrigation Water Management (Eligibility: B.Tech in
Civil/Agricultural or masters degree in Agricultural Sciences)
Ph.D. Masters/M.Tech degree in a relevant area.
7. Indian Institute of Technology, Bhubaneshwar
Programmes offered:
M.Tech in Water Resource and Engineering (Eligibility: Min 60% marks in
B.E./B.Tech or equivalent Degree in civil/agricultural engineering with a valid
GATE score)
For details visit: www.iitbbs.ac.in
Some foreign universities providing popular courses and specializations in
Water Science Policy and Management are as follows:
1) M.Sc/MPhil in Water Science, Policy and Management at School of
Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
For details visit: https:// www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/courses/social-
sciences/ geography-and-the-environment? wssl=1
2) M.Sc in Water Science and Governance at Kings College London
For details visit: https:// www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught-
courses/water-science-and-governance-msc.aspx
3) M.Sc in Water Science and Management at Utrecht University- Netherlands
For details visit: https:// www.uu.nl/masters/en/water-science-and-management
4) M.S.Programme in Water Science and Policy at University of Delaware-
United States.
For details visit: http:// www1.udel.edu/ waterscience policy/courses.html
5) M.Sc. in Sustainable Water Management at Tufts University- Massachusetts,
United States
For details visit: http://swm.tufts.edu/
The Author is Science Communicator and Science Policy Researcher based
in New Delhi.

What is Hydraulic engineering? Hydraulic engineering is a sub-discipline of


Civil Engineering. It deals with the flow of fluid, typically water and sewage
conduits and uses the force of gravity for the movement of the same. It is used
extensively in the construction of dams, bridges, canal, sewers etc. Hydraulic
engineering uses fluid mechanics as its foundation, to deal with problems of
collection, storage, segregation, measurement, transport, control and use of
water.

Read more at: https://www.careerindia.com/courses/unique-courses/career-


opportunities-hydraulic-engineering-020006.html
History of Hydraulic Engineering The focus on such an interesting area started
in the ancient era itself. The early use of hydraulic engineering was used in
many civilizations for the transport of water for irrigation methods. Ancient
China used the knowledge to lock the ships out their ports. In Africa, the Somali
Ajuarn Empire monopolized the water resources through hydraulic engineering
and constructed structures that are still functional today.

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opportunities-hydraulic-engineering-020006.html
Since those times, hydraulic engineering has been of high importance to the
mankind. The use of gravity to move liquids by canals is still prevalent, but with
the addition of technological advancements.

Read more at: https://www.careerindia.com/courses/unique-courses/career-


opportunities-hydraulic-engineering-020006.html
How to become a Hydraulics Engineer Initially one has to attain a high school
diploma with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as their major subjects.
Following which an aspirant is expected to take up their bachelors in Civil
Engineering. Several institutes provide a specialization in Hydraulics in
undergraduate level, but these are mostly available abroad. A Master degree is
required in the field of hydraulics, which will give the aspirant a more clear
view of the field that they will be working on. The aspirant can continue their
studies in the field of hydraulics and get their post-doctoral degree and continue
with research. It is advised to get an apprenticeship or an internship with an
organization or a company that deals with hydraulics for a better experience and
a higher chance of employability in the future

Read more at: https://www.careerindia.com/courses/unique-courses/career-


opportunities-hydraulic-engineering-020006.html
Job Opportunities in Hydraulic Engineering As a Hydraulic Engineer, one will
focus on the building of dams, hydro-electric power development, water
distribution networks, water collection networks, sewage collection, sediment
transport and many other projects that involve transportation and Geotechnical
Engineering. In the past few decade, there is an increase in the need for
hydraulic engineers with respect to the ascending requirement for environment
conservation. The effects of climate change and global warming can be seen in
the day to day life, in catastrophic measures. In this area of work, engineers
form plans to preserve the natural environment and save the people, property,
flora and fauna from the increasing damage. Research in the field of hydraulic
engineering is also an area of interest. Fluid mechanics and fluid dynamics are
extensively used in various other disciplines of engineering such as flood
mapping, shoreline management, coastal protection etc.
Read more at: https://www.careerindia.com/courses/unique-courses/career-
opportunities-hydraulic-engineering-020006.html
What will you be doing? A Hydraulic engineer has very important role to play
when it comes to the management and development of water resources. Small
and big companies and government jobs are easily available to hydraulic
engineers. In government jobs, on all levels, there is a need for hydraulic
engineers. There are many projects related to the construction of dams and
reservoirs that are always underway. In such projects, engineers are always
required. Also Read: Photonics: Lighting a New Pathway in Engineering Salary
of a Hydraulic Engineer The average pay of a Hydraulic Engineer is $33,858 -
$96,869 per annum, according to PayScale. A Hydraulic Engineer earns an
average salary of Rs 252,699 per year in India. The salary of this job rises
steadily for more experienced workers but goes down significantly for the few
employees with more than 20 years' experience. It is seen after ten years of
experience most professionals change their jobs.

Read more at: https://www.careerindia.com/courses/unique-courses/career-


opportunities-hydraulic-engineering-020006.html
Top Institutes around the world offering Hydraulic Engineering Newcastle
University, UK University of Arizona, USA UNESCO-HE Institute for Water
Education, Netherlands National Fluid Power Center, UK Victoria University,
Australia

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opportunities-hydraulic-engineering-020006.html

What is a Water Resource Engineer?

Water Resource Engineers develop new equipment and systems for water
resource management facilities across the United States. The systems that Water
Resource Engineers create ensure that citizens are provided with a continuous
supply of clean, uncontaminated water for drinking, living, and recreational
purposes. Water Resource Engineers not only design these water management
systems, but often oversee the construction and maintenance of these systems as
well. An increasing population and continuous need for more water stimulates
this fast-growing industry. A Bachelor's degree and official certification are
required to pursue this career, though many Water Resource Engineers also go
on to pursue their Masters Degrees.

What Does a Water Resource Engineer Do?

Water Resource Engineering is a specific kind of civil engineering that involves


the design of new systems and equipment that help manage human water
resources. Some of the areas Water Resource Engineers touch on are water
treatment facilities, underground wells, and natural springs.

Water Resource Engineers must create new equipment and systems to increase
the effectiveness and efficiency of water treatment and aquatic resource
management. A typical workday involves the analysis of data from relevant
areas, then designing new or improved facilities to enhance the cleansing effects
of the water treatment system. A Water Resource Engineer must take budgetary
constraints, government regulations, and other factors into consideration when
designing these systems. A Water Resource Engineer may then oversee the
construction and implementation of these systems to ensure that they are
properly assembled. After completion, they may manage the maintenance of
these systems.

Where Does a Water Resource Engineer Work?

Water Resource Engineers spend most of their time in an office looking over
data and designing new water resource management systems. However, part of
the work day may be spent at construction sites, allowing the Engineer to
oversee the construction of their designs. They may also find themselves in
more industrial environments when supervising maintenance on advanced
equipment. Some Water Resource Engineers choose to travel abroad to
participate in large engineering projects.

Most Water Resource Engineers work full-time, with many putting in more than
40 hours a week. This extra time allows them to properly oversee projects and
assure that everything is running smoothly.

What Is the Average Water Resource Engineer's Salary?

Water Resource Engineers make an average of $79,340 a year. The lowest 10%
make around $51,280, while the highest 10% earned around $122,020. Many
Water Resource Engineers work for the government at the federal, state, and
local levels, while others work at engineering firms and nonresidential
construction companies.

What Is the Job Demand for Water Resource Engineers?

The number of open positions for Water Resource Engineers is projected to


grow 20% in the next 10 years, which is faster than average. Infrastructures are
constantly aging, requiring repair and rebuilding. In addition, a growing
population and continual strain placed on our water resources will demand more
Water Resource Engineers to create new and more efficient systems.

What Are the Education Requirements to Become a Water Resource Engineer?

ater Resource Engineers are expected to obtain a Bachelor's degree at minimum.


Some states also demand that you attend an ABET-accredited program to help
with the licensure process, a requirement for all engineers.

Obtaining licensure usually involves passing the Fundamentals of Engineering


(FE) Exam, then becoming a Civil Engineering (CE) Intern or an Engineer-in-
Training (EIT) for a designated amount of time. The exact requirements for
obtaining licensure vary from state to state.

Many Water Resource Engineers go on to pursue their Masters Degrees. In fact,


one in five Civil Engineers pursue higher education. This not only increases
chance of hire, but also increases the possibility of landing a higher-paying
management position.

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