Blog Layout

The Future of Water Resources

Feb 13, 2024

Water availability and accessibility is essential for a wide range of people and industries, and Envireau Water takes pride in fulfilling a crucial role in delivering both technical and regulatory water resources solutions for our clients for the past 25 years – and counting!


We asked our Senior Water Resources Specialist Harriet Robson for her take on the water industry, namely the importance of water resources, her role and how it has progressed, challenges currently facing the industry, and the future implications/considerations in the way we manage and regulate water resources for our clients.



Here’s what she had to say…



What is your job role at Envireau Water and how has your professional journey progressed?


‘I joined Envireau Water in 2022, driven by the prospect of providing water resources solutions to a diverse client base. My role involves a mix of project management and technical work related to the management and regulation of water resources, whilst also ensuring that the needs of the environment and other water users are protected.


Prior to this, my first job as a Hydrologist was with Mott Macdonald where I developed a particular interest in the Water Resources Management Plan process and the role of a Water Resources Team within a Water Company.


This interest led me to join Essex and Suffolk Water in 2017, where I was responsible for the operational and regulatory management of the company’s surface water resources, which involved monitoring hydrometric data, liaising with the Environment Agency, and ensuring the appropriate use of water resources. I experienced numerous amazing opportunities, including contributing to the production of the 2019 Water Resources Management Plan, 2022 Drought Plan as well as the opportunity to chair the Supply Task & Finish Group for Water Resources East.’


What does a typical day look like?


‘My role is mostly desk-based; however, I do get out of the office to conduct site visits, meet with clients, and attend industry workshops and conferences. 

 

My projects are varied; I can go from compiling an abstraction licence application for a farming business, to carrying out water resources modelling for a water company, to water quality analysis and discharge permitting for a quarry, sometimes all within the same day! This work generally involves the production of application packs, technical notes, and reports to deliver solutions for regulating or managing water resources.’


What is your favourite part of the job?


‘My favourite part of the job is the variety of projects and sectors that we get involved with and having the opportunity to build a wide network of clients, regulators, and stakeholders within the water resources community. No two weeks are the same!'

What is your biggest achievement to date?


‘My biggest achievement was becoming a Chartered Water and Environmental Manager through CIWEM in 2023, which I had been working towards throughout my career to date. The wide variety of technical work and project management that I have been involved in whilst at Envireau Water allowed me to build an extensive evidence base and demonstrate my career development and competency as a professional of the water and environment sector.’


What challenges do you think the industry may face in the future?

 

‘The anticipated change in climate and weather patterns does present a challenge for managing water resources. The timing and way that we abstract, store, use and discharge water is going to have to adapt, and pressure on the regulators will also continue, due to under-staffing and tightening regulations.

 

Therefore, there is going to be a growing requirement for good water resources consultants to deliver increasingly innovative techniques and solutions to support the management and regulation of water resources.’



As Harriet mentioned, navigating the future of Water Resources Management may pose its challenges, but working at Envireau Water and being part of the solution is both exciting and fulfilling, knowing your efforts not only offer innovative solutions for your client’s water-related challenges, but also positively influences the environment and local communities.


Is Harriet’s job something you’d find exciting? You’re in luck!


We are currently looking for a Water Resources Consultant to join our friendly team of experts.


Check out our Careers Page to find out more and how to apply.


Share

By Rachael Plant 24 Apr, 2024
We have offices in Scotland, Derbyshire and North Yorkshire but there is one place that's been on our list for many years… Shrewsbury! Known to many as the ‘Hub of Hydrogeology’, it's only fitting that Envireau Water join the fold. Last week, we had the pleasure of celebrating the official launch of our new office with key individuals who have played pivotal roles in our expansion into Shrewsbury and fellow professionals from the local community. Dr Phil Ham , our managing director, commented, "We were thrilled to celebrate our launch with friends old and new. It's safe to say our team felt right at home, and were welcomed warmly into what can only be described as a thriving community of hydrogeologists.
By Rachael Plant 09 Apr, 2024
We’re always excited to see our team grow, and we are pleased to welcome Sophie to the team. Sophie has joined the Scottish office, where she will begin her career as a Water Resources Consultant, working closely with our Senior Water Resources Specialist Harriet Robson and Principal Water Resources Specialist Tamsin Morey . Before joining us, Sophie completed an MSc in Environmental Technology with Integrated Water Management from Imperial College London, after completing a BSc in Physical Geography from the University of Edinburgh. During her master’s degree, she worked alongside Anglian Water as part of the Innovation Research Team where she was involved in several projects, including a nitrous oxide mitigation and modelling project at a water recycling plant. As a Water Resources Consultant, Sophie will be part of a range of projects involving water supply assessments, environmental permitting, water/nutrient neutrality strategies, data analysis and the delivery of reports to clients. Since joining the team, she has already been getting stuck into working on application packs and abstraction letters across a range of sectors.
By Lauren Moore 22 Mar, 2024
Water is a critical resource which needs careful management to achieve the right balance between the needs of the environment, people, and businesses. It forms the basis of sustainable development of societies worldwide, playing a vital role within energy, health, and food sectors as well as biodiversity conservation. However, communities around the world continue to face severe water scarcity, with the growing threats of population growth and climate change on our water supplies holding the potential to spark increasing global and local tension. So, what does it mean to be a good ‘water steward’? Water stewardship is more than just complying with local regulatory requirements and protecting your water supply. It requires a much wider understanding of the impacts of your water use, at both a site and catchment scale, and working collaboratively not only with regulators but with all stakeholders to address shared water challenges. This all starts by adopting the mindset that your water supply is just one small part of a much larger cycle.
Show More
By Rachael Plant 24 Apr, 2024
We have offices in Scotland, Derbyshire and North Yorkshire but there is one place that's been on our list for many years… Shrewsbury! Known to many as the ‘Hub of Hydrogeology’, it's only fitting that Envireau Water join the fold. Last week, we had the pleasure of celebrating the official launch of our new office with key individuals who have played pivotal roles in our expansion into Shrewsbury and fellow professionals from the local community. Dr Phil Ham , our managing director, commented, "We were thrilled to celebrate our launch with friends old and new. It's safe to say our team felt right at home, and were welcomed warmly into what can only be described as a thriving community of hydrogeologists.
By Rachael Plant 09 Apr, 2024
We’re always excited to see our team grow, and we are pleased to welcome Sophie to the team. Sophie has joined the Scottish office, where she will begin her career as a Water Resources Consultant, working closely with our Senior Water Resources Specialist Harriet Robson and Principal Water Resources Specialist Tamsin Morey . Before joining us, Sophie completed an MSc in Environmental Technology with Integrated Water Management from Imperial College London, after completing a BSc in Physical Geography from the University of Edinburgh. During her master’s degree, she worked alongside Anglian Water as part of the Innovation Research Team where she was involved in several projects, including a nitrous oxide mitigation and modelling project at a water recycling plant. As a Water Resources Consultant, Sophie will be part of a range of projects involving water supply assessments, environmental permitting, water/nutrient neutrality strategies, data analysis and the delivery of reports to clients. Since joining the team, she has already been getting stuck into working on application packs and abstraction letters across a range of sectors.
By Lauren Moore 22 Mar, 2024
Water is a critical resource which needs careful management to achieve the right balance between the needs of the environment, people, and businesses. It forms the basis of sustainable development of societies worldwide, playing a vital role within energy, health, and food sectors as well as biodiversity conservation. However, communities around the world continue to face severe water scarcity, with the growing threats of population growth and climate change on our water supplies holding the potential to spark increasing global and local tension. So, what does it mean to be a good ‘water steward’? Water stewardship is more than just complying with local regulatory requirements and protecting your water supply. It requires a much wider understanding of the impacts of your water use, at both a site and catchment scale, and working collaboratively not only with regulators but with all stakeholders to address shared water challenges. This all starts by adopting the mindset that your water supply is just one small part of a much larger cycle.
By Rachael Plant 26 Feb, 2024
Our team just keeps on growing and we are delighted to welcome David Banks as our newest member! Bringing a wealth of experience and expertise, nationally and internationally recognised David Banks joins the Envireau team as a Principal Hydrogeologist. We asked him about his impressive career: Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to join our team? 'I began my career with Thames Water as an Assistant Hydrogeologist in 1985 where I gained experience with Chalk hydrogeology, drilling, test pumping and geophysical logging, before working for the National Rivers Authority. Following this, I spent 6 years in Trondheim in Norway as a Hydrogeologist, before eventually becoming Head of Geochemistry and Hydrogeology. Whilst in Norway, I discovered the world of ground source heat pumps and thermogeology. On returning from Norway, I started working as an independent consultant and promoting heat pumps in the UK, before registering Holymoor Consultancy Ltd in 2008.
Show More
Share by: