The Future of Water Resources

February 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.


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