insights Why there is a demand for water treatment jobs in India

Water scarcity in India is an ongoing epidemic that affects millions of people on a daily basis—with a huge portion of its 1.4 billion people unable to access safe, clean drinking water.

It is no secret that the scarcity of clean water in India is at crisis level and that the need for water treatment professionals can’t be overstated. Changes to government policies alongside increased foreign direct investment (FDI) have set the stage for a boom, as far as water treatment goes.

Here at AtkinsRéalis, we offer inclusive opportunities in water treatment across India—in roles spanning wastewater management to coastal engineering.

For professionals who are passionate about creating social impact, contributing to meaningful projects, and harnessing the potential of cutting-edge technology, a career in water engineering in India is a path worth exploring. 

If you’re curious about how you could play a professional role in combating India’s water challenges, let us take you through some of the key considerations.

Main influences on water treatment jobs in India

Rising water scarcity

India is the second most populous country with a national population that is continuing to rise. It comes as no great surprise to learn that population concerns make up one of the biggest challenges to water sustainability.

Decades of overpumping groundwater have left India’s freshwater supply depleted and contaminated, impacting health, economies, and civil peace.

Meanwhile, there isn’t a single city in India that can provide clean, potable tap water to its residents. The effects of this singular truth are profound and wide-reaching, from the forced closure of manufacturing firms to hundreds of children dying from exposure to dirty water every day.

Undoubtedly, India’s need for effective water treatment solutions is higher than ever, and qualified water engineers are in incredibly high demand.

Environmental concerns and regulations

Many of the country’s rivers are polluted to hazardous levels, processing of sewage is non-existent in many areas, and a vast majority of farmlands go without proper irrigation or water management systems—a situation that is unsustainable at best and fatal at worst.

India’s stance on environmental issues has, historically, left much to be desired—however, recent developments in policy, funding, and education have contributed to a much more robust awareness of environmental issues.

There are deafening calls for stricter regulations governing water quality standards, which is driving the demand for water treatment professionals higher still. 

More and more companies, municipal governments, and organizations are becoming concerned with meeting compliance standards and contributing to sustainable water management practices. This, once again, results in an increased availability of water-related jobs in India.

Infrastructure development

Although India’s water scarcity situation can read as very bleak, there is light on the horizon. Across the country, there is an enormous uptake in infrastructure projects pertaining to water treatment—from desalination plants to sewage processing, water recycling to technology-based solutions.

For example, the United Nations spearheaded Project Jal Prabal, which aims to bring 55 liters of clean water to each rural household across India every day through the installation of functional household tap connections (FHTCs).

Meanwhile, the initiative Bhungroo is a World Bank-backed rainwater harvesting technology developed by an Indian organization, which prevents waterlogging and provides irrigation for farmland all over India.

Water treatment jobs in India may also be comprised of an educational element. Hand-in-hand with the infrastructural developments come educational initiatives, like those that teach farmers how to employ drip irrigation systems and rainwater harvesting. 

Discover water treatment jobs in India

As a leading engineering firm with a focus on sustainable innovation, there are ample opportunities for environmentally-minded, innovative professionals looking to be involved in cutting-edge water treatment projects.

If this sounds like you, take the next step by exploring water engineering career opportunities with AtkinsRéalis and find out how you could make a difference in solving India’s water challenges.