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How to Become a Water/Wastewater Engineer?

Explore the path to becoming a WasteWater Engineer, from education and skills to career growth and opportunities in this crucial environmental field

Published By Team SetMyCareer
Last Updated: 25 September 2024
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In this Career Outline


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Introduction to Water/Wastewater Engineer

"Wastewater Engineers turn the invisible into the essential, making sustainability flow through our cities." – Sarah Jenkins

Water/Wastewater Engineers plan or supervise schemes concerning the supply of drinkable water, the treatment of wastewater and polluted water, or the mitigation of flood destruction. Prepare ecological documentary evidence for water supplies, complying with administrative programs, database maintenance and interpretation, and field research. Hydraulic modeling and reservoir design are needed. They also lead or supervise novice workers, electronics or computer-aided design (CAD) technicians, or other professional staff.


Steps to Become a Water/Wastewater Engineer:

Step-1

Wastewater Engineers work on designing and managing systems for water treatment, controlling pollution, and ensuring the safe disposal of wastewater. Having a solid understanding of their responsibilities is the first step.

Step-2

A degree in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Chemical Engineering is typically required for this role. Courses in water management and environmental protection are essential.

Step-3

Internships or entry-level jobs in environmental engineering firms or public utilities will provide you with hands-on experience in wastewater treatment projects.

Step-4

Some professionals pursue postgraduate degrees in Environmental Engineering to deepen their expertise and qualify for higher-level positions.

Step-5

Certifications like the Professional Engineer (PE) license or specific certifications in water and wastewater treatment can boost your career.

Step-6

Environmental laws and water treatment technologies evolve. Continuing education and staying informed on new regulations are crucial for career advancement.

Step-7

Join professional organizations like the Water Environment Federation (WEF) to stay connected with industry trends, job opportunities, and peers.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria Description
Eligibility Must possess at least 50% aggregate marks in 12th grade from a recognized board (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc.).
Educational Background High school diploma or equivalent.
Undergraduate Degree Must earn a degree in B.Sc/B.Tech or a Diploma to become a Water/Wastewater Engineer.
Postgraduate Degree An M.Tech in Water/Wastewater Engineering can enhance prospects for higher degrees and better learning.
Entrance Exams Should procure a valid score in entrance exams such as JEE-MAINS, CET, VITEEE, JEE-Advanced, etc. Colleges may have their own exams if needed.

  • Must possess at least 50% aggregate from a recognized institution in 12th, from any board PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc.
  • Should procure a valid score in entrance exams after 12th such as JEE-MAINS/CET/VITEEE/JEE-Advanced, etc.
  • One must earn a degree in B.Sc/B.Tech or a Diploma to become a Water/Wastewater Engineer.
  • An M.Tech in Water/Wastewater Engineering can also prove to be helpful while looking for a higher degree and better learning.
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Tasks to perform as a Water/Wastewater Engineer:

Conduct hydraulic assessments of water guidance structures or water delivery channels to design flow patterns, monitor for pressure drops, or find ways to reduce risks and increase operating performance.

Develop cost-effective assessments for the design of water distribution facilities, drainage management structures, water and wastewater processing facilities, or stormwater drainage frameworks.

Investigate and propose wastewater management systems such as chemical, microbial, or other approaches to manage water for commercial or residential consumption.

Supervise the creation of decentralized or on-site sewerage management schemes, particularly treated water services.

Create scientific papers or scientific papers on the production of water supply or the quality of water usage.

Knowledge & Skills Required

Water/Wastewater Engineers must possess a wide array of skills to succeed in their careers. Here are the key knowledge areas and skills needed to excel in this field:

Knowledge Required
Understanding of water properties and contamination levels. Familiarity with local and global water treatment standards.
Knowledge of how water moves through systems. Practices for conserving and reusing water.
Expertise in constructing treatment plants and facilities. Understanding of biological processes in water treatment.
Skills Required
Problem-Solving Analytical Thinking
Project Management Technical Proficiency
Communication Attention to Detail

Understanding What are soft skills? and why is it important,as they complement technical abilities and enhance overall performance in the field of Water/Wastewater Engineer.

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Job roles offered for a Water/Wastewater Engineer:

Once you become a Water/Wastewater Engineer, various career paths open up:

Dimensional Engineer:

They ensure products are built to precise dimensions, requiring strong numerical skills, particularly in geometry. Their main role involves using math and scientific principles to assess manufacturing readiness.

Program Manager:

Acting as a liaison among different programs, program managers ensure alignment with corporate strategy. They oversee schedules, resources, and performance across projects but are less focused on specific tasks than project managers.

Principal Developer:

Responsible for strategic business management, principal developers enhance client engagement and team efficiency, directly impacting account success and company growth.

Design Engineer:

They design and test new technologies and improve existing products for efficiency and effectiveness, working across various industries, including consumer electronics and automotive.

Watershed Manager:

They design and implement water resource management programs, focusing on water and sewage systems, flood control policies, and ensuring access to clean water while collaborating with other experts.

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Not sure where you fit in?


With the wide variety of careers and job roles available, pinpointing the best option for you can be challenging. Thorough analysis and dedicated sessions can provide clarity on what to study, which industry and role to pursue, and the most suitable career path to follow.

Career Opportunities for a Water/Wastewater Engineer:

Water/Wastewater Engineers can opt for various fields of work in the companies listed below:

E I Technologies Pvt. Ltd. European Staff Netherlands B.V. Mott MacDonald.
SUEZ's Water Technology Atkins Ramboll Pentair
Water and Power Consultancy Services Limited (WAPCOS) Ministry Of Water Resources, Delhi Almondz Global Infra-Consultant Limited

Colleges offering courses for Water/Wastewater Engineer:

Here is the list of colleges offering the Best courses after 12th:

Vishwakarma University, Pune Agrawal PG College, Jaipur
Academy of Water Technology and Environment Management, Kolkata Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture Technology and Science, Allahabad
Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee
Vaugh Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Allahabad Central Institute of Technology, Kokrajhar
Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Tuljapur

End Note

Becoming a Water/Wastewater Engineer is not only a fulfilling career but a vital one in today’s world. If you’re ready to embark on a journey that combines engineering with environmental stewardship, this career is for you. SetMyCareer is here to guide you through Career counselling after graduation along with your career path. Reach out to us to get expert advice and start shaping your future today!