It’s the source of all life, isn’t it?! Yep, water is just a tiny bit important to our existence! Consequently, the responsibilities of the people that work in this industry are pretty huge.
These guys might work for regulated water utility companies, non-regulated equivalents and water suppliers, such as manufacturing companies.
The water industry accounts for over 160,000 jobs in the UK and these people are entrusted with delivering fresh drinking water to every home in the country, each and every day.
Furthermore, without water, you wouldn’t be able to flush your toilet or take a shower. Indeed, the nation’s sanitation is entirely dependent on the water utilities industry. Unfortunately, though, there is no such thing as a magic water tap that produces water from nowhere. The processes required to get water into your house are both extensive and complicated.
How does water get from nature to our households?
Firstly, water companies extract water from various springs and rivers and feed it into reservoirs. Here the water is treated so that it becomes fit for public consumption. Following this, it is then transferred through a vast network of pipes to the end user.
Along this journey, a variety of professions are required to deliver a service in which quality absolutely cannot be compromised. Whether you are a quality sampling officer, a network, leakage or sewage operative or a mechanical technician, you will be entrusted with preventing the UK from becoming parched!
The water industry is concerned with the transportation of water from the source to the treatment works and finally to the end user. It doesn’t end there though. Dirty water needs to be disposed of, collected and treated once again.
What professions are employed by the water industry?
Given the UK’s reliance on a huge network of pipes throughout this process, many professions are focused on ensuring that this expansive system is kept fully functional.
The leakage operative, as you may have guessed, is responsible for ensuring that the cracks which emerge in damaged pipes receive immediate attention, so that the water distribution network is not affected. Network operatives are similarly responsible for ensuring that the vast maze of pipes is kept up-to-date and forever in action.
When it comes to treatment works, mechanical technicians and quality sampling officers rule the roost.
Technicians are responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of the facilities and the safety of the whole process. Quality sampling officers monitor the quality of the drinking water all over the country, turning on taps everywhere to ensure that the water meets the guidelines set.
So, I think you’ll agree that the water utilities industry is pretty important. If you’re interested in keeping things flowing smoothly then a career in water utilities could be right up your waterway!