Billions of people worldwide lack access to clean water, and according to an assessment from the World Meteorological Organization, approximately two-thirds of the world’s population will face water shortages by 2050.
U.S. drinking water is among the safest and most reliable in the world, but aging infrastructure has caused many Americans to lack access to clean and affordable water. According to the EPA, the U.S. loses approximately 2.1 trillion gallons of treated water annually due to leaks, and this factor, coupled with growing demand and droughts, will debilitate industries that depend on water, including agriculture and power generation.
These factors have led to the development of a new industry, smart water technologies, which relies on hardware, software, and analytics to help water supply and wastewater facilities solve problems through automation, data collection, and analysis methods. The global smart water management market size is projected to increase from USD16.6 billion to USD 28.2B by 2028 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.3 percent.
Smart water technologies can contribute to economic and planet health via significant water conservation and efficiency, cost savings, improved water quality, a more proactive response to climate change, and greater compliance with government regulations.
The predicted industry growth will require talent to support new technology development, implementation, management, and maintenance. Some of the tools being developed include:
IoT-Enabled Smart Meters and Sensors
This technology monitors water usage, spots leaks, and provides real-time data. Cities like Singapore have introduced smart meters that help reduce non-revenue water losses and improve water conservation efforts.
AI and Machine Learning in Water Management
AI-powered analytics can project water demand, optimize distribution, and identify disparities in usage patterns. Machine learning algorithms can also predict droughts and floods to maximize resource allocation.
Automated Leak Detection Systems
Advanced leak detection systems use AI, satellite imaging, and acoustic sensors to diagnose pipeline leaks. The city of London has used satellite technology to detect leaks, eliminating 10% of water loss.
Smart Irrigation Systems
Agriculture consumes approximately 70% of global freshwater resources. Smart irrigation systems use soil moisture sensors and weather data to optimize watering schedules, decreasing unnecessary water use. Adopting these systems has increased crop yields while trimming water consumption by 30% in some regions.
Digital Twin Technology
A digital twin is a virtual water infrastructure system model allowing real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance. Utilities in the Netherlands have implemented digital twins to improve water distribution efficiency and minimize disruptions.
The next generation of talent to fill these roles is likely to come from several engineering, technology, science, and urban planning disciplines, including environmental engineering, civil engineering with a water resources focus, hydrology and water resources science, environmental science, computer science with IoT and AI specializations, and smart cities or sustainable infrastructure programs. Educational programs that can help prepare those interested in a career in smart water include:
Undergraduate Programs:
- University of California, Berkeley – Environmental Engineering & Water Resources
- Delft University of Technology (Netherlands) – Civil Engineering with a Water Management focus
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – Environmental Engineering & Sustainability
- University of Queensland (Australia) – Civil and Environmental Engineering
- ETH Zurich (Switzerland) – Environmental Engineering
Graduate Programs
- Cornell University, Environmental and Water Resource Engineering
- University of Illinois, Energy-Water-Environment Sustainability Program
- Hof University (Germany), Master of Engineering, Sustainable Water Management and Engineering
Certifications & Continuing Education
- London School of International Business, Professional Certificate in IoT Smart Water Management
- ITU Academy, Building IoT Solutions for Energy and Water Resource Management
- SkiFi Labs Smart Water Monitoring using IoT
- Coursera, IoT Courses
Human Capital Solutions’ Industrials Executive Recruiting Practice supports water infrastructure clients and understands the evolving talent needs that will be critical to addressing aging infrastructure, water safety, clean water access, and climate-related challenges. We are actively involved as participants, experts, and sponsors of leading water industry conferences, including the Sciens Water Conference in 2024.
About Human Capital Solutions
Human Capital Solutions (HCS) is a high-touch, boutique consulting firm specializing in Retained Executive Search, Professional Recruiting, and Professional Coaching. Our team of subject matter experts partners with organizations across the U.S. to engage and deploy human capital to achieve desired business outcomes. HCS specializes in Private Equity, Technology, Hospitality, Industrials, Life Sciences, and Healthcare executive search.