You drink it, wash in it, swim in it, boil it - so what are we talking about? WATER, of course!
The UK water industry is internationally respected. This multimillion pound industry employs over 166,000 people and anybody entering the sector can be confident they will be working in a world class industry.
The industry has an on-going programme of construction, operation and maintenance of the water and waste water infrastructure.
The daily supply of drinking water is constantly maintained to ensure the water we drink is clean and safe.
Its not only the clean water thats important its the dirty water too - the industry makes sure that there is a sustainable process for the disposal if waste water.
Waste Water
Waste water (sewage) leaves homes and businesses and is carried by pipes (the sewerage system) to sewage treatment works, where harmful substances are removed from the dirty water.
Water Distribution
Purified water is pumped from the water treatment works, through the water mains to houses and industries.
What do water companies do?
The water companies take water from rivers, boreholes and springs and collect it in man-made reservoirs. They then treat it and distribute it to homes and businesses via an underground network of pipes. Some of water companies only supply water which means that they are responsible for supply, treatment and distribution.
Others also supply waste water services so are responsible for sewerage services and are involved with international operations, environmental consultancy and the design of new systems and plant.
Contractors
In addition to the main water companies the industry uses contractors to carry out many activities including maintenance and renewal of the whole of the water supply system.
Click the links below to find out more about this forward thinking and dynamic industry:
What jobs are available in the water industry?
What Apprenticeships are available?
