As a water scarce country that experiences high variability in rainfall, both geographically and seasonally, water is a premium resource in South Africa. Sufficient availability and access to quality water is exacerbated by climate change, and resultant droughts and floods, with many parts of South Africa experiencing severe ecological, economic and livelihood impacts. Effective water resource management can help plan, develop and manage strategies for the optimum use of water resources.
Water resource managers consult with water quality analysts, engineers and other professionals to develop water resource protection plans. They work in an office environment and occasionally go into the field to collect specific data or make observations.
Water resource managers need a solid understanding of hydrological processes and water quality standards and experience in implementing water programmes, coupled with:
Oversee investigations of water quality, storage and compliance
Create and implement water monitoring and assessment methods
Develop strategies and opportunities for water resource improvements
Advise on the development or implementation of varied water programmes
B.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc. in Hydrology at NWU, UKZN, Univen and Unizulu
B.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc. in Environmental Science specialising in Water Science at NWU, RU, UJ, UMP, UP and Wits
B.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc. in Environmental and Water Science at UWC
B.Sc. in Hydrology and Water Resources Management at CUT
M.Sc. in Water Resource Management at UP
Diploma, Advanced Diploma, M.Tech in Water Science and Technology at TUT
National, provincial and local government.
Catchment management and other local water management agencies.
Water utility companies.
Private consultancies.
