Water resources engineers work as designers, planners and managers for consulting firms, municipalities and cities, irrigation districts, equipment manufacturers and land development companies. They also work as researchers for research institutions and provincial, federal and international agencies.

They design the water treatment, distribution and drainage systems that helps preserve water quantity and quality for home, industrial and agricultural purposes around the world. They also design and plan systems to safely dispose of wastewater so that our drinking water doesn't become polluted.

Some work for charities in developing countries or after disasters to restore water supply and waste disposal systems.