Water scarcity is now recognized as one of the most pressing global challenges of the 21st century. Climate change, population growth, urbanization, and industrial expansion have intensified pressure on already limited freshwater resources, particularly in water-stressed regions such as the Mediterranean and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) [1,2]. According to UNESCO, more than two-thirds of the global population experience water scarcity for at least one month per year, with projections indicating further deterioration under current climate scenarios [1].
Within this context, the role of the water engineer has fundamentally evolved. Beyond the design and operation of treatment plants and hydraulic infrastructure, water engineers are increasingly expected to integrate energy efficiency, digitalization, environmental protection, and risk management into their decision-making processes [3]. This evolution places engineering education and professional training at the core of national water security strategies.
Water Security as a Strategic National Issue
Drivers of Water Stress
The intensification of water stress is driven by several interconnected factors:
- Increased climate variability and frequency of extreme events such as droughts and heatwaves [2];
- Overexploitation and contamination of groundwater resources [4];
- Rapid demographic growth and urban concentration in coastal areas;
- Rising industrial and agricultural water demand.
These pressures directly affect public health, food production, industrial continuity, and social stability, making water security a matter of national strategic importance [5].
The Strategic Role of the Water Engineer
In this framework, water engineers are no longer limited to technical execution. They are required to contribute to:
- Long-term water planning and infrastructure resilience;
- Optimization of water–energy systems;
- Compliance with international water quality and safety standards;
- Crisis management and adaptive strategies.
As such, the water engineer becomes a key actor in ensuring national sovereignty and sustainable development [6].
Core Competencies for Modern Water Engineers
Technical Foundations
A strong technical background remains essential, particularly in:
- Pretreatment processes and conventional water treatment;
- Membrane-based technologies such as ultrafiltration (UF), reverse osmosis (RO), and membrane bioreactors (MBR);
- Hydraulics, mass balances, and wastewater treatment;
- Membrane fouling mechanisms and performance indicators [7].
Systemic and Energy-Oriented Thinking
Water treatment and desalination systems are among the most energy-intensive infrastructures. Engineers must therefore master:
- Water–energy nexus concepts;
- Specific energy consumption (SEC) analysis;
- Process efficiency and lifecycle performance assessment;
- Trade-offs between recovery rates, energy use, and system reliability [6,8].
Digitalization and Intelligent Tools
The rapid digital transformation of the water sector has introduced new tools and methodologies, including:
- Process simulation and design software;
- Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time monitoring;
- Artificial intelligence for predictive maintenance and optimization;
- Digital twins for system diagnosis and performance forecasting [9].
These tools are increasingly central to modern water plant operation and optimization.
Field Experience and Communication Skills
Technical expertise alone is insufficient without a strong understanding of real operational conditions. Effective water engineers must:
- Diagnose system failures and performance losses on site;
- Understand operational constraints and maintenance challenges;
- Communicate clearly with operators, decision-makers, and stakeholders;
- Translate technical analyses into economically viable solutions.
Market Expectations and Professional Demand
The global water sector increasingly demands engineers capable of combining:
- System diagnostics and optimization;
- Energy efficiency and sustainability assessment;
- Knowledge of international standards (WHO, ISO, AWWA) [10];
- Project management and plant operation skills;
- Ability to work in international and multidisciplinary environments.
This convergence reflects the sector’s need for professionals who can bridge scientific rigor, innovation, and practical implementation
Desalination as a Strategic Growth Sector
Global and Regional Trends
Desalination, particularly seawater reverse osmosis, has become a structural component of water supply strategies in water-scarce regions. Global installed RO capacity continues to grow at an estimated annual rate of 6–8% [11]. Africa and the Middle East are witnessing rapid deployment of containerized desalination systems, while existing plants face increasing demand for membrane replacement and performance optimization.
Digitalization and Future Perspectives
The integration of artificial intelligence, digital twins, and advanced monitoring is accelerating the transition toward smart desalination plants [9,12]. These developments aim to reduce energy consumption, extend membrane lifetime, and improve operational reliability, positioning desalination as a cornerstone of climate adaptation strategies.
Education and Capacity Building: Becoming an Agent of Change
To effectively contribute to water security, future water engineers must:
- Understand local and regional water challenges;
- Engage in continuous professional development;
- Participate in international research and industrial collaborations;
- Contribute to large-scale projects in drinking water supply, desalination, and water reuse;
- Develop a long-term vision aligned with national sustainability objectives.
Human capital development in the water sector is therefore a strategic investment rather than a purely academic concern [1,5].
Conclusion
In an era of increasing water stress, the water engineer plays a central role in ensuring national stability, economic development, and environmental protection. This profession now requires a unique combination of technical expertise, systems thinking, digital competence, and field experience. Investing in the training of the next generation of water engineers is not optional—it is a strategic imperative for water-stressed regions seeking long-term resilience and sovereignty.
References
- UNESCO, World Water Development Report 2024: Water for a Sustainable Peace, UNESCO Publishing, Paris, 2024.
- IPCC, Climate Change 2023: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability, Cambridge University Press, 2023.
- Shannon M.A., et al., Science and technology for water purification in the coming decades, Nature, 2008, 452, 301–310.
- OECD, Water Security for Better Lives, OECD Publishing, Paris, 2021.
- World Bank, High and Dry: Climate Change, Water, and the Economy, World Bank, 2016.
- International Energy Agency (IEA), The Water–Energy Nexus, IEA Publications, 2023.
- Malaeb L., Ayoub G.M., Reverse osmosis technology for water treatment, Desalination, 2011, 267, 1–8.
- Elimelech M., Phillip W.A., The future of seawater desalination, Science, 2011, 333, 712–717.
- Li Z., Yang S., et al., Digital twins and AI-driven optimization in desalination plants, Water Research, 2023, 232, 119708.
- World Health Organization, Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality, 4th ed., WHO, Geneva, 2022.
- Ghaffour N., Missimer T.M., Amy G.L., Economics of desalination, Desalination, 2013, 309, 197–207.
- Voutchkov N., Desalination Project Cost Estimating and Management, McGraw-Hill, 2018.
