U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 1

Green Jobs: Water Conservation

September 2013

Careers in Water Conservation

James Hamilton

James Hamilton is an economist in the Office of 

Employment and Unemployment Statistics, BLS. 

James Hamilton is available at (202) 691-7877 or 

hamilton.james@bls.gov.

U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR ST

BLATSISTICS

 September 2013 — Report 12

Water is society’s most valuable resource. 

Without it, we cannot sustain life. Water is 

also important to the wildlife, including fish, 

migrating waterfowl, and other animal species, that need 

water to survive.

However, our supply of fresh water is limited. Fresh 

water makes up less than 3 percent of the water on the 

Earth’s surface, but most of this water is trapped in polar 

ice caps, glaciers, or located in very remote areas. This 

means humans have access to about 1 percent of the 

water on Earth.1 Water conservation pertains mostly to 

fresh water, because it is a limited resource. Although it 

is important to protect other types of water, fresh water is 

vital for civilization. Water conservation helps to ensure 

that available water supplies are used in the most efficient 

ways possible. Individuals and households can conserve 

water, as can businesses, and local, regional, and federal 

governments practice and encourage water conservation 

as well. Water conservation focuses on household, municipal, commercial, industrial, and agricultural water use. 

This report describes where water comes from in the 

first section, and explains what water conservation is in 

the second section, who has a role in conserving water 

in the third section, and how water is conserved in the 

fourth section. The fifth section profiles key occupations 

in water conservation. The information for each occupation includes a brief job description; the credentials 

needed to work in these occupations, such as education, 

training, certification, or licensure; and wage data.

Where does our water come 

from?

Fresh water comes from a variety of sources, and each of 

these sources provides only a limited amount of water. 
Green Jobs: Water Conservation

September 2013 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2

Water is collected from rivers, lakes, and streams or may 

come from an aquifer—an underground layer of water that 

is usually pumped to the surface through a well. After water is collected from the original source, it is transported 

through pipes or aqueducts to a reservoir, or it may flow 

directly into a water treatment plant where it is filtered and 

purified before use. After water is used, it is collected in 

sewers and is directed to a wastewater or sewage treatment plant, where it is again cleaned and purified before 

being released back into the environment or reclaimed for 

use in landscaping.

What is water conservation?

Water conservation focuses on limiting or decreasing total water use so that the rate at which water is used does 

not exceed the rate at which it is replenished. Conservation may also include finding new sources of water to 

meet current and growing demand. Factors affecting the 

demand for water include the size of the population and 

its growth, where people live, and household income.2

At least 36 states currently face water shortages.3

Increased population growth in dry areas of the United 

States, such as the southwest, has made water an increasingly scarce resource in those areas. As a household’s 

income grows, the household has greater personal 

demands for water, such as to maintain gardens, lawns, 

and swimming pools. Global climate change may pose 

even greater threats to our water supply. Global warming can affect water supply by causing moisture to 

evaporate from the soil. Because of this, some areas 

may experience more frequent and severe droughts in 

the future.4

There are many reasons to conserve water. Water 

conservation helps to ensure that there is enough water 

available to meet society’s needs, now and for future 

generations. Another reason is energy conservation; it 

takes a lot of energy to pump water from the source to 

the final user. 

Water conservation can also preserve natural habitats. Minimizing water use prevents these habitats from 

being damaged, either from a lack of water or from the 

need to build new dams and reservoirs. Building dams 

and reservoirs is expensive and can have an impact on 

the environment significantly. Because they impede 

natural water flows, dams and reservoirs change the 

temperature and mineral content of the water and block 

wildlife access to land or water.5 Man-made reservoirs 

also flood previously dry land, making it unavailable for 

any productive uses.
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Green Jobs: Water Conservation

September 2013

Conserving water also has financial benefits. Most 

households and businesses must pay a water bill, and 

that bill will be lower if they use less water. Households 

can save hundreds of dollars a year by using water more 

efficiently and large companies save much more by conserving water.6

Who has a role in water 

conservation?

Water conservation typically begins at the household 

level, with individuals and families conserving water by 

limiting the amount they use for daily activities. Businesses can also conserve water through techniques that 

vary based on the type of business. Agriculture is the 

largest user of water (crop irrigation accounts for 70 

percent of the world’s fresh water use), and improved irrigation and farming techniques play a large role in water 

conservation. Local or municipal water conservation is 

typically carried out by local utilities or governments. 

In addition, state and federal regulations are in place to 

conserve water. 

The average person uses about 80 to 100 gallons of 

water per day.7 This includes water for drinking and for 

other uses, such as bathing, washing hands, brushing 

teeth, washing dishes, doing laundry, flushing toilets, and 

watering plants and lawns. Household water conservation begins with individuals and families limiting their 

daily water use. They can conserve water by paying attention to the amount of water they use or by implementing water-saving technologies, such as low-flush toilets. 

Water conservation at the commercial and industrial 

level uses many technologies that are similar to those 

at the household level. Technologies increasingly being 

adopted for commercial use include water-saving sensors 

in kitchen and bathroom sinks, waterless urinals, waterless carwashes, and pressure washers.

In these settings, the amount of water used depends on 

the type of business. For example, restaurants typically use 
Green Jobs: Water Conservation

September 2013 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 4

large amounts of water for preparing food and cleaning. 

Most offices use relatively little water for daily operations. In addition, the type of business determines which 

water-saving technologies are most appropriate and 

effective. For example, hotels conserve a lot of water by 

not laundering towels and linens each day for guests who 

stay multiple days. Many hotels give guests the option to 

reuse these items instead of having them laundered each 

day.

Agriculture is the biggest user of water in the world, 

so finding ways to reduce the amount of water used for 

agriculture is important.8 Farmers and ranchers have a variety of methods for reducing agricultural water conservation. These include improved irrigation methods, choosing 

crops that require less water, and more efficient land use. 

For example, many farms have switched to overhead irrigation, which is more efficient than flood irrigation.

State, local, and federal governments all have a role 

in conserving water. In states with dry climates, such as 

California,9 state government programs help ensure that 

water is used wisely. Regulations or incentives at various 

government levels support water conservation, such as 

those for building codes that specify rules and rebates 

and for tax breaks with the purchase of water-saving 

plumbing fixtures or appliances.10 In addition, local 

utilities and municipal governments may promote water 

conservation by imposing restrictions on how water may 

be used, such as by prohibiting lawn watering or car 

washing during certain times of year or when the water 

supply is low. They may also use public outreach campaigns to encourage water conservation. Finally, some 

areas have tiered water rates—charging progressively 

higher prices as water use increases.

At the federal level, several laws pertain to water 

use. The Clean Water Act is one of the most important environmental laws in the United States. The Act 

regulates the types of chemicals and pollution and the 

amount of wastewater that can be released into rivers, 

lakes, streams, and aquifers. It also sets standards for 

wastewater treatment.11 By limiting water pollution, the 

Clean Water Act helps ensure that our water supplies are 

free from contamination and are available for use.
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Green Jobs: Water Conservation

September 2013

How is water conserved?

There are many technologies and methods to conserve 

water. Some of them are appropriate for individual 

households or businesses; others are suitable for largescale applications. There are also ways to use nonfreshwater sources, such as greywater and desalinated water, 

in place of fresh water.

Among the most effective technologies for water 

conservation are water-efficient plumbing fixtures and 

appliances. Low-flow aerators limit the amount of water 

coming out of a faucet by blocking a portion of the 

mouth of the faucet. The water that flows out of the faucet is separated into several different streams instead of a 

single, solid one. Some models add pressurized air to the 

stream of water, allowing the faucet to emit less water 

while maintaining high water pressure.12 Modern appliances—including dishwashers, water heaters, and washing machines—are designed with water conservation in 

mind. These appliances use significantly less water than 

older models. Moreover, replacing older appliances with 

newer, water-efficient ones greatly cuts down on cost 

and water use.

Water-efficient toilets are another effective way to 

reduce water consumption. Dual-flush toilets have two 

different settings: one for solid waste, the other for liquid 

waste. Older toilets use about 5 gallons of water for each 

flush, but new ones may use only 1.6 gallons per flush 

for solid waste and less than 1 gallon for liquid waste.13

Waterless urinals also save water.

Water that is not suitable for drinking may be used 

for other purposes, such as watering plants or flushing 

toilets. Known as greywater, this water is recycled from 

showers, bathroom sinks, washing machines, and drinking fountains. Rainwater can be collected as runoff and 

used for the same purposes as greywater. Plumbers must 

install additional pipes and storage tanks to keep greywater and rainwater separate from drinking water.

Wastewater—water that has already been used and 

collected through sewer systems—may be used for nondrinking purposes after being treated. This water, known 

as reclaimed water, is processed at a wastewater treatment 
Green Jobs: Water Conservation

September 2013 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 6

plant to remove contaminants. Often, reclaimed water 

is cleaner than drinking water, but it is almost always 

limited to use in landscaping. Many cities use reclaimed 

water to maintain parks, golf courses, and other outdoor 

facilities.

Households and businesses can look to green landscaping practices to cut down on their water use. Landscaping is water intensive, but a technique known as 

xeriscaping uses significantly less water than the amount 

required for traditional landscaping. Xeriscaping uses native plants that do not require as much water and minimizes the number of plants in a landscape. For example, 

a common practice in xeriscaping is replacing grass either 

with plants that do not need much water or with rock 

gardens. Xeriscaping may also use water-efficient sprinkler systems that operate at times other than peak sunlight 

hours to reduce evaporation.

Traditionally, farmland has been watered using flood 

irrigation, in which the entire field is immersed in water. 

This is often wasteful because some parts of a field 

may receive excess water, while other parts of the field 

receive sufficient water. Overhead irrigation—water that 

is sprayed onto plants from sprinklers—is a more direct 

way to deliver water to crops. Another method is drip 

irrigation, in which water is slowly piped into the soil 

around crops to minimize runoff and evaporation, but it 

is expensive and not suitable for large-scale farming. 

Often, upgrading existing irrigation systems can 

conserve large amounts of water. This can be done by 

creating dikes to prevent runoff and using soil moisture 

and rainfall sensors deliver water only when and where it 

is needed.

Another way of increasing the available water supply is to use desalination, the process of making fresh 

water out of salt water. Desalination would allow areas 

near the ocean to use the expansive supply of ocean water to meet their needs. However, desalination is energyintensive and expensive, so it is currently not practical 

for widespread use.
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Green Jobs: Water Conservation

September 2013

Water conservation occupations

Many different types of workers are involved in water 

conservation. Scientists may find new sources of water or 

find ways to use water more efficiently. Engineers design 

and develop new products and procedures for saving 

water. Planning and outreach workers ensure that communities and landscaped areas use water efficiently, and they 

educate people about water conservation. Construction 

and water operations workers implement water-saving 

devices and procedures. Agriculture and grounds maintenance workers help reduce the use of water for farming 

and landscaping.

Those who work in water conservation are employed within various industries, including federal, 

state, and local governments; utilities; construction; 

and agriculture, among others. However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not have a count 

of those who work solely in water conservation. 

Science occupations

Scientists who work in water conservation devise technical solutions for reducing water use and develop ways to 

tap into new sources of fresh water. They plan strategies 

to conserve water resources and ensure that water is used 

as efficiently as possible. Scientists are also involved in 

reducing water use and ensuring that our water is safe. 

They measure levels of pollution and chemical contamination. Some scientists are involved in preserving water 

ecosystems and habitats.

Scientists generally work as part of a team that includes other types of scientists, engineers, and science technicians. Science 

technicians work under the supervision 

of scientists and assist them in their 

duties. 

Scientists often work in an office or laboratory, and many spend 

time working outdoors. They may be 

employed by government agencies, 

universities, or private companies. 

Some scientists are hired as advisors 

for special projects.

Microbiologists work in laboratories 

studying water samples to ensure that 

the samples are free of harmful parasites, 

and that any microorganisms found in 

the water are not harmful to humans or the natural environment. Microbiologists study these microorganisms 

and their effects on the environment and human health. 

They may devise ways to remove harmful microorganisms from our drinking water, or use them clean up 

pollution. For example, oil spills are often treated with 

special microorganisms that break down the chemicals 

in the oil. Microorganisms such as bacteria and other 

parasites can pose health problems in humans. If water is not treated properly, large numbers of people can 

become infected. The water coming out of municipal 

water systems’ treatment plants must be free of harmful 

microorganisms. Treated wastewater must also be safe to 

release back into the natural environment.

Water conservationists are conservation scientists who 

give technical help to people concerned with the conservation of water. They help private landowners and 

governments by advising on water quality, preserving 

water supplies, preventing groundwater contamination, 

and conserving water.

Chemists analyze the chemicals found in water to make 

sure it is safe for use. Water may contain pollutants, such 

as fertilizers from farm runoff or industrial chemicals 

that have been released into the environment. In addition, 

water typically contains many dissolved minerals from 

natural sources. They also handle water purification, using 

chemicals to kill harmful microorganisms and processes 

to remove harmful chemicals.
Green Jobs: Water Conservation

September 2013 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 8

Environmental scientists and specialists protect 

natural water sources from pollutants and other 

contamination by studying the sources and effects 

of this pollution and determining ways to clean it up 

and prevent further pollution. They may also work to 

reclaim contaminated water by devising ways to clean 

the water and determining suitable uses for the water 

after it is cleaned. Environmental scientists ensure 

regulations are followed so that the water is healthy 

to use and any damage to the environment from water 

use is minimal.

Hydrologists study water and the water cycle and 

analyze how they influence the surrounding environment. They study the movement, distribution, and other 

properties of water and may measure bodies of water, 

such as volume and stream flow. They may also research 

how to improve water conservation and preservation. 

Some hydrologists use computer models to forecast 

future water supplies, the spread of pollution, and to find 

new sources of fresh water. Hydrologists are also vital in 

evaluating the feasibility of water-related projects, such 

as hydroelectric power plants, irrigation systems, and 

waste treatment facilities.

Credentials

Most scientists need at least a bachelor’s degree from 

a program that includes both coursework and laboratory hours. A scientist who is leading a research team 

or conducting independent research typically needs a 

master’s or doctoral degree. Hydrologists typically need 

a master’s degree. It is common for scientists to pursue 

a specialized degree in a subfield, such as bacteriology 

or toxicology.

Analytical skills are important for those conducting 

experiments and determining an outcome or a reasonable way to continue an experiment. Scientists also need 

oral and written communication skills because they often 

work as part of a team, and must be able to share the results of their analyses with others. In addition, scientists 

must be detail-oriented when conducting experiments 

and recording data.

Wages

The table that follows shows wages for selected science 

occupations in May 2012. The wages shown are median 

annual wages for the United States as a whole; wages 

vary by employer and location. 

Table 1. Selected science occupations Median annual 

wages, May 20121

Microbiologists $66,260

Conservation scientists 61,100

Chemists 71,770

Environmental scientists and 

specialists, including health

 63,570

Hydrologists 75,530

1 Occupational Employment Statistics data are available at 

www.bls.gov/oes. Data do not include benefits.

Engineering occupations

Engineers’ role in water conservation is to apply strategies that reduce the use of water. They may develop new 

technologies that decrease the amount of water used for 

certain activities. They may also design water delivery 

and storage systems and water treatment facilities. 

Engineers work alongside scientists, engineering technicians, and others to apply technical solutions to water 

conservation. Engineering technicians work under the 

supervision of engineers and assist them in their duties.

Engineers may design and test various types of 

machinery and water-efficient appliances. They ensure 

quality control and oversee compliance with standard 

operating procedures and federal, state, and local regulations. Engineering technicians work under the supervision of engineers to complete many engineering tasks. 

Agricultural engineers find technological solutions to 

reduce water use on farms. They may design agricultural machinery and equipment or irrigation systems that 

use water more efficiently, and help determine how to 

deliver the most water for a given type of crop. Agricultural engineers may also be involved in pollution management, preventing runoff from fields that could pollute 

local water sources.

Civil engineers design and supervise large construction projects. They may be responsible for the design or 

upkeep of a city-wide water distribution system or sewer 

system. They are involved in significant construction 

projects and may design and supervise construction of a 

“green” building with water conservation in mind. 

Environmental engineers develop ways to improve and 

protect the water supply. They may prepare, review, and 

update environmental investigation reports and design 

projects leading to environmental protection, such as 

water reclamation facilities. Environmental engineers are 
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Green Jobs: Water Conservation

September 2013

also involved with cleaning up pollution or hazardous 

materials, where they evaluate the extent of the pollution or the significance of a hazard. They may also help 

with the design of municipal water supply and industrial 

wastewater treatment systems, and they research the 

environmental impact of proposed projects.

Industrial engineers are involved in improving industrial 

practices and increasing efficiency. They devise ways to 

use less water more efficiently. They may design systems 

that contain or cleanse water that has become contaminated through industrial processes.

Mining and geological engineers use their knowledge to 

evaluate sources of water, particularly underground sources. 

Groundwater is typically in aquifers, which may be made 

up of porous rock, sand, or gravel. Engineers may help 

identify the boundaries of an aquifer and determine which 

sites are best for drilling wells to bring water to the surface. 

Credentials

Engineers usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in an 

engineering field. Engineers in water conservation may 

specialize, as described above, and usually work solely 

in that specialty. Licensure as a professional engineer 

(PE) is recommended and often required, depending on 

an engineer’s specialty. Entry-level engineers work under the direction of senior or supervisory engineers and 

may assist senior engineers on sustainability projects.

Wages

The table that follows shows wages for selected engineering occupations in May 2012. The wages shown are 

median annual wages for the United States as a whole; 

wages vary by employer and location. 

Table 2. Selected engineering occupations Median annual 

wages, May 20121

Agricultural engineers $74,000

Civil engineers 79,340

Environmental engineers 80,890

Industrial engineers, including health 

and safety

 78,690

Mining and geological engineers, 

including mining safety engineers

 84,320

1 Occupational Employment Statistics data are available at 

www.bls.gov/oes. Data do not include benefits.

Planning and outreach occupations

Water conservation requires planning and outreach. 

When new communities or large infrastructure projects 

are planned, water use must be taken into account. Water 

conservation is a concern especially in drier areas that 

are being developed. Water utilities and government 

water agencies may employ planning and outreach workers to educate the public about water conservation and 

to develop and implement conservation strategies. These 

workers typically are in offices.

Urban and regional planners and operations research analysts are active in these large-scale strategies 

for water use. Landscape architects design grounds that 

minimize water use but remain aesthetically pleasing. 

In addition, outreach is important to inform the public 

about water conservation. Public relations specialists 

educate the community about water conservation, and 

work to increase its support.

Urban and regional planners develop strategies for land 

use. They create plans for new communities, to accommodate growth, or to revitalize areas. Water supply and 

use are two of the biggest factors to take into account 

when planning new communities. Planners must ensure 

that there is enough water available to support development. Urban and regional planners have a broad view 

with respect to community development, and their 

preparation is essential to ensure efficient use of water.

Operations research analysts use sophisticated computer 

software, such as databases and statistical and modeling 

packages, to solve problems. They decide how to allocate water when communities or new structures are being 

planned, and help utilities and other organizations figure out 

the most effective way to distribute water. They evaluate 

costs and benefits of water projects and work with scientists, engineers, and others to develop solutions to water 

distribution, sanitation, and conservation problems. 

Landscape architects plan and design land areas for parks, 

recreational facilities, highways, and other properties. 

They confer with their clients to understand a project and 

prepare site plans, specifications, and cost estimates. They 

may practice xeriscaping to choose the type and quantity of 

plants for a landscaped area. Part of their job is to determine 

how much water their landscapes require and to plan ways 

to ensure that the land is properly watered and drained. They 

may plan automatic sprinkler layouts that minimize overlapping spray patterns and that operate at night or in the early 

morning to minimize water loss through evaporation.
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September 2013 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 10

Public relations specialists educate people about water 

conservation. Because water conservation requires the 

participation and cooperation of the general public, public 

relations specialists inform people about what they can 

do—and what utilities and local governments are doing—

to conserve water. Public relations specialists may work 

for utilities or government agencies and develop strategies to publicize water conservation initiatives. They may 

write materials for media releases, plan and direct public 

relations programs, and answer media inquiries. 

Credentials

Workers in the above water conservation planning and outreach occupations typically need a bachelor’s or master’s 

degree to enter the occupation. Most urban and regional 

planners have a master’s degree from an accredited urban 

or regional planning program. These programs accept 

students with a variety of undergraduate backgrounds, 

including economics, geography, political science, or 

environmental design. Operations research analysts need a 

master’s degree for most research positions, but a bachelor’s degree may be enough for most entry-level positions. Many analysts have a degree in a related field, such 

as mathematics, statistics, or computer science. 

Landscape architects usually need a bachelor’s or 

master’s degree in landscape architecture. Many employers recommend that prospective landscape architects complete an internship with a landscape architecture firm during their formal education. Public relations 

specialists typically have at least a bachelor’s degree in 

public relations, journalism, communications, or a related field. They are then trained on the job for 1 month 

to 1 year.

Wages

The table that follows shows wages for selected planning 

occupations in May 2012. The wages shown are median 

annual wages for the United States as a whole; wages 

vary by employer and location. 

Table 3. Selected planning occupations Median annual 

wages May 20121

Urban and regional planners $65,230

Operations research analysts 72,100

Landscape architects 64,180

Public relations specialists 54,170

1 Occupational Employment Statistics data are available at 

www.bls.gov/oes. Data do not include benefits.

Construction occupations

Construction workers—including construction managers, construction laborers, construction equipment operators, pipelayers, plumbers, and septic tank servicers and 

sewer pipe cleaners—build and install the infrastructure 

for conserving water. They build new water delivery and 

storage systems. They also build new dams and reservoirs, dig wells, lay new pipes, and install water-efficient 

appliances and irrigation systems. Construction workers 

typically are employed by construction companies and 

spend much of their time outdoors. Their work can be 

physically demanding.

Construction managers oversee building projects. These 

may include constructing reservoirs and water treatment 

plants or installing new pipes and water delivery systems. Construction managers are employed by construction companies or utilities. On large assignments, a 

project manager typically oversees several construction 

managers who supervise individual aspects of the assignment. The construction manager’s time is split between 

working at the construction site and an office that may 

be either onsite or offsite.

The primary duties of a construction manager include 

administering permits, contracts, and the budget. Onsite, 

construction managers monitor progress and inspect the 

project for quality control. They oversee the contracting 

process and manage various subcontractors. They also 

ensure a safe work environment.

Construction laborers do many of the basic physical tasks 

onsite. They may clean and prepare construction sites, 

load or unload building materials, dig trenches, backfill 

holes, or compact earth to prepare for construction. They 

do a variety of tasks, from easy to difficult and even hazardous, on almost all construction sites.

Equipment operators use heavy machinery to move 

construction materials, earth, and other heavy materials 

at a construction site. They may dig trenches for pipes 

or clear a large area for a planned reservoir. Equipment 

operators also control cranes to lift and place heavy objects, such as collectors and storage tanks for rainwater 

or greywater. They set up, inspect, and adjust equipment 

and do some maintenance and minor repair.

Pipelayers place pipes outdoors. They install large-diameter pipes, such as water mains, or smaller pipes that 
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Green Jobs: Water Conservation

September 2013

carry water from the main to houses or buildings. Pipelayers may also install sewage systems that carry waste 

to treatment plants. The pipes must also be protected and 

reinforced before the ground covers them.

Plumbers follow detailed construction drawings to install 

pipes and appliances in buildings. They may remove 

older fixtures and replace them with water-efficient ones, 

such as dual-flush toilets and low-flow faucets. Plumbers 

may also replace leaky pipes or install plumbing systems 

that accommodate both drinkable and non-drinkable 

water and thereby allow a building to use rainwater and 

greywater.

To conserve resources, plumbers lay out their 

materials and fit the pipes into the building’s structure. 

They measure and mark areas in which pipes will be 

installed and connected while checking for obstructions, 

such as electrical wiring. To assemble a system, plumbers use saws, pipe cutters, and pipe-bending machines 

to fit, shape, and link lengths of pipe. When the system 

is ready, plumbers install appliances that use water and 

connect them to the water supply.

Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners ensure that 

septic tanks—tanks that store human waste when sewers 

are not available—and sewer pipes are clean and that 

waste material is able to flow through them properly. If 

septic tanks or sewers become blocked, the waste material backs up and may flow up through drains or seep 

into the ground nearby, which can contaminate the water 

supply. 

Credentials

Construction managers typically need a degree in 

construction management, business management, or 

engineering and have experience working in construction. Experience is important for construction managers, 

so it may substitute for some educational requirements. 

Workers who have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in 

construction management or engineering but do not have 

significant construction experience may be hired as assistants to construction managers. Construction laborers 

are not required to have a formal education.

Equipment operators often learn on the job, complete an apprenticeship, or do a combination of both to 

become certified. Becoming certified involves training 

and testing to ensure competence and safety. Because of 

safety concerns and the potential danger of operating this 

equipment, most construction workers are required to 

pass regular drug screenings.

Pipelayers typically need a high school diploma 

and are trained on the job in 1 month or less. Plumbers 

also typically have a high school diploma and receive 

training through an apprenticeship, which usually lasts 

4 to 5 years and involves about 1,700 to 2,000 hours of 

paid on-the-job training and at least 246 hours of related 

technical instruction. 

Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners need 

less than a high school diploma. They are normally 

trained on the job and are competent in performing their 

jobs with 1 to 12 months of training.

Wages

The table that follows shows wages for selected construction occupations in May 2012. The wages shown 

are median annual wages for the United States as a 

whole; wages vary by employer and location.
Green Jobs: Water Conservation

September 2013 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 12

Table 4. Selected construction occupations Median annual 

wages, May 20121

Construction managers $82,790

Construction laborers 29,990

Construction equipment operators 40,980

Pipelayers 36,180

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters 49,140

Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe 

cleaners

 34,020

1 Occupational Employment Statistics data are available at 

www.bls.gov/oes. Data do not include benefits.

Agriculture and grounds maintenance

occupations

Because agriculture is the largest consumer of water 

resources, agricultural and grounds maintenance workers 

have a vital role in water conservation. In the past, fields 

were either flooded or watered without regard to how 

much water was being used. Now, agricultural workers use more efficient irrigation techniques that provide 

crops with the optimal amount of water while minimizing water loss. Landscaping and groundskeeping workers maintain outdoor spaces. They ensure that these areas 

are properly kept up and watered. 

Most agricultural and grounds maintenance workers 

spend the majority of their time outdoors, and some of 

the work is physically demanding. Agricultural workers 

are employed by farms; grounds maintenance workers 

may be employed by a landscaping company or by any 

organization that has a large area of landscaped land.

Farmers oversee the production of crops. They supervise all steps of crop production, including planting, 

fertilizing, watering, and harvesting. They determine 

how to raise crops, taking into account the amount of 

water needed and the most efficient way to deliver it. 

They work with agricultural engineers and other workers 

to design irrigation systems for their fields and oversee 

the regular watering of crops.

Agricultural equipment operators use a variety of farm 

machines to plow fields, sow seeds, and maintain and 

harvest crops. They also operate heavy machinery to dig 

irrigation ditches or trenches for pipes. Some operate irrigation equipment, such as overhead sprayers. Equipment 

operators may also make adjustments or minor repairs.

Farmworkers and laborers handle numerous tasks related to growing and harvesting crops. They may ensure 

that crops receive enough water and remove weeds or 

unwanted plants that would consume water.

Landscaping and groundskeeping workers ensure that 

the grounds of houses, businesses, and parks are attractive, orderly, and healthy. They plant and care for 

flowers, shrubs, trees, and grass. These workers ensure 

that outdoor areas are properly and efficiently watered. 

For example, they may water only in the early morning or in the evening, so that water is not lost through 

evaporation. They may also adjust sprinkler systems so 

that sprinkler sprays do not overlap or waste water by 

spraying sidewalks or other non-planted areas.

Credentials

Most farmers need a high school diploma, and some 

have a bachelor’s degree from a college of agriculture. 

Some farmers gain experience growing crops, tending 

livestock, or working part-time on a farm, others learn 

through an internship or other farm-based training program. Agricultural equipment operators require between 

1 and 12 months of on-the-job training or a formal 

training program. Farmworkers and laborers need less 

than a high school diploma, but may need up to a year 

of on-the-job training. Landscaping and groundskeeping 

workers typically do not need any formal education and 

are trained on-the-job in less than 1 month. 

Wages

The table that follows shows wages for selected agriculture and grounds maintenance occupations in May 2012. 

The wages shown are median annual wages for the United 

States as a whole; wages vary by employer and location. 

Table 5. Selected agriculture and 

grounds maintenance occupations

Median annual 

wages, May 20121

Farmers, ranchers, and other 

agricultural managers

$69,300

Agricultural equipment operators 25,860

Farmworkers and laborers, crop, 

nursery, and greenhouse

 18,670

Landscaping and groundskeeping 

workers

 23,570

1 Occupational Employment Statistics data are available at 

www.bls.gov/oes. Data do not include benefits.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 13

Green Jobs: Water Conservation

September 2013

Water operations occupations

Workers in water operations occupations keep the water 

flowing by pumping water out of the ground and controlling water and wastewater treatment plants. They are 

employed by water utilities or local governments. Water 

and wastewater treatment plant operators work indoors 

in water or sewage treatment plants. Pump operators 

may work outdoors or in pumping facilities.

Water and wastewater treatment plant operators manage 

the systems of machines that transfer or treat water or 

wastewater. They add chemicals to disinfect water, inspect plant equipment, and monitor operating conditions, 

meters, and gauges. These workers also collect and test 

water and sewage material and operate the equipment 

that purifies water and disposes of sewage.

Water must go through a treatment plant at some 

point between the original source and the local water 

supply. Water treatment plant operators ensure that water 

is clean and safe to drink before it reaches customers. 

After water is used, it flows through sewer systems to 

a wastewater treatment plant. There, it is cleaned and 

filtered before being released back into the environment 

or being reclaimed.

Pump operators, except wellhead pumpers operate the 

pumps that move water through pipes to another area. 

These pipes can be very large and move huge volumes 

of water over mountains or other terrain, or they may be 

smaller pumps that move water from one area of a treatment plant to another. Pump operators monitor the flow 

of water, ensuring that the pump functions properly, and 

do routine maintenance or repair as needed.

Credentials

Workers in these occupations usually get on-the-job 

training to prepare for their jobs. Water and wastewater 

treatment plant operators typically need a high school 

diploma and receive more than 12 months of on-the-job 

training. Formal education is not required to become a 

pump operator. These workers are typically trained on 

the job for 1 to 12 months. 
Green Jobs: Water Conservation

September 2013 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 14

Wages

The table below shows wages for selected operations 

occupations in May 2012. The wages shown are median 

annual wages for the United States as a whole; wages 

vary by employer and location. 

Table 6. Selected operations occupations Median annual 

wages, May 20121

Water and wastewater treatment plant 

and system operators

$42,760

Pump operators, except wellhead 

pumpers

 44,610

1 Occupational Employment Statistics data are available at 

www.bls.gov/oes. Data do not include benefits.

Conclusion

Fresh water is one of Earth’s most important resources. 

Without it, life would be impossible. Because our available fresh water sources are limited, water conservation is an important aspect of our green economy. Water 

conservation workers ensure that our fresh water supplies 

remain adequate for human consumption and wildlife use. 

Careers in water conservation include those in science, 

engineering, planning and outreach, construction, agriculture and grounds maintenance, and water operations. The 

educational requirements for these careers span from no 

formal requirements to postsecondary education. Most of 

the occupations in water conservation had annual median 

wages that were near or above the national median annual 

wage of $34,750 in May 2012.

Notes

1 The World’s Water (U.S. Geological Survey, 2013) http://ga.water.

usgs.gov/edu/earthwherewater.html.

2 Water Facts and Trends (World Business Council for Sustainable 

Development, 2006) http://www.unwater.org/downloads/Water_

facts_and_trends.pdf.

3 Water Conservation (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2012) 

http://www.epa.gov/oaintrnt/water/.

4 Climate Change 2007: Working Group II: Impacts, Adaptation and 

Vulnerability (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2007). 

5 Environmental Impacts of Dams (International Rivers) http://www.

internationalrivers.org/environmental-impacts-of-dams.

6 Conserving Water (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2012) 

http://www.epa.gov/greenhomes/ConserveWater.htm.

7 Water Questions and Answers (U.S. Geological Survey, 2013) 

http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/qa-home-percapita.html.

8 Thirsty Food (National Geographic, 2011) http://environment.

nationalgeographic.com/environment/freshwater/food.

9 The Water Conservation Act of 2009 (California Department of Water 

Resources, 2013) http://www.water.ca.gov/wateruseefficiency/sb7/.

10 Using Water Efficiently (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 

2013) http://www.epa.gov/WaterSense/pubs/utilities.html.

11 Summary of the Clean Water Act (U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency, 2013) http://www2.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summaryclean-water-act. 

12 Careers in Green Construction (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 

2011) 䭗坓嘝ሒ婚娑䕏嘑䩒夒䩕䡈儒䙒兖坕塆坌剑ሀ .

13 Ibid.