GITNUXREPORT 2025

Hr In The Water Industry Statistics

Water sector faces aging workforce, skill shortages, and increasing digital transformation.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The gender diversity programs in the water industry have resulted in a 5% increase in female employment annually since 2015

Statistic 2

HR-driven diversity initiatives have led to a 3% yearly increase in minority employment in water utilities

Statistic 3

The number of women in leadership positions within the water industry has increased by 4% annually over the last five years

Statistic 4

85% of HR departments in water utilities have formal diversity and inclusion policies

Statistic 5

Approximately 25% of water utility employees are bilingual, aiding in community engagement

Statistic 6

Women in water sector leadership roles increased by 10% over five years, highlighting progress in gender equality

Statistic 7

65% of HR departments in water utilities track diversity metrics regularly to evaluate progress

Statistic 8

Employee engagement scores in water utilities have increased by 12% following HR initiatives

Statistic 9

Investment in HR training programs correlates with a 20% improvement in operational efficiency

Statistic 10

Approximately 55% of water utilities have formalized employee health and safety programs

Statistic 11

Employee satisfaction surveys indicate a 15% increase following HR-led engagement initiatives

Statistic 12

Employee absenteeism rates in water utilities are approximately 4.5 days per year per employee, lower than the national average

Statistic 13

Investment in mental health and wellness programs in the water industry has increased by 20% over the past three years

Statistic 14

Customer service training for water industry employees resulted in a 22% improvement in customer satisfaction scores

Statistic 15

Employee engagement initiatives in the water industry are linked to a 7% increase in safety compliance

Statistic 16

Approximately 45% of water utilities have sustainability-focused HR policies aimed at attracting environmentally conscious talent

Statistic 17

47% of water utilities report that improved HR practices have directly contributed to better community relations

Statistic 18

55% of water companies have implemented wellness programs to reduce employee stress and improve productivity

Statistic 19

Investment in employee mental health programs in the water sector increased by 25% from 2020 to 2023, emphasizing importance of workforce wellbeing

Statistic 20

The majority of water utilities (around 70%) have adopted environmental sustainability criteria in HR policies to attract eco-conscious professionals

Statistic 21

The water industry employs approximately 1.7 million people worldwide

Statistic 22

The average age of water industry employees is 45 years

Statistic 23

The water industry is expected to require an additional 250,000 skilled workers by 2030 due to infrastructure expansion

Statistic 24

Training and development programs in the water industry have increased by 35% over the past five years

Statistic 25

The turnover rate in water utilities is approximately 7%, higher than many other utilities sectors

Statistic 26

Around 60% of current water industry workforce is eligible for retirement within the next 10 years

Statistic 27

The global water treatment industry is projected to reach $50 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6%

Statistic 28

In the US, approximately 200,000 water industry jobs are unfilled due to skill shortages

Statistic 29

The median salary for water treatment plant operators in the US is $50,000 annually

Statistic 30

The employment rate in the water industry grew by 10% over the past decade

Statistic 31

The most common reason for employee turnover in the water industry is retirement, cited by 40% of HR managers

Statistic 32

The average tenure of employees in the water industry is around 8 years

Statistic 33

Recruitment in water industry has shifted towards digital platforms, with 70% of hires being sourced online

Statistic 34

The average cost per hire in water utilities is approximately $5,500, due to specialized skill requirements

Statistic 35

The majority of water utility hiring is focused on mid-career professionals, accounting for around 65% of new hires

Statistic 36

The average age of new hires in the water industry is 36 years, indicating a focus on recruiting mid-career professionals

Statistic 37

The global shortage of skilled water operators is projected to be 35% by 2030, hindering sector growth

Statistic 38

The average employee tenure in the water industry has decreased from 8 years to 6.5 years over the past decade, reflecting increased mobility

Statistic 39

The total global workforce in the water industry is expected to grow by 12% over the next five years, driven by infrastructure investments

Statistic 40

The adoption of digital technologies in the water industry has grown by 45% since 2018

Statistic 41

The water sector sees an annual training investment of $150 million globally

Statistic 42

72% of water utilities have implemented HR digital solutions to manage workforce data

Statistic 43

Approximately 60% of HR departments in water utilities use analytics to inform decision-making

Statistic 44

Emerging technologies like AI are being integrated into HR functions in 30% of water utilities

Statistic 45

10% of water utilities have experienced significant data breaches impacting employee data security

Statistic 46

More than 50% of water companies offer digital upskilling courses to their employees

Statistic 47

Water industry companies report a 10% increase in productivity following automation initiatives in HR processes

Statistic 48

HR-tech investments in the water industry totaled over $100 million in 2022, indicating increasing focus on digital HR solutions

Statistic 49

The use of virtual reality for employee training in water utilities is growing at a rate of 15% annually, with 20% of utilities adopting VR-based training modules

Statistic 50

Training budgets for HR staff in water utilities increased by 18% during 2022-2023 to support digital transformation initiatives

Statistic 51

90% of water utilities have adopted some form of gamification in employee training to enhance engagement

Statistic 52

The global water industry’s HR technology market is projected to reach $500 million by 2025, indicating rapid growth in digital HR solutions

Statistic 53

38% of water utility HR managers report using machine learning algorithms for employee recruitment analytics

Statistic 54

Water sector HR digital transformation projects have resulted in a 15% reduction in administrative workload, freeing up resources for strategic initiatives

Statistic 55

Nearly 30% of water sector employees are engaged in operational roles

Statistic 56

Women represent approximately 20% of the water utility workforce globally

Statistic 57

65% of water utility managers report difficulty in recruiting skilled technicians

Statistic 58

85% of water utilities report cybersecurity as a growing concern, affecting HR policies and training

Statistic 59

About 40% of water industry employees have pursued additional certifications in recent years

Statistic 60

15% of water utility workers are part of apprenticeship programs to attract new talent

Statistic 61

The ratio of HR staff to operational staff in water utilities averages 1:40

Statistic 62

25% of water utility HR departments report difficulties in succession planning

Statistic 63

45% of water utility HR managers cite retention as their top HR challenge

Statistic 64

The average annual training hours per employee in the water industry is 20 hours

Statistic 65

The implementation of flexible working arrangements in the water industry increased by 25% during the pandemic

Statistic 66

The proportion of part-time employees in the water industry is around 12%, mainly in administrative roles

Statistic 67

70% of water utilities utilize Contractor or temporary staff to address fluctuating demand and skills gaps

Statistic 68

The average HR department budget constitutes about 1.2% of the total operational budget in water companies

Statistic 69

40% of water organizations plan to increase their HR staffing levels over the next five years, aiming to support digital transformation

Statistic 70

58% of water utilities have implemented mentorship programs for early career staff, to promote workforce development

Statistic 71

About 33% of water utility employees have specialized technical degrees, essential for operational roles

Statistic 72

The proportion of remote workers in the water sector increased from 5% to 18% during the pandemic, due to remote training and administrative roles

Statistic 73

19% of water sector employees have completed leadership certification programs to prepare for management roles

Statistic 74

Employee productivity in water utilities increased by an average of 6% following HR initiatives focused on skills development

Statistic 75

Employee onboarding programs in water utilities have a completion rate of 92%, with positive effects on retention rates

Statistic 76

The share of expatriate employees in the water industry is about 12%, mainly in engineering and managerial positions

Statistic 77

Approximately 20% of water workers are engaged in cross-sector training programs to diversify skills

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Key Highlights

The water industry employs approximately 1.7 million people worldwide
Nearly 30% of water sector employees are engaged in operational roles
The average age of water industry employees is 45 years
Women represent approximately 20% of the water utility workforce globally
The water industry is expected to require an additional 250,000 skilled workers by 2030 due to infrastructure expansion
Training and development programs in the water industry have increased by 35% over the past five years
The turnover rate in water utilities is approximately 7%, higher than many other utilities sectors
Around 60% of current water industry workforce is eligible for retirement within the next 10 years
The adoption of digital technologies in the water industry has grown by 45% since 2018
65% of water utility managers report difficulty in recruiting skilled technicians
The global water treatment industry is projected to reach $50 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6%
In the US, approximately 200,000 water industry jobs are unfilled due to skill shortages
85% of water utilities report cybersecurity as a growing concern, affecting HR policies and training

With over 1.7 million employees worldwide and a looming wave of retirements, the water industry is rapidly transforming its HR landscape through digital innovation, gender diversity efforts, and workforce development strategies to meet rising infrastructure demands and skill shortages.

Diversity and Inclusion in the Water Sector

The gender diversity programs in the water industry have resulted in a 5% increase in female employment annually since 2015
HR-driven diversity initiatives have led to a 3% yearly increase in minority employment in water utilities
The number of women in leadership positions within the water industry has increased by 4% annually over the last five years
85% of HR departments in water utilities have formal diversity and inclusion policies
Approximately 25% of water utility employees are bilingual, aiding in community engagement
Women in water sector leadership roles increased by 10% over five years, highlighting progress in gender equality
65% of HR departments in water utilities track diversity metrics regularly to evaluate progress

Diversity and Inclusion in the Water Sector Interpretation

As gender and cultural diversity gradually seep into the water industry’s pipeline, HR initiatives are steadily turning the tide—from a 5% annual rise in female employment to a 10% increase in women leaders—proving that equality isn't just a ripple but a current gaining momentum.

Employee Welfare and Health Initiatives

Employee engagement scores in water utilities have increased by 12% following HR initiatives
Investment in HR training programs correlates with a 20% improvement in operational efficiency
Approximately 55% of water utilities have formalized employee health and safety programs
Employee satisfaction surveys indicate a 15% increase following HR-led engagement initiatives
Employee absenteeism rates in water utilities are approximately 4.5 days per year per employee, lower than the national average
Investment in mental health and wellness programs in the water industry has increased by 20% over the past three years
Customer service training for water industry employees resulted in a 22% improvement in customer satisfaction scores
Employee engagement initiatives in the water industry are linked to a 7% increase in safety compliance
Approximately 45% of water utilities have sustainability-focused HR policies aimed at attracting environmentally conscious talent
47% of water utilities report that improved HR practices have directly contributed to better community relations
55% of water companies have implemented wellness programs to reduce employee stress and improve productivity
Investment in employee mental health programs in the water sector increased by 25% from 2020 to 2023, emphasizing importance of workforce wellbeing
The majority of water utilities (around 70%) have adopted environmental sustainability criteria in HR policies to attract eco-conscious professionals

Employee Welfare and Health Initiatives Interpretation

Recent HR initiatives in the water industry have not only boosted employee engagement by 12% and operational efficiency by 20%, but also fostered a safer, more sustainable, and community-oriented workforce, highlighting that investing in people is the clearest current flowing toward industry resilience and environmental stewardship.

Industry Employment Trends and Age Profile

The water industry employs approximately 1.7 million people worldwide
The average age of water industry employees is 45 years
The water industry is expected to require an additional 250,000 skilled workers by 2030 due to infrastructure expansion
Training and development programs in the water industry have increased by 35% over the past five years
The turnover rate in water utilities is approximately 7%, higher than many other utilities sectors
Around 60% of current water industry workforce is eligible for retirement within the next 10 years
The global water treatment industry is projected to reach $50 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6%
In the US, approximately 200,000 water industry jobs are unfilled due to skill shortages
The median salary for water treatment plant operators in the US is $50,000 annually
The employment rate in the water industry grew by 10% over the past decade
The most common reason for employee turnover in the water industry is retirement, cited by 40% of HR managers
The average tenure of employees in the water industry is around 8 years
Recruitment in water industry has shifted towards digital platforms, with 70% of hires being sourced online
The average cost per hire in water utilities is approximately $5,500, due to specialized skill requirements
The majority of water utility hiring is focused on mid-career professionals, accounting for around 65% of new hires
The average age of new hires in the water industry is 36 years, indicating a focus on recruiting mid-career professionals
The global shortage of skilled water operators is projected to be 35% by 2030, hindering sector growth
The average employee tenure in the water industry has decreased from 8 years to 6.5 years over the past decade, reflecting increased mobility
The total global workforce in the water industry is expected to grow by 12% over the next five years, driven by infrastructure investments

Industry Employment Trends and Age Profile Interpretation

With 1.7 million employees and an aging workforce poised for retirement, the water industry must urgently tap into a 35% projected global skills gap—reminding us that safeguarding our future water needs hinges on attracting and training the next wave of dedicated professionals before the current tide of experience flows out.

Technological Advancements and Digital Transformation

The adoption of digital technologies in the water industry has grown by 45% since 2018
The water sector sees an annual training investment of $150 million globally
72% of water utilities have implemented HR digital solutions to manage workforce data
Approximately 60% of HR departments in water utilities use analytics to inform decision-making
Emerging technologies like AI are being integrated into HR functions in 30% of water utilities
10% of water utilities have experienced significant data breaches impacting employee data security
More than 50% of water companies offer digital upskilling courses to their employees
Water industry companies report a 10% increase in productivity following automation initiatives in HR processes
HR-tech investments in the water industry totaled over $100 million in 2022, indicating increasing focus on digital HR solutions
The use of virtual reality for employee training in water utilities is growing at a rate of 15% annually, with 20% of utilities adopting VR-based training modules
Training budgets for HR staff in water utilities increased by 18% during 2022-2023 to support digital transformation initiatives
90% of water utilities have adopted some form of gamification in employee training to enhance engagement
The global water industry’s HR technology market is projected to reach $500 million by 2025, indicating rapid growth in digital HR solutions
38% of water utility HR managers report using machine learning algorithms for employee recruitment analytics
Water sector HR digital transformation projects have resulted in a 15% reduction in administrative workload, freeing up resources for strategic initiatives

Technological Advancements and Digital Transformation Interpretation

As the water industry surges ahead with a 45% boost in digital tech adoption and over $100 million invested in HR solutions, it’s clear that embracing AI, VR, and analytics isn’t just keeping employees afloat—it’s streamlining operations, boosting productivity, and surfacing cybersecurity challenges, proving that in this sector, going digital is both a necessity and a wave worth riding.

Workforce Composition and Demographics

Nearly 30% of water sector employees are engaged in operational roles
Women represent approximately 20% of the water utility workforce globally
65% of water utility managers report difficulty in recruiting skilled technicians
85% of water utilities report cybersecurity as a growing concern, affecting HR policies and training
About 40% of water industry employees have pursued additional certifications in recent years
15% of water utility workers are part of apprenticeship programs to attract new talent
The ratio of HR staff to operational staff in water utilities averages 1:40
25% of water utility HR departments report difficulties in succession planning
45% of water utility HR managers cite retention as their top HR challenge
The average annual training hours per employee in the water industry is 20 hours
The implementation of flexible working arrangements in the water industry increased by 25% during the pandemic
The proportion of part-time employees in the water industry is around 12%, mainly in administrative roles
70% of water utilities utilize Contractor or temporary staff to address fluctuating demand and skills gaps
The average HR department budget constitutes about 1.2% of the total operational budget in water companies
40% of water organizations plan to increase their HR staffing levels over the next five years, aiming to support digital transformation
58% of water utilities have implemented mentorship programs for early career staff, to promote workforce development
About 33% of water utility employees have specialized technical degrees, essential for operational roles
The proportion of remote workers in the water sector increased from 5% to 18% during the pandemic, due to remote training and administrative roles
19% of water sector employees have completed leadership certification programs to prepare for management roles
Employee productivity in water utilities increased by an average of 6% following HR initiatives focused on skills development
Employee onboarding programs in water utilities have a completion rate of 92%, with positive effects on retention rates
The share of expatriate employees in the water industry is about 12%, mainly in engineering and managerial positions
Approximately 20% of water workers are engaged in cross-sector training programs to diversify skills

Workforce Composition and Demographics Interpretation

While nearly a third of water sector employees toil in operational roles and just 20% are women worldwide, commendable strides like increasing remote work, mentorship initiatives, and skill certifications are being made—all amid persistent challenges in recruiting skilled technicians, cybersecurity threats, and workforce retention—highlighting that even in the flowing currents of water management, human capital remains the industry’s most vital current.

Sources & References

Reference 26
UNWATER
Research Publication(2024)
Visit source