Water Quality Scientist

At Bristol Water, we’ve served families since 1846. We are dedicated to ensuring healthy water for communities by conducting rigorous testing and maintaining high standards throughout the supply system.

Water Quality Scientist

We are seeking a highly motivated Water Quality Scientist to join our dedicated Water Quality team. This role plays a key part in protecting public health by ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water from source to tap. You will combine scientific expertise, analytical thinking, and operational insight to monitor, investigate, and continuously improve water quality across the supply system.

• Water Quality Assurance & Compliance
  • Safeguard water quality from source through treatment and distribution to customer taps
  • Ensure compliance with drinking water quality standards and relevant UK legislation
  • Monitor water quality through laboratory data, telemetry systems, and operational feedback
• Investigation & Problem Solving
  • Analyse sample results to identify trends, risks, or failures
  • Lead investigations into water quality incidents at treatment works and within the network
  • Identify root causes and implement corrective actions to protect public health
• Operational & Technical Support
  • Provide scientific expertise to operational, asset management, and project teams
  • Support design, construction, and commissioning of water-related projects
  • Advise on process optimisation and operational improvements
• Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Respond to and resolve customer enquiries relating to water quality
  • Act as a key contact for regulatory bodies (e.g., Drinking Water Inspectorate, UK Health Security Agency, Environmental Health)
  • Communicate complex scientific information clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences
• Continuous Improvement & Community Engagement
  • Contribute to water quality improvement programmes and risk reduction initiatives
  • Support community education and awareness on water quality matters
  • Identify and promote innovative solutions to improve operational performance
• Standby & Emergency Response
  • Participate in the Water Quality Duty Scientist standby rota (24/7 operational support)

• Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (e.g., Water Science, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Engineering)
• Strong understanding of:
  • Water treatment processes
  • Water distribution systems
• Drinking water standards and regulatory frameworks in the UK (Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations)
• Analytical ability to interpret complex data and perform scientific calculations
• Strong verbal communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Proficiency in IT systems (particularly Microsoft Word and Excel)
• Full UK Driving Licence

• Knowledge of:
• Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations
• UK water industry regulatory environment
• Experience working within water treatment or similar industrial processes

• Analytical and detail‑oriented with a problem‑solving mindset
• Strong team player with the ability to influence and collaborate across functions
• Able to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Confident communicating technical information to diverse audiences
• Comfortable working in operational environments, including:
  • Working at height
  • Confined spaces

17th July 2026 (vacancy may close earlier if applications are submitted in large volume)

Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.