Hydrogeologist

Unseen layers below the Earth’s surface are made up of rocks, soil, and minerals. Fresh water, called groundwater, runs through these deposits. Even though this water is hidden, it’s important to human life because it’s a source of drinking water.

A Hydrogeologist studies this water located underneath the ground. Your job as a Hydrogeologist is to protect it from contaminants, and to analyze the groundwater supply to make sure there’s always water available when people need it.

Supplying a population with water isn’t as easy as connecting a pipe to a well and calling it a day, especially because there’s a limited supply of fresh water on Earth. Pollutants can get into groundwater from the air by way of rain, from landfills and improper dumping, and from chemical reactions.

Hydrogeologists like you test water extracted from the ground to ensure its quality, and devise methods for cleaning water that’s not safe to drink. You then design new wells that better seal off the water supply from contaminants, and determine better places to drill for water. Along with Politicians, you also devise laws that outline proper ways to dispose of waste, meaning less contamination in the long term and steeper punishments for people who pollute.

So when you turn on the faucet and a clear stream of water rushes out, pat yourself on the back. Better yet, treat yourself to something a little bigger—maybe that Alaskan cruise you’ve always dreamed about. Water is essential for basic life functions. You’ve helped thousands of people survive, and they probably don’t even realize it.