The water resources engineering industry in the US focuses on managing and improving water systems to ensure sustainable access to clean water. Companies range from consulting firms to technology providers, offering services like water treatment, infrastructure development, and environmental assessments. As climate change intensifies, innovative approaches are being pursued to tackle challenges like water scarcity and contamination. Advanced technologies like smart water management systems and green infrastructure are gaining traction, emphasizing efficiency and environmental sustainability. The industry's evolution hinges on integrating technology while adapting to regulatory landscapes, making it a vital player in addressing future water management needs.


The list of top investors includes corporate, venture capital, and private equity firms, showcasing a varied investment landscape. These investors are spread across major cities like Washington, D.C., New York, and San Francisco, with firm sizes ranging from small teams to large entities employing thousands. Founded between 1956 and 2015, the group collectively engaged in a significant number of deals in 2024, with more than 1,000 recorded investments focused on water resources firms. This diversification highlights a strong commitment to addressing urgent water management issues throughout the country.


Top 17 Water Resources Engineering Investors in the US


1. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

  • Website: energy.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 597
  • LinkedIn: u-s--department-of-energy

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is a public entity established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. It oversees national energy policy, energy production, and nuclear power research, serving various stakeholders, including government entities and the public. The DOE provides guidance on energy efficiency, funding opportunities, and conducts research to address energy challenges. Notably, the DOE has been involved in several grant transactions that are relevant to water resources engineering. For instance, River Connectivity Systems raised $200,000 in a grant on May 15, 2023, which likely pertains to projects aimed at improving water management and connectivity. Additionally, grants to companies like Integral Consulting Inc. and OLI Systems suggest a commitment to supporting innovative solutions that may also impact water resources. These transactions highlight the DOE's role in fostering advancements that can benefit the water resources engineering sector.


2. Government of Canada

  • Website: canada.ca
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 137
  • LinkedIn: government-of-canada

The Government of Canada is a public entity that provides a wide range of services and information to Canadian citizens and residents, addressing various needs including employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. Founded in 1999, it operates through multiple departments and agencies to ensure access to essential services and support for individuals and businesses across the country. In 2024, the Government of Canada has been involved in 137 investments, including significant grants aimed at enhancing water resources management. Notable transactions include a grant of $1,725,000 to BQE Water for water treatment solutions, $1,912,485 to Copperstone Technologies for innovative water technologies, and support for various conservation authorities such as the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority and Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority, which focus on local water management and conservation efforts. Additionally, a substantial grant of $16,169,330 was awarded to the Saskatchewan Research Council, further emphasizing the government's commitment to advancing water resources engineering initiatives.


3. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies, helping entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses through structured programs, resources like the Startup School, and co-founder matching services. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable investments, Y Combinator has participated in funding rounds for companies in the water resources engineering sector, including Valor Water Analytics, which raised $120,000 in a seed round in 2014, and Waterplan, which secured $125,000 in a pre-seed round in 2021 and later raised $11 million in a Series A round in 2023. Additionally, Y Combinator invested in Biobot Analytics, a company focused on wastewater epidemiology, which raised $6.7 million in seed funding in 2020. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's engagement in the water resources engineering field, alongside its broader focus on technology startups.


4. US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

  • Website: epa.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1970
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 54
  • LinkedIn: us-epa

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a public entity established in 1970, dedicated to environmental protection through regulatory compliance assistance, research, and public education. The agency plays a crucial role in ensuring adherence to environmental laws and promoting sustainable practices across various sectors. In 2024, the EPA has been involved in several significant transactions, primarily in the form of grants aimed at enhancing water resources management. Notable transactions include a $4 million grant to Oldcastle Infrastructure, a $1.8 million grant to the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, and a $100,000 grant to the Ipswich River Watershed Association. These investments reflect the EPA's commitment to supporting initiatives that improve water quality and promote sustainable water management practices, making it a key player in the water resources engineering sector.


5. Nv5

  • Website: nv5.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Hollywood, Florida, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1947
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: nv5

NV5 is a consulting and engineering company based in Hollywood, Florida, founded in 1947. The firm provides technology, conformity assessment, and consulting solutions for infrastructure, utility, and building systems, serving both public and private sector clients. With over 100 offices, NV5 offers a wide range of services, including environmental consulting, geospatial solutions, and construction quality assurance. Notably, in January 2024, NV5 acquired CHW Professional Consultants, enhancing its engineering capabilities in Florida, which may include water resources engineering projects. Additionally, their acquisition of WHPacific, Inc. in July 2019, a design engineering and surveying services provider, further strengthens their position in key geographies, potentially expanding their involvement in water resources projects. Overall, NV5's diverse service offerings and strategic acquisitions position them as a significant player in the engineering sector, with potential relevance to water resources engineering.


6. Sosv

  • Website: sosv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 170
  • LinkedIn: sosv

Sosv is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, based in the United States, that specializes in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. The firm provides venture capital investment and resources to help startups grow and succeed in various sectors, including health and climate technology. In recent transactions, Sosv has invested in companies like Oxyle, which raised $16 million in a seed round for its water treatment solutions, indicating some involvement in water-related technologies. However, other investments, such as those in AlkaLi Labs and Drip.ai, do not directly relate to water resources engineering, showcasing a broader investment strategy that encompasses various deep tech sectors.


7. Kkr

  • Website: kkr.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1976
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 74
  • LinkedIn: kkr

KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR has established itself as a global leader in asset management, providing tailored solutions to institutional investors and individual clients. Among its diverse portfolio, KKR has made notable investments in the water resources engineering sector, including a significant acquisition of United Envirotech, a Singapore-based water treatment company, for $1.5 billion. This acquisition highlights KKR's strategic interest in enhancing its presence in the water and wastewater treatment sector in China. Additionally, KKR has invested in Resource Environmental Solutions, supporting its growth through its Green Solutions Platform, which focuses on eco-innovation and environmental initiatives. Their investment in Axius Water further underscores KKR's commitment to advancing water-related technologies and solutions.


8. Tetra Tech

  • Website: tetratech.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Pasadena, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1966
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: tetra-tech

Tetra Tech, Inc. is a leading consulting and engineering firm based in Pasadena, California, specializing in water management, environmental services, and sustainable infrastructure solutions. Founded in 1966, Tetra Tech serves both government and commercial clients, leveraging advanced technologies and local knowledge to deliver innovative solutions to complex resource management challenges. The firm has been active in expanding its capabilities through strategic acquisitions, including RPS Group and Piteau Associates Engineering, both of which enhance their expertise in water resources engineering. These acquisitions reflect Tetra Tech's commitment to addressing the needs of the water resources sector and its ability to provide comprehensive solutions for water management and environmental compliance.


9. Bowman Consulting

  • Website: bowman.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Reston, Virginia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: bowman-consulting

Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. is an engineering and consulting firm based in Reston, Virginia, founded in 1995. The company provides a wide range of services, including civil/site engineering, transportation engineering, and environmental consulting, catering to both government agencies and private sector clients. In recent years, Bowman has actively expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, particularly in the water resources engineering sector. For instance, their acquisition of Element Engineering LLC in July 2024, which specializes in civil, water, and wastewater engineering, is expected to significantly enhance Bowman's capabilities in this area. Additionally, their acquisition of McMahon Associates, Inc. and Trudell Consulting Engineers further demonstrates their commitment to broadening their engineering services, including those related to water resources. Overall, Bowman's diverse expertise and recent transactions position them as a relevant player in the water resources engineering field.


10. IFC - International Finance Corporation

  • Website: ifc.org
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1956
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 107
  • LinkedIn: ifclinkedin

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1956, based in Washington, D.C. It focuses on private sector development in emerging markets by providing investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions. The IFC operates in over 100 countries, addressing poverty and promoting sustainable development. Notably, the IFC has been involved in significant transactions within the water resources engineering sector, including investments in Organica Water, a company that provides innovative wastewater treatment solutions. The IFC led Organica's Series B and participated in its Series C financing rounds, supporting the company's global expansion and the development of new water treatment technologies. These transactions highlight the IFC's commitment to fostering sustainable water management practices and its relevance in the water resources engineering industry.


11. MassVentures

  • Website: mass-ventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Waltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 28
  • LinkedIn: massventures

MassVentures is a venture studio based in Waltham, Massachusetts, founded in 1978. It supports early-stage companies in the region, focusing on deep tech innovation. The firm provides a range of funding options, including venture capital and grants, alongside business guidance and accelerator programs. MassVentures primarily serves startups looking to commercialize their research and technology. Notably, they have been involved in several transactions relevant to water resources engineering, such as their participation in Aclarity's Series A funding round, which raised $15.9 million to develop sustainable solutions for PFAS contaminants in water. Additionally, they have provided grants to companies like GenH and Cambrian Innovation, which also align with water resource challenges. These activities highlight MassVentures' engagement in the water sector, making them a relevant investor in this field.


12. Plug and Play Tech Center


Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They connect startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities primarily in the technology sector. In 2024, they have been active in the water resources engineering context, with notable investments in companies like Aquacycl, which focuses on sustainable water treatment solutions, and KETOS, which specializes in water quality monitoring and management. These transactions highlight Plug and Play's engagement in the water technology space, demonstrating their role in supporting advancements in water resources engineering.


13. American Water

  • Website: amwater.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Camden, New Jersey, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1886
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 34
  • LinkedIn: american-water

American Water, founded in 1886 and headquartered in Camden, New Jersey, is a leading public entity in the water utility industry, providing essential water and wastewater services to approximately 3.4 million customers across the United States. The company emphasizes community support and environmental stewardship in its operations. In recent years, American Water has been actively involved in various transactions that highlight its commitment to water resources engineering. Notably, they completed the acquisition of the wastewater system of the Metro East Sanitary District for $8.4 million, adding approximately 5,600 customers to their service area. Additionally, they acquired the Concordia Water Cooperative's water distribution system, further expanding their reach in water service provision. These acquisitions reflect their strategic focus on enhancing water infrastructure and ensuring reliable water supply, which are critical components of water resources engineering.


14. Elemental Impact


Elemental Impact is a not-for-profit organization based in Honolulu, Hawaii, founded in 2012. Their mission is to scale climate technologies with significant community impact, providing funding opportunities, community engagement strategies, and educational resources to support climate technology companies and local governments. They aim to address the funding gap for early-stage climate projects and foster partnerships that enhance community benefits. Notably, Elemental Impact has been involved in transactions with companies like Microvi Biotechnologies, which focuses on innovative water treatment solutions, and Cambrian Innovation, known for its wastewater treatment technologies. These transactions highlight their engagement in the water resources engineering context, although their broader focus on climate technologies encompasses a wider range of environmental solutions.


15. Bentley Systems

  • Website: bentley.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Exton, Pennsylvania, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1984
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: bentley-systems

Bentley Systems, Incorporated is a corporate investor based in Exton, Pennsylvania, specializing in software development for infrastructure engineering solutions. Founded in 1984, the company provides a range of software products aimed at enhancing the design, construction, and operation of infrastructure projects globally. Their offerings include advanced tools for digital twins and project management, which are crucial for improving productivity and sustainability in engineering operations. Notably, Bentley has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its capabilities in related fields. For instance, the acquisition of SoilVision Systems enhances their offerings for geotechnical professionals, which is relevant to water resources engineering as it involves subsurface engineering. Additionally, their acquisition of InspectTech Systems, which specializes in asset management for transportation assets, could also be applicable in managing water infrastructure assets. These transactions reflect Bentley's commitment to expanding its portfolio in areas that intersect with water resources engineering.


16. Echo River Capital

  • Website: echorivercap.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2022
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: echo-river-cap

Echo River Capital is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2022. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in water technology companies, with a strong emphasis on impact investing aimed at addressing global water challenges. Echo River Capital provides both capital and strategic support to innovative startups in the water sector. Notable transactions include investments in Kairospace Technologies and 3Rwater, both of which focus on advancing water management solutions. Additionally, they have invested in Epic Cleantec, which raised $12 million in a Series B round, indicating their active role in supporting companies that contribute to water sustainability and management. Through these investments, Echo River Capital is positioned as a key player in the water resources engineering industry.


17. Blackstone

  • Website: blackstone.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 57
  • LinkedIn: blackstonegroup

Blackstone Inc. is a prominent investment management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative investments across various sectors, including private equity, real estate, and credit solutions. Founded in 1985, Blackstone has built a reputation for delivering lasting value through its extensive portfolio and investment strategies. Notably, Blackstone has made significant investments in the engineering and consulting space, particularly with its acquisition of Geosyntec Consultants for $380 million, reflecting a strong belief in the growing demand for environmental engineering services amid climate regulations. Additionally, their investment in Salas O’Brien, an engineering and technical services firm, further emphasizes their focus on sectors that may intersect with water resources engineering. These transactions highlight Blackstone's strategic interest in firms that contribute to environmental sustainability and infrastructure development, aligning with the objectives of water resources engineering.



Water Resources Engineering Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+1977597
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+197054
Nv5Hollywood, Florida, United States (USA)1001-5000194710
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
Tetra TechPasadena, California, United States (USA)10001+19662
Bowman ConsultingReston, Virginia, United States (USA)1001-500019958
IFC - International Finance CorporationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-50001956107
MassVenturesWaltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)1-10197828
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
American WaterCamden, New Jersey, United States (USA)5001-10000188634
Elemental ImpactHonolulu, Hawaii, United States (USA)51-200201219
Bentley SystemsExton, Pennsylvania, United States (USA)1001-500019841
Echo River CapitalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-1020225
BlackstoneNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000198557


Want to find more investors focusing on the water resources engineering industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the water resources engineeringindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

  • Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
  • Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
  • Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
  • ...and much more!