The most overlooked skill in water planning

The most overlooked skill in water planning

As water planning grows more complex, collaboration becomes a competitive advantage

30 July 2026

Water planning has never had access to more sophisticated tools, data and modelling capabilities. But technology alone doesn’t guarantee better outcomes. The real challenge is understanding how to use these tools effectively and knowing where engineering judgement still matters.

Pradeep Nagarajan, Distinguished Technical Leader at GHD, explains why some of the most important planning skills aren’t technical at all. Drawing on two decades of experience, he explores how listening, collaboration and learning from others can help planners make smarter decisions for the communities they serve.

Explore why better planning depends on more than better tools by learning:

  • Why engineering concepts matter as much as the models built around them
  • How bringing together different disciplines can improve planning decisions
  • Why collaboration is critical to achieving better outcomes for communities

Watch the video to learn why the most valuable water planning skill may have nothing to do with technology.

Engineers are checking a turbine machine

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