He published several books about Hong Kong studies and many articles on the Journal of Royal Asiatic Society Hong Kong Branch, as well as articles regarding technical education and building science and conservation.

In 1939, he was conscripted and sent to the 249 Field Company of Royal Engineers, and shipped to North Africa as part of the Eighth Army.

[4] After the war, Waters returned to his family construction company which was established by his great-grandfather in 1853.

In 1972, he was transferred to the Education Department to oversee the establishment of several technical institutes in Hong Kong.

[5] After Water's retirement, he studied at the Department of Education, Loughborough University of Technology.

[8] In 1998, the former Chief Executive of Hong Kong Tung Chee-hwa awarded Waters Bronze Bauhinia Star for his valuable contribution to the work of heritage conservation in Hong Kong and for his long and dedicated service as a member of the Antiquities Advisory Board.

[9] Waters married Vera Chan Lai-hing on April 21, 1960, at Hong Kong St. Anthony's Church.

[4] A lamp at the lawn near Li Ka Shing Tower of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University was named after him in recognition of his remarkable contribution to education.