Founded in 1873, the institution grew following the expansion in municipal engineering roles under the Public Health Act 1875 (38 & 39 Vict.
The IMunE was a founding member of the Council of Engineering Institutions in 1964 and by the later 20th-century was responsible for examining most British building inspectors.
[3] There was a large increase in the number of municipal engineers in this period, particularly after the Public Health Act 1875 (38 & 39 Vict.
c. 55) which required local authorities to appoint engineers with responsibilities for water supply, sewerage, waste disposal, street sweeping and general surveying.
[1] Membership of the IMunE was not a pre-requisite for employment by a local authority, as such there was a wide variation in the competence of practising municipal engineers in this period.
[1] The IMunE introduced an examination for building inspectors in 1937, though passing this was not mandatory to secure employment in the field.
[3][2] During this period it held more than 150 district-level meetings each year and maintained a scientific advisory service, library and number of science committees.
[12] Its blazon (formal description) is: "Barry wavy of six Argent and Vert, a Pale Sable, thereon in chief a Torch Or, firted, and enfiled with a Mural Crown proper, and in base a Winged Wheel Gold".