Water treatment plant operators treat water so that it is safe to drink. Wastewater treatment plant operators remove pollutants from wastewater so it is safe to return to the environment.

Water treatment plant operators control equipment that removes or destroys chemicals, bacteria, or other harmful materials in water. They also operate pumps and valves that move water or wastewater through the treatment processes.

Plant operators read and adjust meters and gauges to make sure the plant equipment is working properly. They may make minor repairs to pumps, valves, and other equipment, using hand and power tools.

Operators run devices that feed chemicals into the water to treat it. They take samples of the water and analyze them in the lab. If necessary, they adjust the amount of chemicals, such as chlorine, in the water. They use a variety of instruments to sample and test water quality.

The specific duties of plant operators depend on the type and size of the plant. In smaller plants, one operator may control all the machinery, run tests, keep records, and do repairs. In larger plants with many employees, operators may control only one process. The staff may also include chemists, engineers, lab technicians, and mechanics.

Sometimes operators must work under emergency conditions. In these cases, operators use special safety equipment and procedures to protect the public health as well as the plant. They may work under pressure to correct the problem quickly.

Operators must be familiar with water pollution laws, and know how they affect their plant. They must also be aware of local and state guidelines.