Water treatment plants and wastewater treatment plants have different functions but so much of their equipment is similar that people are typically trained to work in either type of system. Water treatment plant operators treat water to make it safe for drinking, and liquid waste plants remove pollutants from water so it can be returned to the environment.
Function
Most water treatment jobs are in local government and private utilities. Water treatment plants pump water in from wells, reservoirs, rivers and other sources, chemically treat it to be safe for drinking, and store it in tanks and towers to be distributed. Wastewater treatment plants handle water coming through sewer pipes, chemically treating it so the water can be sent to rivers, lakes or oceans, or used for irrigation.
Identification
Employees at these plants operate equipment that removes water pollutants and microorganisms, as well as the pumps and other equipment that send water through the different processes. System operators are also responsible for maintaining and repairing all this equipment including pipes and valves, and other general building equipment. In addition, they also conduct laboratory testing to ensure the processes are all working properly. Depending on the size of the plant, one operator may do all this work as well as keep records and take complaints from customers. In the largest plants, operators might work with only one type of procedure.
Considerations
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the job outlook to be excellent through 2016 because the work force in this career is older, and many will be retiring. The positions can be difficult to fill because the work is physically demanding, unclean and smelly. Hazardous conditions include slippery walkways, very loud machinery and dangerous gases. Workers are on their feet for most of the shift and must climb up and down ladders, as well as be able to do heavy lifting. Also, plants operate 24 hours a day, every day, and employees often are required to work rotating shifts, or odd hours such as 12-hour shifts in workweeks of four days on and four days off.
Effects
People have a better chance at being hired at a water treatment plant if they complete a one-year certificate program or an associate's degree. Most of the programs are offered by trade associations and technical colleges.
Benefits
In 2006, 80 percent of water treatment jobs paid between $22,000 and $55,000. Narrowing it down further, the middle 50 percent were making between $28,000 and $45,000, with the median about $35,000. Positions are full time with paid holidays and vacations, health insurance and a 401k plan. Some operators advance to plant supervisor or into management, or find better opportunities by hiring on at a larger plant. Further education is required for most higher-level positions at large treatment facilities, such as an engineering degree.
