A water treatment operator has an important role in maintaining wastewater treatment plants. They maintain several plant equipment that’s important to the operations of the plant, direct lower level operators, and perform other related tasks. Part of their responsibilities includes being in charge of the cleaning process of contaminated wastewater and ensuring that the break down of the particles are going as expected.
They also control various processes, such as testing water samples, cleaning the tanks, ensuring that the chemicals are kept safe inside IBC spill pallets, and maintaining all the necessary tools and equipment. They make sure that the processes in water treatment are compliant with up-to-date safety guidelines set forth by the government.
What is a Water Treatment System?
Water that has been used, contains chemicals, oil, or food, and has gone through the sewage is referred to as wastewater.
Water treatment facilities collect contaminated water in a specific location to prevent the pollution of nearby bodies of water and the environment. A water treatment operator is responsible for maintaining the water treatment systems and the equipment therein which removes the pollutants in the water.
The Core Functions of a Water Treatment Operator
Water treatment operators work as a part of a dedicated team to support the operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant and facilities so they can achieve objectives and meet performance standards. They must have knowledge of the overall maintenance, operation, and the cleaning of primary and secondary equipment as well as the water treatment principles, safety regulations, chemical handling, first air, sampling, and control tests.
- Educational Requirements
Water treatment operators are required to have a degree in Science of Engineering. They need to undergo training and pass a water treatment certification by state or agencies as well.
Many agencies offer training courses and materials to help students with their certification tests. Alternatively, there are college and universities that offer water treatment training courses with certificate programs in the field.
Every state has a different requirement in certifying water treatment operators. Applicants must successfully pass the examinations set for water treatment operator certification. In some cases, prospective applicants for the certifications need to be employed at a government-run water treatment facility.
-
- Professional Organisation
Water treatment operators have the privilege of joining several societies and professional organisations once they become certified. The American Water Works Association (AWWA), for instance, is the largest association in the U.S. dedicated to water treatment and management. They provide education to water treatment professionals, advocate for safer and sustainable water, shares a collection of reports and journals, and develop volunteering opportunities.
Another is the Water Environment Federation (WEF), which is a non-profit technical and educational organisation with more than 30,000 members and various affiliated member associations that represent professionals around the world.
Employment for water treatment operators and plant managers are still growing, which means that there is a bright career path for those who intend to pursue this job. The salaries are also competitive, which makes it one promising career for young professionals.
