Industrial facilities that send their wastes to municipal treatment plants must meet certain minimum standards and ensure that these wastes have been adequately pretreated so that they do not damage municipal treatment facilities. Municipal treatment plants also must meet stringent discharge standards set forth in the Clean Water Act of 1972 and the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974. Operators must be familiar with the guidelines established by the Clean Water Act and how they affect their plant. In addition to Federal regulations, operators also must be aware of any guidelines imposed by the State or locality in which the plant operates. Working Conditions Water and wastewater treatment plant operators work both indoors and outdoors and may be exposed to noise from machinery and some unpleasant odors, although chemicals may be used to minimize these.
Operators have to stoop, reach, and climb and sometimes get their clothes dirty.
They must pay close attention to safety procedures for they may be confronted with hazardous conditions, such as slippery walkways, dangerous gases, and malfunctioning equipment. Whenever emergencies arise, operators may be required to work overtime. Employment Water and wastewater treatment plant operators held about 95,000 jobs in 1994. About half worked as water treatment plant operators and half worked as wastewater treatment plant operators. Water and wastewater treatment plant operators are employed throughout the country, with most jobs in larger towns and cities.