Water is pumped from rivers and streams to water treatment plants. Waste materials are carried by water through sewer pipes to sewage treatment plants. Operators in both types of plants control processes and equipment to remove solid materials, chemicals, and organisms from the water or render them harmless. By operating and maintaining the pumps, pipes, valves, and processing equipment of the treatment facility, operators move the water or sewage through the various treatment processes. Operators read and interpret meters and gauges to make sure plant equipment and processes are working properly and adjust controls as needed.
Operators also make minor repairs to valves, pumps, and other equipment.
They use gauges, wrenches, pliers, and other common handtools, as well as special tools. Occasionally operators must work under emergency conditions. A heavy rainstorm, for example, may cause an amount of sewage to flow into sewerpipes that exceeds a plant's treatment capacity. Emergencies also can be caused by conditions inside a plant, such as chlorine gas leaks or oxygen deficiencies. The duties of operators vary depending on the type and size of plant.