Municipal treatment plants also must meet stringent discharge standards. Operators must be familiar with the guidelines established by the Federal 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. Suburban water treatment plants are often staffed by a small staff and use manual controls in the treatment process. 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 chlorine and other chemicals are 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. Because plants operate continuously for 24 hours every day, operators work one of three 8-hour shifts and on a rotational basis, weekends and holidays. Whenever emergencies arise, operators may be required to work overtime. Employment Water and wastewater treatment plant operators held about 86,000 jobs in 1992. About half worked as water treatment plant operators and half worked as wastewater treatment plant operators.