Water is pumped from river and streams to the treatment plant where is it treated and sent to customers. Wastewater is sent back the plant where is it treated and returned to the environment. Water and wastewater plant operators supervise the treatment of the water. They control pumps, valves, and processing equipment that move the water through the treatment process. They also read meters and gauges to make sure the equipment is functioning properly.
Operators adjust controls when needed.
Operators also take samples of the water and perform analyses of it to determine how much treatment is necessary. After treatment, they check the level of chemicals, such as chlorine, in the water. Occasionally operators may make minor repairs to the equipment using hand tools. Operators often use computers to help them monitor equipment, store test results, and produce reports. They also may use computers to help them find machinery problems in the plant.