What Does a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Do?

There are many industries that require the installation and use of a wastewater treatment plant, including food processing, textile manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and mining - to name just a few. The effective and ethical management of large quantities of effluent produced by manufacturing or processes is essential, not only to ensure the smooth running of the operation, but also to stay compliant with strict discharge limits created to protect the environment and our dwindling natural resources.

Installing wastewater treatment systems is a job for trained professionals, but so too is the management of the site and equipment used. A plant operator in an industrial water treatment company is a highly specialised position. It requires well-honed skills and in-depth knowledge of the characteristics, technology and workings of a wide range of equipment, machinery, chemicals, and processes.

Below are some of the tasks a plant operator needs to be proficient in to work in an industrial water treatment company.

Monitoring the Quality of Wastewater

The plant operator needs to regularly monitor the quality of the water that comes through for treatment. They will take samples (using a variety of methods) and compare the levels of contaminants at any given time to permitted discharge levels to ensure they comply, and take immediate action if they don’t.

Data Collection and Reporting

The operator also needs to record a large amount of operational data, and generate or create reporting on the findings. Examples of the type of data collected include chemical use, results, and flow measurement. Data logs need to be extremely accurate and detailed as they are used to ensure regulatory compliance.

Operation of Specialised Equipment

Depending on the plant, the operator must be skilled in multiple kinds of equipment used in the treatment of effluent. This may include sedimentation tanks, filters, boilers, pumps, water softening equipment, and aeration systems. (The appropriate methods and systems should be determined by a professional industrial water treatment company.)

Handling Chemicals

Some of the chemicals used in the treatment of effluent are, by their nature, dangerous if mishandled. The plant operator needs to be trained in the safe handling, management, and application of these chemicals, including emergency procedures. They might include things like neutralising agents, coagulants, acids, chlorine, bases and flocculants.

Routine Maintenance and Repairs

The operator needs to be able to troubleshoot and identify any problems that may arise with plant and equipment, and ensure that routine maintenance schedules are followed. If there are any major breakdowns or equipment malfunctions, the operator will liaise with engineers or professional repair people from an industrial water treatment company.

A Job that Requires Wide Ranging Skills

A wastewater plant operator needs to be familiar with the specific challenges faced by whatever industry they are working in, and have a wide range of up-to-date knowledge and skills. They need to understand the ins and outs of safety protocols around hazardous waste and chemicals, and in addition to all the above, they also need to stay abreast of the relevant environmental legislation around discharge limits, on a local and national level.

It is not an easy job, but on the flip side it can be extremely interesting, varied and rewarding. There is an ongoing demand for skilled wastewater treatment plant operators, and it provides a career path with a wealth of opportunities across multiple industries.

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Sean Clifford is an advisor at AllWater Technologies Ltd, a wholly independent industrial water treatment company providing consultation and equipment, including reverse osmosis water systems. Bringing together a host of experience and specialist knowledge, the company is committed to building and maintaining long-term relationships and creating maximum value and benefit for their customers.