Water treatment plant operator

Water treatment plant operators monitor and control the process that takes untreated water from rivers or ground water into the treatment plant. It is processed to provide clean and safe water ready for supply to customers.

Work activities

Water treatment plant operators work at plants that treat water to make it fit to drink. They monitor and control the whole process from taking untreated water from its source into the plant to releasing clean water ready for supply to customers.

The first stage involves taking water from the environment. Water may come from reservoirs, rivers or boreholes. It is pumped into the treatment plant. This stage of the process mainly means setting and controlling the flow through the pipelines from reservoirs.

This can involve operating pumping equipment, but also often means reacting to changes in the incoming water quality. For example, there might be a pollution incident in a river from which water is taken. If this happened, the plant operator would have to stop contaminated water entering the plant.

As water enters the plant it has to be tested, for example, to check the acidity or alkalinity (pH) levels and the presence of minerals, bacteria and algae. Much of the process involves treating the water with chemicals. Operators use computers to release chemicals from storage tanks. This is all automated, but the operator will need to make sure that there are enough chemicals available. Changing chemical containers is part of the job. Operators use overhead cranes and hoists to lift and move the chemical containers into the right place. Great care has to be taken as some of the raw chemicals are extremely dangerous if spilt.

There will be some outdoor work such as visual inspections of the reservoir and overflow outlets, taking delivery of chemicals and moving materials around the site. Some sites are involved in monitoring weather changes and rainfall.

Operators need to maintain the plant regularly, for example, washing the filters. They also work with technicians, locating areas of the plant for inspection and repair work.

Operators must wear protective clothing, especially when handling chemicals.  They will need to work outside in all weather conditions.

Being able to read, write and speak Welsh may be an advantage when you’re looking for work in Wales.

Personal qualities and skills

As a water treatment plant operator, you need to:

• Understand the treatment process, so an interest in science, especially chemistry, is useful.
• Work carefully and follow health and safety procedures at all times.
• Be aware that your actions can directly affect the health of the many people drinking the water produced by your plant.

You’ll also need:

• IT skills.
• The maturity to work well when alone.
• Good practical skills to operate different types of equipment and do routine maintenance tasks.

This job might not be suitable for people who have skin conditions, such as eczema, or breathing complaints, such as asthma.

Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given are approximate. Water treatment plant operators typically start on around £17,000 per year, with pay rising to £32,000 with experience.

Plant operators work a 42-44 hours per week. You may need to work shifts and you may need to be “on-call” during nights and weekends in case of an emergency.

Employers are all water companies throughout the UK. Opportunities for water treatment plant operators occur with employers in towns, cities and rural areas throughout the UK.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service. Apprenticeships can be found on the Find an Apprenticeship website.

Entry routes and training

Entry routes into this career vary. You might not need any qualifications. An intermediate apprenticeship as a water process operative is a good place to start. Other intermediate and advanced apprenticeships are available, such as:

• Water industry treatment process technician (level 3/advanced)
• Water treatment technician (level 3/advanced)

You will be trained on-the-job with supervision from experienced staff. This is combined with off-the-job training, which may take place at a local college or training centre.

Water treatment plant operators with the right experience and qualifications can be promoted to senior roles, e.g. supervisor or inspector.

Qualifications

If you wish to enter this career through an apprenticeship, you will need to be 16 with GCSEs in maths and English. You may be able to complete these qualifications on the programme if you don’t have them.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

People with relevant mechanical or technical skills have an advantage.

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