Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators

Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.

The occupation "Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators" has an automation risk of 52.5%, which is closely aligned with the base risk of 53.1%. This moderate level of risk indicates that while a significant portion of the job could potentially be automated, there remain essential components that require human intervention and judgment. The majority of routine and repetitive tasks within this occupation can be targeted by automation technologies. For instance, activities such as adding chemicals like ammonia or chlorine to water, collecting and testing samples, and recording operational data are well-suited to automated machinery, sensors, and data logging systems. These types of tasks are largely process-driven, follow strict protocols, and can be reliably managed using programmed systems. However, certain tasks within this role exhibit a strong resistance to automation due to their complexity and the necessity for hands-on management. These include directing and coordinating plant workers, cleaning and maintaining various equipment and work areas, and performing repairs and lubrication with the use of tools. The human element in managing teams, responding to unpredictable issues, and carrying out precise maintenance activities cannot be fully replicated by automated systems. These responsibilities require problem-solving skills, adaptability, and manual dexterity, making them less susceptible to being overtaken by machines or software. Additionally, the bottleneck skills contributing to the occupation’s resistance to automation include originality, rated at levels of 2.1% and 2.5%. This indicates that, while only a small part of the job requires creative or non-routine thinking, these skills serve as critical limits to full automation. Originality comes into play when operators must troubleshoot unexpected problems, devise new solutions for operational efficiency, or adapt to changes in water treatment standards. As such, although automation may streamline many operational tasks, the need for creative thinking and adaptive responses ensures that water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators will continue to play a vital role in their field.