The typical process which our water is treated for consumption is coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection. Coagulation is clump together objects from suspended particles. Sedimentation is when water is put through basins where sediments are taken out. Filtration is filtered through sand, membranes and other materials. Last but not least, disinfection which adds chemical additives.
Contaminated water can be devastating to a community or effect even a larger population, so these types of jobs are vital to water conditions. It is said that with 70% of water on Earth, only 1% can be drinkable by humans, so we must make the most of it.
There are different types of water treatment professionals such as liquid waste treatment plant and system operators and water treatment plant systems operators. What is the difference? Those in liquid waste, not literally of course, deal with the removal of harmful bacteria’s and pollutants that can be returned to the environment. Water treatment professionals clean the water so it is drinkable for us to enjoy. These are not jobs that will get those who work in this field on the cover of magazines and will win them any awards, but these jobs are extremely important because they provide us will a valuable service we all use.
Those are potential water and liquid treatment systems operators should acquire an associate’s degree, trade associations, and certificate programs in waste water treatment technology or water quality to improve employment opportunities. The Association Board of Certifications also offers certificates in water treatment.
The Safe Drinking Water Act and the Clean Water Act regulate policies for water consumption. There are minimum requirements that require certification for water treatment operators. With the nature of the occupation becoming more complex, water treatment operators are needed to have a higher degree of understanding.
Water treatment specialists may have to work during bed weather conditions because of overflow of wastewater in the sewers. Natural disasters are a major factor when it comes to water treatment. Water can become contaminated by tanker spills for example.
With the growth of the population new technologies will become available to operate and manage water treatment. In addition, because of the increasing population this will cause more waste to be produced and this will also spur the demand for more liquid waste operators. As the population continues to grow more efforts and water treatment technologies will have to meet our increasing needs. Many of the infrastructures such as water treatment plants are becoming old and out-dated. This will cause for upgrades will also cause the need for a considerable amount of funding.
The average salaries are $30,000-$46,000 per year with the potential to earn as much as $56,000 per year over time. Some may become supervisors and managers and have more responsibilities and duties. With new technologies becoming available those enter the water treatment profession should be up to date all current and potential technologies. Water treatment is constantly evolving to improve water conditions to produce more clean water and limit the amount of sewage and waste. The best opportunities for waste and liquid treatment systems operators are in larger cities. Voluntary certifications are available for those who wish to become more educated and show their level competence.
Clean water is something we might take for granted and don’t take the time to understand the “Why?” and “How?” it comes to us clean and sanitary state. We are very lucky we don’t have to get out water from the well and river, all we have to do is turn the faucet and let the hot and cold water flow.
There are various organizations that specialize in education and training in water treatment operations which are The National Rural Association, the American Water Works Association, and Water Environment Federation.
The value and importance of our water should not be taken for granted. Sometimes we are reluctant to invest money into something we might not view as a priority, water is very high priority.
