
What does a certified water operator do?
Certified operators are a critical part of providing an adequate and safe supply of water. Operators are typically responsible for a variety of tasks centered around operating and maintaining a system or plant. They typically work in a selection of capacities: water treatment, distribution, water collection, or wastewater.
What are the benefits of being a water distribution operator?
As a water system employee, becoming a licensed Water Distribution Operator can lead to promotion, higher salaries, and increased job security. Certification programs and testing are administered on a state by state basis, operating under the EPA guidelines established by amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act in 1996.
What does a water treatment plant operator do?
What does a water treatment plant operator do? - CareerExplorer What does a water treatment plant operator do? 29% Match? Would you make a good water treatment plant operator? Take our career test and find your match with over 800 careers. What is a Water Treatment Plant Operator? A water treatment plant operator works in water treatment plants.
What is the role of a water supply company?
They are responsible for operating and maintaining all aspects of the water distribution system including reservoirs, storage tanks, water mains, pumps, meters, and fire hydrants.

What do distribution operators do?
A distribution system operator, or DSO, coordinates the distribution system for a product or good. An electric distribution system operator distributes energy resources, but system distribution operators also work in fields related to water, utilities, and fuel.
What is the main purpose of a water distribution system?
The basic function of a water distribution system is to transport the water from the treatment facility to the customer. In addition, distribution systems may also provide storage, as well as provide flow and pressure adequate for fire protection.
Is water treatment a good career?
Good news for you right? The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the job outlook for water treatment operators will grow by 12% over the next 7 years. That's insane!
What does a water distribution system consist of?
A water distribution system consists of pipelines, storage facilities, pumps, and other accessories. Pipelines laid within public right of way called water mains are used to transport water within a distribution system.
What are the 3 methods of water distribution?
Types of Water Distribution SystemDead-end or Tree Distribution system.Gridiron Distribution System.Circular or ring Distribution System.Radial Distribution System.
What are the 2 types of water distribution systems?
In order to achieve this, four main water distribution system types are used:Gridiron systems. In gridiron systems, the main water supply line goes through the central part of the area, while sub mains branch out perpendicular to the main line. ... Ring systems. ... Radial systems. ... Dead-end systems.
What is the problem in water distribution system?
The external corrosion of water distribution systems leads to two major problems for water utilities. The first problem is the failure of the pipes. The second is the contamination of water as soil contaminants are transported into the distribution system.
What are the requirements of a distribution system?
The 3 main requirements of a good electrical power distribution. Safety. Efficiency. Reliability.
Where do wastewater operators make the most money?
Highest paying cities for Wastewater Operators near United StatesSan Jose, CA. $47.66 per hour. 10 salaries reported.Tacoma, WA. $34.20 per hour. 7 salaries reported.Saint Petersburg, FL. $32.92 per hour. 8 salaries reported.Los Angeles, CA. $31.50 per hour. ... Columbia, SC. $29.91 per hour. ... Show more nearby cities.
Are wastewater operators happy?
As it turns out, water treatment plant operators rate their career happiness 2.9 out of 5 stars which puts them in the bottom 24% of careers.
How do I get into water management?
How to become a water managerPursue a bachelor's degree. Getting a bachelor's degree in engineering, environmentalism or hydrogeology is the usual first step for many potential water managers. ... Complete internships in water management. ... Consider a master's degree. ... Receive state licensure. ... Gain work experience. ... Become a PE.
What are 3 types of water?
Water can occur in three states: solid (ice), liquid or gas (vapor).
Who is responsible for supply of drinking water in your house?
Under the section, the state has the power to regulate and control the collection; retention and distribution of any water and water resources demarcate the area for protection of water resources and declare the area as protected area. 14 See Urban Water Supply and Sewerage Board Act, 1985.
What is direct water distribution?
A direct water supply system is one where the raising main feeds directly the cold water taps and a multi point water heater. The mains water comes in via a rising main and directly feeds all the cold taps and a multi point water heater - so all the taps and other water feeds are at mains water pressure.
What is best water distribution system?
A Grid-iron water distribution system is best suited for modern well-planned cities as the water main pipeline and branches are laid in a rectangle layout. Due to no dead ends water is continuously flowing through pipelines. Maintenance and repair work can be carried without out disrupting water flow.
What is a water system called?
A water supply network or water supply system is a system of engineered hydrologic and hydraulic components that provide water supply. A water supply system typically includes the following: A drainage basin (see water purification – sources of drinking water)
What is a distribution pipe?
A water-distribution pipe is located inside a building and delivers potable water to the fixtures. The supply system delivering water from the potable source to the building is the "water service" pipe. The water distribution system includes normally both hot and cold water.
What are the four major water supply distribution systems?
The four major water supply distribution systems, are tree, grid iron, ring and radial. Water supply distribution systems can be classified into four types which are as follows- Dead end system or tree system, Grid iron system, Ring system, and Radial system.
What are the four different types of water supply distribution system?
The aim of a distribution network is to supply a community with the appropriate quantity and quality of water. There are four network types: dead end, gridiron, circular and radial systems.
What should you do if water pressure is high?
Call your water company If you notice that your water pressure is immensely above the normal standards. When the force exceeds 100 psi or more, this could indicate a problem in the water supply network. It's the supplier's responsibility to make sure that your home receives normal levels of water.
What is the most efficient water distribution system?
Detailed Solution. Dead-end System: It is also called a tree system, it consists of one main supply line, from which originates (generally at right angles) a number of sub-main pipes; Each sub-main is then divided into several branch pipes, called laterals.
What is the importance of water supply?
Safe and readily available water is important for public health, whether it is used for drinking, domestic use, food production or recreational purposes. Improved water supply and sanitation, and better management of water resources, can boost countries' economic growth and can contribute greatly to poverty reduction.
What is the distribution system?
A distribution system consists of all the facilities and equipment connecting a transmission system to the customer's equipment. A typical distribution system can consist of: Substations. Distribution Feeder Circuits. Switches.
What is a distribution main?
The distribution main is the largest running pipe in the entirety of the water system, usually considered the output source of all of the different methods many communities use to hold their surplus treated water in holding tanks or water towers.
What is the role of water distribution operators?
Water Distribution Operators play a critical role in delivering safe drinking water to customers.
Why is it important to get a water distribution license?
Obtaining certification as a Water Distribution Operator is critical to ensure the protection of the public and to maintain safe and reliable water treatment and distribution facilities. As a water system employee, becoming a licensed Water Distribution Operator can lead to promotion, higher salaries, and increased job security.
How much does a Class IV water operator make?
Salaries for Class IV operators can go as high as $30 per hour. A career with a public drinking water utility is one of the most stable and secure jobs in the country. In a booming economy, in a recession, or even a depression, there will always be a need for Water Distribution Operators.
What is wastewater operator?
Operators are trained in emergency management procedures and use safety equipment to protect their health, as well as that of the public. Wastewater treatment plant and system operators do similar work to remove pollutants from domestic and industrial waste. Used water, also known as wastewater, travels through sewage pipes to treatment plants ...
What is a Water Treatment Plant Operator?
A water treatment plant operator runs the equipment, control the processes, and monitor the plants that treat the water.
How many hours a day do plant operators work?
Plants operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In small plants, operators are likely to work during the day and be on call nights and weekends. In medium and large sized plants that require constant monitoring, operators work in shifts to control the plant at all hours.
What is the role of a plant operator?
In a small plant, one operator may be responsible for maintaining all of the systems. In large plants, multiple operators work the same shifts and are more specialized in their duties, often relying on computerized systems to help them monitor plant processes. Occasionally, operators must work during emergencies.
What do sewage workers do?
Many others work for water, sewage, and other systems utilities and for waste treatment and disposal services. They work both indoors and outdoors. They may be exposed to noise from machinery and are often exposed to unpleasant odours.
What chemicals are used to disinfect water?
Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime, to disinfect water or other liquids. Inspect equipment on a regular basis. Monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges. Collect and test water and sewage samples. Record meter and gauge readings, and operational data.
Where does used water go?
Used water, also known as wastewater, travels through sewage pipes to treatment plants where it is treated and either returned to streams, rivers, and oceans, or used for irrigation. Are you suited to be a water treatment plant operator? Water treatment plant operators have distinct personalities. They tend to be realistic individuals, which means ...
What is the DWOCP?
The DWOCP was originally under the Department of Health Services and then the California Department of Public Health. In 2014, the DWOCP was transferred to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) in the Division of Financial Assistance. The DWOCP is responsible for the testing and certification of approximately 35,000 water treatment ...
When did the USEPA start certifying water systems?
In 1998, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) established guidelines for the certification and re-certification of operators of community and non-transient non-community public water systems. On January 1, 2001, new state regulations were adopted to comply with these guidelines and the existing water treatment operator ...
How much does a wastewater operator make?
In general, jobs within the water industry remain relatively less affected by changes in the economy than other industries. Additionally, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics maintains that in 2018 the average salary for water and wastewater treatment plant operators was $46,780 USD per year.
What is the job of an operator?
Operators can work in various areas, such as water, wastewater, distribution and reuse. These operators maintain equipment and processes to monitor and affect water as it moves through the treatment and distribution cycles.
What is the AWWA Operator Scholarship?
American Water Works Association and the 43 sections across North America have come together to create the One AWWA Operator Scholarship to support continuing education within the water industry. AWWA’s Water Equation matches funds raised at the section level to provide books, tuition, training, education and certification to operators at water and wastewater treatment plants.
How is the One Awwa Operator Scholarship funded?
The One AWWA Operator Scholarship is funded through a matching fund from AWWA’s The Water Equation Campaign and participating Sections. Contact your Section on how to apply or receive more information on this new operator scholarship.
How many hours of training is on WSO?
The WSO Channel includes 60+ full length videos covering 20 hours of certification and training content for operators. Strengthen the practices and procedures of your operator employees.
What is a certified operator?
Certified operators are a critical part of providing an adequate and safe supply of water. Operators are typically responsible for a variety of tasks centered around operating and maintaining a system or plant. They typically work in a selection of capacities: water treatment, distribution, water collection, or wastewater.
Do you have to pass a certification exam to become an operator?
In some states, you need to pass a certification exam before you can be considered for an operator position. In others, you can get an operator job, but must pass the certification test within a set time frame after being hired. Refer to your state or province for more information about what is required.
