Water Treatment Technician

A water treatment technician typically works for a city government at a water treatment facility. Depending on the size of the city, the facility could be large or small. In a typical day, a water treatment technician may record meter and gauge readings, add chemicals to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids, clean and maintain equipment and work areas, collect and test water samples, or operate and adjust controls on equipment to purify and clarify water. Because water treatment occurs 24-hours-a-day, water treatment technicians may work weekends or shift work.  Most water treatment technicians work full-time.

Being a water treatment technician requires both scientific and mechanical abilities. Specifically, a water treatment technician needs good analytical skills to conduct tests and inspections on water or wastewater and evaluate the results. One also needs to be detail-oriented as he/she must monitor machinery, gauges, dials, and controls to ensure everything is operating properly. Because tap water and wastewater are highly regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, operators must be careful and thorough in completing these tasks. Math skills are also important. Water treatment technicians must have the ability to apply data to formulas that determine treatment requirements, flow levels, and concentration levels. Finally, a water treatment technician must have good mechanical skills and know-how to work with machines and use tools. They must also be familiar with how to operate, repair, and maintain equipment.

A person in this job should like physical activities and work. You may be expected to do heavy lifting, stooping, climbing, and walking. Everyone in the plant is exposed to unpleasant odors. And it can be a dirty job. For success in this career, someone needs to have good skills in general learning ability, spatial perception, form perception, manual dexterity, and critical thinking.

Water treatment technicians typically need a high school diploma and a license to work. They also typically undergo on-the-job training. As competition for jobs continues to increase, completion of an Associates degree in water quality and wastewater treatment also increases the chances of employment and a higher starting salary.

All states require certification, or licensure from the Association Boards of Certification, in the state in which they plan to work. States licenses typically have four levels, which indicate the operator’s experience and training. Each increase in license level allows the operator to control a larger plant and more complicated processes without supervision.

Colorado has approximately 2,800 wastewater districts and 4,000 water districts statewide.v   Based on 2019 income statistics from the Department of Labor, a water or wastewater treatment technician with an introductory license earns a median annual wage of $47,760.  Pay increases are typically incremental with additional and higher licenses.