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.
How AI Impacts Each Task
8 tasks analyzed
Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime, to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids.
Collect and test water and sewage samples, using test equipment and color analysis standards.
Record operational data, personnel attendance, or meter and gauge readings on specified forms.
Operate and adjust controls on equipment to purify and clarify water, process or dispose of sewage, and generate power.
Inspect equipment or monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect malfunctions.
Maintain, repair, and lubricate equipment, using hand tools and power tools.
Clean and maintain tanks, filter beds, and other work areas, using hand tools and power tools.
Direct and coordinate plant workers engaged in routine operations and maintenance activities.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime, to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids. | 40Estimated | 49.0% | 10% | |
| Collect and test water and sewage samples, using test equipment and color analysis standards. | 52Estimated | 70.0% | 15% | |
| Record operational data, personnel attendance, or meter and gauge readings on specified forms. | 92Estimated | 86.0% | 15% | |
| Operate and adjust controls on equipment to purify and clarify water, process or dispose of sewage, and generate power. | 60Estimated | 57.0% | 20% | |
| Inspect equipment or monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect malfunctions. | 70Estimated | 55.0% | 15% | |
| Maintain, repair, and lubricate equipment, using hand tools and power tools. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 10% | |
| Clean and maintain tanks, filter beds, and other work areas, using hand tools and power tools. | 20Estimated | 41.0% | 10% | |
| Direct and coordinate plant workers engaged in routine operations and maintenance activities. | 30Estimated | 27.0% | 5% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Equipment Maintenance is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
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Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.
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Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis