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.
AI Impact Summary
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators faces moderate AI displacement risk with a score of 39/100. This occupation has higher AI displacement risk than 78% of all analyzed occupations. Of 8 analyzed tasks, 1 are highly automatable, particularly routine cognitive tasks. Limited protective factors mean this occupation has few buffers against AI automation.
This is a general assessment. to get a score adjusted for your experience, skills, and work environment.
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.
| 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% |
Skill Impact Analysis
6
AI-Vulnerable
11
AI-Resistant
AI-Vulnerable
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.
AI-Resistant
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Recommended Courses
Courses matched to Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators skill gaps, ranked by relevance to your displacement risk profile.
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Upskill to Reduce Risk
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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.
Score History
PAIDSee how Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators's risk score has changed over 2 scoring runs.
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Education & Training
PAIDEducation levels, experience requirements, and training data for this occupation.
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Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis