Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.
U.S. Workers
126,750
Median Salary
$58,260
10-Year Growth
-6.5%
Annual Openings
10,700
Typical entry: High school diploma or equivalent
8 of 8 tasks have some AI capability
Exposure Trend
This score reflects estimated AI technical capability for tasks in this occupation. It does not predict employment changes, and it does not account for company-specific constraints, regulation, or adoption barriers.
Record operational data, personnel attendance, or meter and gauge readings on specified forms.
AI: Fully automatable - Sensors, SCADA, and information systems can automatically record operational data, attendance, and meter/gauge readings directly to specified forms.
Operate and adjust controls on equipment to purify and clarify water, process or dispose of sewage, and generate power.
AI: Fully automatable - Advanced control systems and AI can autonomously operate and adjust treatment and power-generation controls within defined parameters, enabling full automation of routine control tasks.
Inspect equipment or monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect malfunctions.
AI: Fully automatable - AI combined with sensor networks and computer-vision systems can continuously monitor equipment, gauges, and conditions and detect malfunctions and load requirements in many installations.
Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime, to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids.
AI: Partial - AI can automate and optimize chemical dosing through control systems and algorithms but cannot fully replace human oversight and physical handling/safety procedures in most plants by 2025.
Collect and test water and sewage samples, using test equipment and color analysis standards.
AI: Partial - Automated samplers and laboratory analyzers with AI interpretation can perform many tests, but field sample collection, chain-of-custody, and complex on-site handling still often require humans.
Maintain, repair, and lubricate equipment, using hand tools and power tools.
AI: Partial - AI can diagnose faults and guide technicians, but maintenance, repair, and the dexterous use of hand and power tools remain predominantly manual tasks in 2025.
Clean and maintain tanks, filter beds, and other work areas, using hand tools and power tools.
AI: Partial - Automated cleaning systems and robots handle some cleaning tasks, but much tank, filter-bed, and confined-space maintenance still requires human manual labor and oversight.
Direct and coordinate plant workers engaged in routine operations and maintenance activities.
AI: Partial - AI can assist with scheduling, task coordination, and monitoring, but cannot fully replace human judgment, leadership, and on-site coordination responsibilities as of 2025.