Water Quality Technician (Water Quality Tech)
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including HealthDescription
Conduct field and laboratory testing to assess drinking water, wastewater, and surface or groundwater quality under the direction of water scientists or utility staff. Collect and analyze water samples, document results, and support compliance, treatment process control, and public health protection.
- • Collect drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and groundwater samples using grab or composite methods with chain-of-custody.
- • Measure pH, temperature, turbidity, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, ORP, and chlorine residuals in the field.
- • Prepare and analyze samples for coliform/E. coli, nutrients, BOD, COD, TSS, metals, and other parameters using approved methods.
- • Calibrate and maintain meters, probes, spectrophotometers, turbidimeters, and autosamplers.
- • Maintain sample logs, chain-of-custody forms, calibration records, and site maps.
- • Discuss test results with operators, engineers, customers, or regulators.
- • Assist with SDWA, NPDES, and state reporting, including DMRs and CCR data.
- • Develop or follow sampling plans, SOPs, and QA plans; improve procedures.
- • Follow laboratory and field safety practices; handle chemicals and biohazards per SOPs.
- • Track usage and inventory for treatment chemicals and lab supplies.
- • Implement stormwater and industrial pretreatment monitoring programs.
- • Support cross-connection control by collecting backflow prevention program samples.
- • Perform jar tests or bench studies for coagulation, disinfection, and corrosion control.
- • Maintain and troubleshoot online analyzers and SCADA connected instruments.
- • Expedite sampling and reporting during boil-water advisories or emergencies.
- • Develop and validate water testing procedures consistent with Standard Methods and EPA methods.
- • Record test data and enter results into LIMS; prepare reports, charts, and compliance summaries.
- • Perform QA/QC checks with blanks, duplicates, spikes, and standards; validate data.
- • Set up and service sampling stations, flow meters, and autosamplers at plants, outfalls, and creeks.
- • Compute concentrations, loads, and removal efficiencies using standard formulas.
- • Monitor treatment and distribution water quality; recommend chemical dose or process adjustments, including DBP control.
- • Prepare reagents, standards, and media; label and preserve samples to meet holding times.
- • Inspect wells, reservoirs, tanks, and sampling points for sanitary conditions and security.
- • Investigate complaints, taste and odor issues, spills, or fish kills; collect confirmatory samples.
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
