Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Collect water, wastewater and treated-water samples from treatment plants, distribution points and sources, using sterile containers and correct labelling.
Test samples for indicator bacteria such as total coliforms and E. coli, usually by membrane filtration or multiple-tube methods.
Grow and count microbes on culture media, and identify isolates under the microscope and with lab kits.
Check disinfection performance, such as chlorine residual, and share results with the plant team.
Keep equipment such as incubators, autoclaves and microscopes calibrated and working, and maintain quality control records.
Compare results with drinking water and effluent standards, flag failures and recommend corrective action with engineers and operators.
Write test reports, maintain logbooks, and follow biosafety and chemical safety rules.
