Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Head Loss • Water Main • Aquifer

Raw Water

Term from Water Supply industry explained for recruiters

Raw water refers to untreated water from natural sources like rivers, lakes, or groundwater before it goes through any cleaning or treatment process. When this term appears in resumes, it usually relates to jobs involving water treatment plants, environmental engineering, or municipal water supply systems. It's different from treated or potable water, which is what comes out of our taps at home. Think of it as the "ingredients" that water treatment professionals work with to create safe drinking water.

Examples in Resumes

Managed Raw Water intake systems for city water treatment facility

Monitored Raw Water quality parameters for compliance with EPA standards

Designed Raw Water collection and transportation systems for municipal water plant

Typical job title: "Water Treatment Operators"

Also try searching for:

Water Treatment Specialist Water Quality Engineer Environmental Engineer Water Resources Engineer Water Systems Operator Municipal Water Technician Water Plant Operator

Where to Find Water Treatment Operators

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a sudden change in raw water quality during peak demand?

Expected Answer: Candidate should discuss emergency response procedures, adjustment of treatment processes, communication protocols with stakeholders, and backup plans to maintain water quality standards.

Q: What experience do you have with raw water source protection programs?

Expected Answer: Should explain watershed management, source water protection strategies, working with environmental agencies, and developing long-term water quality maintenance plans.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What parameters do you monitor in raw water and why are they important?

Expected Answer: Should mention basic parameters like turbidity, pH, temperature, and explain how these affect treatment processes and final water quality.

Q: How do seasonal changes affect raw water treatment processes?

Expected Answer: Should discuss how different weather conditions affect water quality, adjusting treatment methods, and planning for seasonal variations.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the difference between raw water and treated water?

Expected Answer: Should explain that raw water is untreated water from natural sources, while treated water has gone through purification processes to meet drinking water standards.

Q: What basic safety procedures do you follow when handling raw water?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of personal protective equipment, basic hygiene practices, and understanding that raw water may contain harmful substances.