尽管自动化改变了整个饮用水行业操作员工作的性质，但并没有降低操作员的重要性。新技术可能会让操作员从传统上必须执行的一些任务中解脱出来，但这些变化也增加了新的压力。处理设施的日益复杂增加了本已复杂的系统的复杂性。操作员现在必须熟悉工厂技术，并了解过程变量，以确保自动化系统的正常运行。包括人类因素工程（也称为人类工效学或人类工程学）的历史，以及其在水处理厂中的应用。 包括6个参考文献，图。

Although automation has changed the nature of the operator's job throughout the drinking water industry, it has not diminished the operator's importance. New technologies may relieve operators from some of the tasks they have traditionally had to perform, but these same changes have also added new pressure. The increased sophistication of treatment facilities has added complexity to already complicated systems. Operators must now familiarize themselves with plant technology as well as understand process variables to ensure proper functioning of automated systems. A history of human factors engineering (also called ergonomics or human engineering) is included, as well as its application in water treatment plants. Includes 6 references, figure.