What action should an operator take first when faced with water quality complaints?

When faced with water quality complaints, the first step an operator should take is to document the complaint. This action serves several critical purposes: it creates a formal record of the issue, which can be essential for tracking patterns or recurring problems. Documentation also provides clarity on the specifics of the complaint, including details such as the time, location, nature of the issue, and the identities of the complainants. This information can be crucial for any subsequent investigations or actions taken to resolve the complaint.

Thorough documentation is vital for maintaining compliance with regulatory standards and for the operator's own operational records. It enables effective communication with other team members and stakeholders, making it easier to track down the cause of the complaint and assess the response's effectiveness later. By starting with documentation, the operator ensures that all necessary information is available for further assessment and resolution of the complaint.