Very Small Water System Operator study plan

Identify the major unit processes in a small conventional surface-water treatment train (coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection) and state the purpose of each.

Explain the difference between surface water and groundwater sources and list the treatment requirements typically triggered by each.

Define turbidity, NTU, and the relationship between turbidity and filtration performance.

Calculate a simple coagulant or chemical dose given flow rate and target concentration.

Describe the coagulation/flocculation jar test procedure and interpret which dose produces the best settled clarity.

Explain how granular media filters are backwashed, including the indicators (head loss, turbidity, run time) that trigger backwash.

Compare chlorine, chloramine, ozone, and UV disinfection by mode of action, advantages, and limitations for very small systems.

Calculate CT (disinfectant concentration × contact time) and explain its role in disinfection compliance.

Identify common chemical feed systems (hypochlorinator, solution feed, dry feed) and their maintenance needs.

Trace the path of water from source to customer through transmission, storage, and distribution mains.

Identify the function of valves, hydrants, meters, blow-offs, and air-release/vacuum-relief valves in a small distribution system.

Explain the purpose of storage tanks (equalization, fire flow, emergency reserve) and the difference between floating and fixed-level storage.

Describe cross-connection hazards and backflow prevention methods (air gap, RPZ, double check, PVB) and when each is appropriate.

Calculate detention time in a storage tank or pipe segment given volume and flow.

Explain how to collect distribution samples for bacteriological, chlorine residual, and lead/copper monitoring, including site selection and handling.

Describe disinfection residual maintenance in the distribution system and the factors that cause residual loss.

Identify main breaks and repair procedures, including shutdown, disinfection, flushing, and sampling before return to service.

Explain the purpose of a flushing program and how to document flush volumes and locations.

List the daily and weekly operational tasks a very small system operator must perform (readings, chemical checks, log entries).

Describe how to take and record daily operational readings (flow, pressure, chlorine residual, turbidity, tank level) and what ranges trigger action.

Explain the purpose of an operations and maintenance (O&M) manual and list the records a very small system must keep.

Identify common treatment and distribution equipment failures (pump, feeder, valve, meter) and the first troubleshooting steps for each.

Calculate chemical usage and cost over a month given dose, flow, and chemical price.

Explain emergency response basics: loss of power, loss of pressure, boil-water advisory issuance, and notification steps.

Identify the primary federal drinking water regulations (Safe Drinking Water Act, Total Coliform Rule/Revised TCR, Lead and Copper Rule, Stage 2 DBPR, Surface Water Treatment Rules) and what each requires of a very small system.

Explain monitoring and reporting requirements: who samples, how often, where, and what happens when a result exceeds a limit.

Distinguish between a maximum contaminant level (MCL), treatment technique (TT), and maximum residual disinfectant level (MRDL).

Describe public notification tiers and timelines for violations and the content required in a public notice.

Explain the role of the primacy agency and the operator's duty to report violations and maintain certified operator status.

Explain the public health significance of coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrate, arsenic, lead, and disinfection byproducts in drinking water.

Describe the multiple-barrier concept and how treatment, distribution integrity, and monitoring work together to protect public health.

Review treatment calculations (dose, CT, filter loading rate) and regulation calculations (running annual average, percent removal) side by side.

Identify common causes of waterborne illness outbreaks in small systems and the operational failures behind them.

Complete a full-length timed practice exam covering all four domains and score each domain separately.

Review every missed question, write the correct concept in your own words, and tag it to a domain.

Re-drill the two weakest domains with focused calculation and definition practice.

Build a one-page quick-reference sheet of key formulas, limits, and monitoring frequencies for exam day.