AK Water Operator study plan
AK Water Operator · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Treatment Processes and Unit Operations & Math, Hydraulics, and Calculations
Map the full treatment train from source to finished water and describe the purpose of each unit process
Explain coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration using correct terminology for each
Solve basic dosage and flow conversion problems (mg/L, lb/day, MGD to gpm) without notes
Define key water quality parameters (turbidity, alkalinity, hardness, pH) and state their treatment significance
Your checkpoint
A one-page hand-drawn treatment train diagram with a written purpose statement for every unit process, plus 10 worked dosage/flow problems showing all steps
Treatment Processes and Unit Operations & Math, Hydraulics, and Calculations
Describe filter operation, backwash sequencing, and the indicators that trigger backwash
Identify common filter problems (mudballs, breakthrough, air binding) and their corrective actions
Calculate filtration rate, backwash rate, and unit filter run volume with correct units
Explain how temperature, coagulant dose, and mixing energy affect floc formation
Your checkpoint
A filter operations summary sheet listing five filter problems, their causes, and corrective actions, plus 10 filtration-rate calculations graded against a key
Distribution System Operations and Maintenance & Math, Hydraulics, and Calculations
Identify distribution system components (mains, valves, hydrants, storage, meters) and state the function of each
Explain the causes of and controls for nitrification, corrosion, and biofilm in distribution systems
Compute detention time, storage volume, and pressure/head relationships in distribution systems
Describe cross-connection control and backflow prevention device types
Your checkpoint
A distribution system walkthrough checklist covering valves, hydrants, storage, and cross-connection points, plus a completed set of 10 detention-time and pressure calculations
Disinfection and Disinfection Byproducts & Laboratory Analysis and Process Monitoring
Differentiate free chlorine, combined chlorine, and total chlorine and state how each is measured
Explain CT concept and how contact time, pH, and temperature affect disinfection efficacy
Describe the four DBP groups (TTHM, HAA5, bromate, chlorite) and their precursor and control strategies
Perform chlorine dose, demand, and residual calculations and interpret a breakpoint chlorination curve
Your checkpoint
A disinfection and DBP reference card covering chlorine species, CT factors, and the four DBP groups, plus 10 completed chlorine dose/demand/residual problems
Source Water and Water Quality & Disinfection and Disinfection Byproducts & Laboratory Analysis and Process Monitoring
Classify source water contaminants (microbial, inorganic, organic, radiological) and match each to its treatment approach
Explain source water protection concepts including wellhead protection and surface water intake considerations
Describe sampling procedures, chain of custody, and QA/QC practices for chlorine and turbidity
Interpret a set of lab results and flag values that exceed typical operational or regulatory limits
Your checkpoint
A source-to-treatment contaminant matching table (at least 12 contaminants) plus a written interpretation of a 10-result lab data set flagging exceedances
Regulations, Reporting, and Public Health & Pumps, Motors, and Mechanical Equipment
Summarize the key requirements of the Surface Water Treatment Rules and the Total Coliform Rule
Identify required monitoring frequencies, reporting deadlines, and public notification tiers
Describe pump types (centrifugal, positive displacement) and match each to its typical application
Explain motor protection, lubrication, vibration, and preventive maintenance practices for pumps and motors
Your checkpoint
A regulation quick-reference sheet listing each major rule with its monitoring requirement and reporting deadline, plus a pump/motor preventive maintenance schedule
Safety, Emergency Response, and Security & Pumps, Motors, and Mechanical Equipment & Distribution System Operations and Maintenance
Identify confined space, chlorine gas, and electrical hazards and state the required controls for each
Outline the response sequence for a main break, loss of pressure, and a boil water notice
Describe security measures for treatment facilities and distribution assets
Explain lockout/tagout and personal protective equipment selection for common water system tasks
Your checkpoint
A two-page emergency response outline covering main break, loss of pressure, and boil water notice scenarios, with the safety controls listed for each
Source Water and Water Quality & Treatment Processes and Unit Operations & Distribution System Operations and Maintenance & Pumps, Motors, and Mechanical Equipment & Disinfection and Disinfection Byproducts & Laboratory Analysis and Process Monitoring & Regulations, Reporting, and Public Health & Safety, Emergency Response, and Security & Math, Hydraulics, and Calculations
Complete a full-length timed practice exam under test conditions
Review every missed question and write the underlying concept for each
Re-drill the three weakest domains with targeted calculation and terminology practice
Recite the key formulas (dosage, detention time, filtration rate, CT, flow conversions) from memory
Your checkpoint
A scored practice exam with a written error log identifying the concept behind every missed question and a one-page formula sheet written from memory
Milestones
Week 2: Can diagram the treatment train and solve dosage and filtration calculations unaided with 80% accuracy
Week 4: Can explain CT, the four DBP groups, and chlorine breakpoint chemistry, and pass a 20-question disinfection quiz at 75% or better
Week 6: Can state monitoring frequency and reporting deadline for each major rule and match pump types to applications without notes
Week 8: Scores 75% or higher on the timed full-length practice exam and has a completed error log covering every missed question