CO Water Operator study plan

CO Water Operator · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 7 hours per week

Week 1

Water Treatment

Diagram the conventional surface-water train (coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection) from memory and label each unit process purpose
Solve 15 chemical dosing problems converting between mg/L, lb/day, MGD, and percent solution strength
Interpret jar-test results to select coagulant dose and pH adjustment
List the four conventional filter types and state one operating problem and one corrective action for each

Closed-book 40-question Water Treatment quiz scored at 75% or higher, with every missed item written into an error log

Week 2

Calculate chlorine demand, residual, and CT disinfection credit for at least three worked scenarios
Explain the difference between free, combined, and total chlorine and the operational trigger for each
Describe softening, membrane, and aeration processes and match each to the contaminants it removes
Compute filter loading rate, backwash rate, and unit filter run volume

A 25-problem treatment math set completed at 90% accuracy with worked solutions shown for each problem

Week 3

Trace wastewater flow from influent through preliminary, primary, secondary, and disinfection stages on a hand-drawn diagram
Calculate BOD/SS removal efficiency, percent solids, and solids loading for at least 10 problems
Solve activated sludge control problems using MLSS, MCRT, F/M ratio, and SVI
Sequence sludge thickening, digestion, dewatering, and disposal and state one key control parameter for each

A one-page process flow diagram plus a 30-question Wastewater Treatment quiz scored at 75% or higher

Week 4

Apply the Hazen-Williams relationship conceptually to compare head loss across pipe diameter and flow changes
Identify distribution system components (storage, booster pumps, PRVs, valves, hydrants) and the purpose of each
Explain cross-connection control, backflow prevention devices, and main disinfection and flushing procedures
Review week 1-2 error log and re-solve every missed treatment math problem

A 50-question mixed Water Treatment + Water Distribution exam scored at 75% or higher

Week 5

Design-check gravity sewer slopes and velocities using Manning's equation on at least 8 practice problems
Distinguish infiltration from inflow and list inspection methods used to locate each
Describe lift station operation, wet-well controls, and force main considerations
List confined-space entry requirements and the hazards specific to collection systems (H2S, methane, oxygen deficiency)

A 30-question Wastewater Collection quiz plus 8 completed Manning/slope problems, both at 80% accuracy or higher

Week 6

Compare distribution and collection maintenance practices: pigging, jetting, CCTV inspection, and repair methods
Solve pump and pressure problems including static head, psi-to-feet conversion, and horsepower calculations
Identify the sampling, monitoring, and reporting requirements shared by distribution and collection systems
Rank your five weakest objectives across all four domains and build a targeted review list

A 40-question Distribution + Collection quiz scored at 80% or higher with a written list of your five weakest objectives

Week 7

Take timed full-length practice exams under test-day conditions with no reference material
Reclassify every missed question by domain and root cause (math error, misread, knowledge gap)
Re-teach your two lowest-scoring domains using your own notes and flashcards
Memorize the key formulas for dosage, loading, detention time, efficiency, and flow conversion

A 100-question full practice exam scored at 80% or higher, with a completed root-cause analysis table

Week 8

Complete two additional timed 100-question exams and track score trend week over week
Drill only the questions and formulas you have missed twice or more
Recite safety and regulatory points aloud for chlorine handling, confined space, and discharge limits
Finalize a one-page formula and units sheet you can reconstruct from memory

Two timed 100-question exams scored at 85% or higher, plus a final one-page formula sheet written from memory

Week 2: Treatment math set at 90% accuracy and the error log shows every missed problem re-solved correctly

Week 4: Mixed 50-question exam at 75% or higher, confirming the two front-loaded treatment domains are at baseline competence

Week 6: Distribution + Collection quiz at 80% or higher and a written list of the five weakest objectives across all four domains

Week 8: Two timed 100-question exams at 85% or higher and no objective appearing unresolved on the error log