FL Water Operator key terms

The treatment step where a chemical such as alum is rapidly mixed into water so tiny particles clump together. It neutralizes the electrical charges that keep suspended solids apart.

Gentle, slow mixing after coagulation that encourages small clumps to collide and grow into larger, heavier flocs. These flocs can then be removed by settling or filtration.

A settling process in which water moves slowly through a basin so suspended flocs and solids sink to the bottom. Also called clarification, it reduces the solids load on filters.

Passing water through a bed of sand, anthracite, or other media to remove remaining particles, turbidity, and some microorganisms. It is a physical barrier that usually follows settling.

Reversing flow upward through a filter bed to wash out trapped solids and restore the filter's ability to clean water. It is started when head loss or turbidity signals clogging.

A treatment process that removes hardness minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium, from water. Lime softening precipitates them, while ion exchange swaps them for sodium or hydrogen.

Bringing water into contact with air to strip dissolved gases such as hydrogen sulfide or carbon dioxide, add oxygen, and oxidize iron and manganese so they can be filtered out.

A bench-scale test using several stirred beakers to compare chemical doses and mixing conditions. Operators use it to choose the best coagulant dose and predict plant performance.

A large pipe in the distribution system that carries treated water from the source or storage to neighborhoods and street services. Mains are often looped to maintain pressure and flow.

The pipe that carries water from the public water main to a customer's property or meter. It is usually the customer's responsibility beyond the curb stop.

A valved connection on a water main used by firefighters and for flushing. Hydrants also provide a way to test system flow and pressure.

Any actual or potential link between a potable water system and a source of contamination. Cross-connections can allow backflow and are controlled by air gaps or backflow preventers.

The unwanted reverse flow of water or other liquids into a potable water system. It can be caused by backsiphonage from negative pressure or by backpressure from a higher-pressure source.

A physical separation between a water supply outlet and the surface of a receiving vessel. It is the most effective method of preventing backflow because no pipe connection exists.

A pressure surge caused by a sudden stop or change in water flow, such as a fast-closing valve. It can damage pipes and fittings and is reduced by slow-closing valves or surge tanks.

A tank that holds treated water to meet peak demand, provide fire flow, and stabilize pressure. Tanks may be elevated, ground-level, or standpipes and help maintain chlorine residual.

A pump that uses a spinning impeller to fling water outward into a casing, creating flow and pressure. It is the most common pump type in water treatment and distribution.

The formation and collapse of vapor bubbles in a pump when local pressure drops too low. It causes noise, vibration, and pitting damage to the impeller.

The absolute pressure at a pump's suction, above the liquid's vapor pressure, available to push water into the impeller. Too little NPSH allows cavitation.

Rules describing how changing a centrifugal pump's speed or impeller diameter changes flow, head, and power. Flow changes with speed, head with the square, and power with the cube.

A pump shaft sealing device made of two flat, polished faces that rub together to stop leaks. It is used instead of packing on many modern pumps.

An electronic controller that changes a motor's speed by varying the electrical frequency. It allows pumps to match demand and saves energy, following the affinity laws.

Regular, scheduled inspections and servicing done to prevent equipment failure. Examples include lubrication, vibration checks, and replacing worn parts before they break.

A measure of how cloudy water is because of suspended particles. It is reported in nephelometric turbidity units and is a key indicator of filtration and disinfection effectiveness.

The chlorine that remains active in water after disinfection, including hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ion. It is the form that kills pathogens and is measured as a residual.

The sum of free chlorine and combined chlorine in water. It is measured with a test kit and is used with free chlorine to calculate combined chlorine.

Chlorine that has reacted with nitrogen compounds such as ammonia to form chloramines. It is a weaker disinfectant than free chlorine and can cause taste and odor.

Chemicals formed when disinfectants react with natural organic matter and other substances in water. Examples include trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids, which are regulated.

A group of bacteria used as an indicator of drinking water contamination and treatment problems. Their presence in a distribution sample triggers repeat testing and corrective action.

The product of disinfectant concentration (C) and contact time (T) used to judge disinfection strength. Required CT values depend on disinfectant, pH, temperature, and target pathogen.

A disinfectant formed by combining chlorine with ammonia. It lasts longer than free chlorine in distribution systems but is weaker and requires careful control to avoid nitrification.

A space large enough to enter, with limited entry or exit, and not designed for continuous occupancy. Examples include tanks, vaults, and pits; entry requires permits and atmospheric testing.

A safety procedure that isolates energy sources and applies locks and tags before equipment is serviced. It prevents accidental startup or release of stored energy that could injure workers.

Clothing and gear worn to protect workers from hazards, such as gloves, goggles, respirators, and hard hats. It is the last line of defense after engineering and administrative controls.

A program that informs workers about chemical hazards through labels, safety data sheets, and training. It is often called Right to Know and is required by OSHA.

The state agency that regulates public water systems in Florida, enforces drinking water rules, certifies operators, and conducts sanitary surveys. It works with EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

The federal law that sets national drinking water standards and requires treatment, monitoring, and reporting. EPA delegates primary enforcement to states such as Florida.

An annual report that community water systems must provide to customers. It summarizes water quality, contaminant levels, and compliance with drinking water standards.