GA Water/WW Operator study plan

Diagram the conventional surface-water treatment train (coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection) from memory with chemical feed points labeled

Solve coagulant/filter-aid dose, flow rate, detention time, and filter loading-rate problems with unit cancellation shown

Sequence and explain the steps of a jar test and state what each result tells the operator

Classify regulated drinking-water contaminants into microbial, disinfection byproduct, inorganic, organic, and radionuclide groups

Compute required and actual CT for inactivation credit and explain how pH, temperature, and turbidity shift disinfection effectiveness

Explain precursor removal and operational steps to control TOC and disinfection byproduct formation

Compare grid, looped, and tree distribution layouts and compute velocity and head loss in a pipe segment

Identify gate, butterfly, check, and altitude valves plus hydrant types and state the function of each

Calculate storage volume, peak-hour demand, and residual pressure at a customer tap

Match backflow prevention devices (air gap, RPZ, double check, vacuum breaker) to hazard levels and describe a cross-connection survey

Outline main flushing, new-main disinfection and bacteriological sampling, and leak-detection procedures

Explain corrosion control concepts including scaling tendency and the effect of pH and alkalinity on pipe deterioration

Trace wastewater from influent through activated sludge, secondary clarifier, and disinfection, naming the purpose of each unit

Calculate F/M ratio, MCRT/SRT, RAS rate, and WAS rate from given plant data

Distinguish nitrification from denitrification and describe the process configuration needed for each

Diagnose bulking, foaming, and pin floc and select a corrective operational action for each

Describe preliminary and primary treatment plus sludge thickening, digestion, and dewatering and the operator checks for each

Compute solids loading rate, detention time, and sludge volume reduction across a digester

Identify collection system components (manholes, lift stations, force mains, inverted siphons) and distinguish infiltration from inflow

Calculate pipe slope, velocity by Manning's equation, and full-flow capacity

Explain lift station pump operation, wet-well cycling, and how to read a pump curve against system head

Sequence sewer cleaning, CCTV inspection, and rehabilitation methods and state when each is used

Outline CMOM program elements and the required steps and notifications following a sanitary sewer overflow

List confined-space entry hazards and the permit, atmospheric testing, and attendant duties required before entry

Build a table of monitoring and reporting requirements including MCLs, monitoring frequencies, and reporting deadlines and compute a compliance average from sample results

Explain laboratory quality control activities: chain of custody, blanks, duplicates, calibration standards, and holding times

Describe safe handling, storage, and PPE requirements for chlorine, acids, caustics, and other treatment chemicals

Summarize Georgia operator certification, recordkeeping, and worker safety obligations relevant to plant and collection staff

Complete a 100-question timed mock exam covering all five domains under exam conditions

Review every missed item and classify each error as knowledge gap, misread question, or calculation slip

Rewrite the formula sheet from memory and confirm every equation against worked examples

Re-drill the lowest-scoring domain with a focused 20-question set