IL Water/WW Operator study plan

Diagram the full source-to-tap process train, labeling each unit process and identifying what each one removes or converts

Differentiate surface water, groundwater under direct influence, and true groundwater by listing the treatment implications of each

Describe the purpose and failure modes of coarse and fine screens, comminutors, and grit removal chambers

Solve 20 flow-rate, unit-conversion, and detention-time problems (gpm to MGD, cu ft to gal, tank volume) without a reference sheet

Explain coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation in terms of particle charge, mixing energy, and settling velocity, and state one operational control for each

Walk through a jar test procedure step by step and interpret a set of hypothetical results to select a coagulant dose

Describe rapid sand and membrane filtration mechanics, including what causes turbidity breakthrough and how backwash is triggered

Compute chlorine dose, demand, residual, and CT value from supplied numbers, and explain how pH and temperature shift disinfection effectiveness

List the operating parameters an operator would check at the start of a shift for each major treatment unit

Trace finished water from clearwell through high-service pumps into the distribution grid, naming the control points along the way

Explain corrosion control concepts (pH adjustment, alkalinity, inhibitor addition) and how each affects lead and copper release

Calculate storage tank volume, turnover, and the effect of tank level on system pressure in feet of head and psi

Identify the components of a pressure zone and describe how a booster station or PRV is used to maintain service

Sequence the steps for repairing a main break from isolation and notification through disinfection, flushing, and bacteriological clearance

Describe the correct procedure for disinfecting and sampling a newly installed water main, including required chlorine concentration ranges and holding times

Explain cross-connection hazards, backflow prevention device types, and how a cross-connection control program is administered

Outline a unidirectional flushing plan: valve sequencing, velocity targets, and how to judge when flushing is complete

Identify the maintenance tasks and inspection points for hydrants, valves, and meters

Build a sample collection matrix listing analyte, container, preservative, holding time, and sampling point for turbidity, chlorine residual, total coliform, nitrate, lead, copper, and disinfection byproducts

Demonstrate proper aseptic technique, chain-of-custody documentation, and sample preservation handling for a bacteriological sample

Perform and interpret chlorine residual (DPD) and turbidity measurements, and explain what an out-of-range result triggers

Solve dilution, percent-concentration, and unit-conversion problems used in bench and field testing

Explain the purpose of blanks, duplicates, spikes, and calibration checks in a quality assurance program

Summarize the core requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act and how Illinois primacy authority shapes reporting and operator duties

Compare monitoring and public notification obligations for a Tier 1 violation versus a Tier 3 violation

Explain the intent of the Total Coliform Rule, the Lead and Copper Rule, and the disinfection byproduct rules in plain operational language

Identify confined-space hazards, atmospheric testing order, and entry permit elements, and describe safe handling practices for chlorine, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide

State the operator certification, continuing education, and recordkeeping obligations that apply to Illinois water and wastewater operators

Re-test the two lowest-scoring topics from weeks 1-6 and correct the underlying misunderstanding rather than memorizing the answer

Work 30 mixed math problems spanning flow, detention time, dosage, CT, pressure, and dilution in a single timed block

Explain to a peer, without notes, the full journey of a drop of water from source intake to customer tap, naming the monitoring that occurs at each stage

Sort every regulation on the week 6 cheat sheet into the domain where it is most likely to be tested

Complete two full-length timed practice exams under test-day conditions and score each section separately

Review every missed item and state the rule or principle behind it before re-attempting the question

Drill memorization items - unit conversions, formula sheet, chlorine and CT relationships, violation tiers - to automatic recall

Confirm logistics: exam date, approved reference materials, ID requirements, and calculator policy