IN Water/WW Operator study plan

IN Water/WW Operator · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 7 hours per week

Week 1

Water Treatment

Convert between flow units (gpm, cfs, MGD) and compute detention time, surface overflow rate, and weir loading for 15 practice problems
Trace a surface water treatment train from intake to finished water and state what each unit process removes
Interpret jar-test results to choose coagulant dose, pH adjustment, and flocculation energy
Calculate chemical feed rates in lb/day for alum, lime, and polymer given dose and flow
Write a one-page formula sheet covering 20 water treatment equations you will memorize

Score 80% or better on a 30-question Domain 1 practice set, with the 20-equation formula sheet complete and unit-checked

Week 2

Explain granular media filtration including loading rate, backwash triggers, media specs, and finished-water turbidity goals
Compute CT disinfection credits for free chlorine and compare them with the required CT for Giardia and virus log inactivation
Describe how disinfection byproduct precursors form and list operational levers to lower TOC and bromide risk
Map the wastewater train from influent through disinfection and state what each stage removes
Calculate detention time, hydraulic loading, and percent removal of BOD and TSS for primary clarifiers

A two-column comparison sheet contrasting water and wastewater unit processes, plus 25 mixed math problems solved with work shown

Week 3

Compute F/M, MCRT/SRT, MLSS, and SVI for activated sludge and diagnose bulking from a given set of numbers
Size RAS and WAS flow rates to hold a target SRT
Explain nitrification and denitrification chemistry and list the alkalinity, oxygen, and temperature constraints
Compare trickling filters, RBCs, SBRs, MBBRs, and oxidation ditches on loading, footprint, and operational control
Calculate chlorine dose, residual, and dechlorination sulfur dioxide feed rates

A 10-problem activated sludge math set at 80% or better plus a one-page troubleshooting guide for bulking, foaming, and pin floc

Week 4

Compute pipe flow with continuity and Hazen-Williams, then size a main for a given demand and velocity target
Convert between pressure in psi, feet of head, and elevation across a distribution system
Compute storage volume and fire flow requirements for a service area
Determine gravity sewer slope and velocity for a given flow using Manning's equation
Describe lift station components and calculate wet well volume between pump starts

A 20-problem hydraulics set (pipe sizing, slope, head, storage) fully solved with units checked at each step

Week 5

Identify valve types and placement, hydrant spacing, flushing programs, and surge control measures
Explain cross-connection control, distinguishing RPZ, DCVA, and PVB assemblies and when each applies
Sequence a main repair from shutdown and public notice through disinfection, flushing, and bacteriological sampling
Evaluate infiltration and inflow using flow monitoring, smoke testing, and dye testing results
Select cleaning and inspection methods such as jetting, rodding, CCTV, and sonar for a described pipe defect

A one-page written procedure for main break repair and return to service, including sampling and chlorine residual verification

Week 6

Map the regulatory chain connecting the Safe Drinking Water Act, NPDES permit limits, DMR and MOR reporting deadlines, and enforcement authority
State the sampling, monitoring, and public notice triggers under the RTCR, Lead and Copper Rule, and Stage 2 DBP rule
Apply chlorine gas and liquid exposure response: escape respirator use, SCBA, evacuation, and notification
List permit-required confined space entry requirements including permit, atmospheric testing order, attendant duties, and rescue plan
Apply trenching and shoring, lockout/tagout, and PPE requirements to three field scenarios

Domain 5 quiz score of 80% or better plus a one-page permit-required confined space entry checklist

Week 7

Re-test every item missed in weeks 1 through 6 and log the underlying concept behind each miss
Complete 60 timed math problems across all four technical domains at about 90 seconds each
Recite from memory the flow path and key control parameters for one water plant and one wastewater plant
Drill unit conversions and core formulas until no unit errors appear across two consecutive problem sets

Error log fully closed out: each missed item reworked and retested at 90% or better on the retest set

Week 8

Take two full-length timed exams under test conditions and record domain-level scores
Review only sub-70% areas and rewrite those sections of your notes sheet from memory
Practice exam logistics and pacing, including calculator rules and a guessing strategy
Do a final short review of safety limits and regulatory triggers most easily forgotten

A final score sheet broken down by domain with every sub-70% area retested to 80% or better

Week 2: 80% or better on a 25-question Domain 1 quiz; 20-equation formula sheet complete with no unverified formulas

Week 4: Cumulative 40-question check on Domains 1 and 3 at 75% or better, with every missed math item reworked to a correct answer

Week 6: 80% or better on a 30-question Domains 2 and 4 quiz, including one slope/velocity and one pressure/head problem solved cold

Week 8: Two full-length timed exams at 80% or better overall with no individual domain below 70%