MD Water Operator cheat sheet
MD Water Operator · Keep the key ideas within reach.
Administration
Budgeting: operating budget covers day-to-day costs (chemicals, power, labor); capital budget covers infrastructure replacement and is often funded by bonds or rate increases.
Rate-setting should cover full cost of service: operation, maintenance, debt service, and reserves; rate structures include uniform, increasing block, and seasonal.
Asset management: inventory assets, assess condition, prioritize criticality, and plan renewal; a GIS and CMMS support this.
Emergency response plans (ERP) must cover power outages, main breaks, contamination, and natural disasters; training and drills are required.
Recordkeeping: maintain monitoring data, maintenance logs, and training records; these support compliance reporting and audits.
Staffing and succession planning: cross-train operators, document SOPs, and maintain certification levels to ensure coverage.
Customer service: billing, complaint response, and public education; the CCR is a key communication tool.
Regulatory reporting: submit monitoring reports and compliance data to the primacy agency by required deadlines; late reporting can be a violation.