MI Water Operator study plan

Draw and label a complete conventional surface water treatment train, stating in one sentence what each unit process removes or accomplishes

Explain how coagulant dose, pH, alkalinity, and temperature interact, and interpret what a jar test result tells an operator to change

Calculate detention time, surface overflow rate, and filter loading rate from given basin dimensions and plant flow

List the steps of a filter backwash cycle in order and identify the causes and corrections for mudballs, media cracking, and air binding

Match each treatment chemical (alum, ferric chloride, polymer, lime, caustic, fluoride, chlorine) to its purpose and typical feed point

Apply the CT concept to determine whether a given disinfectant concentration and contact time achieve a required log inactivation

Calculate chlorine demand and residual from dose and demand values, and convert between percent strength, mg/L, and pounds per day

Describe how precursor concentration, temperature, pH, and residence time drive disinfection byproduct formation, and name two operational levers to reduce it

Identify the common distribution pipe materials and appurtenances (gate and butterfly valves, blow-offs, air release valves, thrust blocks, services) and state the function of each

Convert between pressure in psi, head in feet, and elevation, and calculate head loss and flow through a stated length of main

Explain cross-connection control and select the correct backflow prevention assembly for a given degree of hazard

Sequence a water main break repair from customer notification through disinfection, flushing, sampling, and return to service

Describe how storage tank turnover, water age, and mixing affect residual maintenance, and outline a routine tank inspection checklist

Label the components of a well: casing, grout, sanitary seal, screen, gravel pack, and pump, and state the failure mode each prevents

Read a pump curve and use drawdown data to calculate specific capacity and pumping water level

Define wellhead protection area and list the contaminant sources an operator should inventory within it

Outline the disinfection and bacteriological sampling steps required before returning a repaired well to service

Distinguish treatment requirements for groundwater, groundwater under the direct influence of surface water, and surface water, including the 4-log virus inactivation requirement

Describe raw water intake and source water quality monitoring practices for both surface and groundwater supplies

Calculate well yield, drawdown, and specific capacity from given field measurements and identify when a well needs rehabilitation

Explain the difference between well rehabilitation methods (surging, jetting, chemical treatment) and routine pump maintenance

Map the major rules to their core requirements and deadlines: Total Coliform Rule and Revised Total Coliform Rule, Lead and Copper Rule, Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule, and Consumer Confidence Report

State the monitoring frequency, sample site selection logic, and MCL or action level for coliform, nitrate, lead, copper, TTHM, and HAA5

List the tiers of public notice, the timeframe for each, and when a Tier 1 notice is triggered

Describe the monthly operation report, recordkeeping retention periods, and the operator certification and continuing education requirement

Identify confined space atmospheric limits for oxygen, hydrogen sulfide, methane, and chlorine, and describe entry permit, attendant, and rescue requirements

Outline the response to a chlorine gas or ammonia leak including evacuation direction, PPE, and when to call for outside help

Describe excavation and trenching protective systems, plus lockout/tagout and electrical safety practices for pump and motor work

Explain the emergency response plan, vulnerability assessment, and the steps and communication required to issue a boil water notice

Re-solve five missed problems from the weeks 1 through 4 error log without notes

Complete two full-length timed practice exams under exam conditions and record the score by domain

Rank your domains from weakest to strongest using practice exam data and re-study only the two weakest

Recite from memory the key numeric values table: MCLs, CT log credits, atmospheric limits, pressure conversions, and public notice timeframes

Review every flagged question from all eight weeks and confirm each is now answerable without notes