MT Water/Wastewater Operator study plan

Map the full drinking water treatment train from source to finished water, naming the purpose of each unit process (coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection) and the contaminant each one targets

Calculate chemical feed rates in mg/L and lb/day for alum, chlorine, and fluoride using the lb/day = mg/L x MGD x 8.34 relationship, working at least 15 problems without a formula sheet

Explain the difference between primary and secondary drinking water standards and list the regulated contaminant groups (microbial, disinfection byproducts, disinfectants, inorganic, organic, radionuclides) with one example each

Describe the surface water treatment rule concepts of CT (concentration x contact time), log inactivation credits, and turbidity limits for filtered systems

Build a one-page formula and unit-conversion reference card you will use all eight weeks

Compare conventional, direct filtration, slow sand, and membrane treatment trains and state which raw water conditions favor each

Work through jar testing interpretation: read a jar test result sheet and select the coagulant dose and pH that best meets a target finished turbidity

Calculate filter loading rate in gpm/ft2 and backwash rate, and identify the signs of filter breakthrough, mudball formation, and air binding

Trace finished water from the clearwell through high-service pumping and storage, and explain how storage tank turnover and water age affect disinfectant residual

Explain disinfection byproduct formation tradeoffs between chlorine, chloramine, ozone, and UV, including when each is chosen

Identify the components of a distribution system (mains, service lines, hydrants, valves, meters, storage, booster stations) and state the function and typical failure mode of each

Calculate head loss using the Hazen-Williams concept, convert between pressure in psi and head in feet (psi x 2.31), and solve flow-through-orifice and fire-flow problems

Explain cross-connection control: identify backflow hazards, distinguish backpressure from backsiphonage, and match the correct device (air gap, RPZ, double check, vacuum breaker) to each hazard

Describe main flushing, valve exercising, and hydrant maintenance programs and the recordkeeping each requires

Summarize distribution sampling requirements for total coliform and chlorine residual, including sample siting, frequency, and repeat sampling triggers

Draw the wastewater treatment train from influent through preliminary, primary, secondary, and disinfection to outfall, and state the removal mechanism at each stage

Calculate BOD and TSS removal efficiency, food-to-microorganism ratio, mean cell residence time (sludge age), and solids loading rate

Explain the activated sludge process control levers (return activated sludge rate, waste rate, dissolved oxygen, mixed liquor suspended solids) and what each does to effluent quality

Interpret a set of lab results (BOD, TSS, ammonia, dissolved oxygen, pH, settleability/SVI) and write a short diagnosis of the likely process problem

State the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit structure: effluent limits, monitoring frequency, reporting deadlines, and bypass/upset reporting duties

Describe collection system components (gravity mains, manholes, lift stations, force mains, laterals) and the design slope and velocity ranges that keep solids moving

Calculate pipe slope, flow velocity, and detention time in a wet well, and size a pump cycle using wet well volume and pump rate

Explain infiltration and inflow, how each is detected, and the rehabilitation methods (lining, grouting, replacement, root control) used to reduce them

Identify the hazards and procedures for confined space entry in manholes and wet wells, including atmospheric testing order, ventilation, attendant duties, and retrieval systems

Describe lift station operation and maintenance: pump alternating, alarm response, odor and corrosion control (H2S), and emergency bypass planning

Explain the major collection system capacity assessment tools (flow monitoring, smoke testing, dye testing, CCTV inspection, I/I modeling) and what each reveals

Describe gravity sewer cleaning methods (rodding, jetting, bucket machines) and match the method to the obstruction type

Summarize the safety program elements a utility must maintain: hazard communication, lockout/tagout, personal protective equipment, respiratory protection, fall protection, and emergency action plans

Apply chemical safety rules for chlorine, sulfur dioxide, sodium hypochlorite, and treatment polymers, including storage separation and leak response

Describe recordkeeping and reporting obligations for collection system overflows, including immediate notification and follow-up written reports

Re-derive and apply the ten highest-yield calculations across both treatment domains (feed rate, detention time, loading rate, solids production, efficiency, MCRT, SVI, chlorine demand, CT, dose) from memory

Explain the drinking water and wastewater monitoring and reporting chain: who samples, how often, where results go, and what triggers a violation or exceedance

Describe emergency response for treatment plants: loss of power, loss of disinfection, chemical spill, and flood, and the notification order for each

Review operational math for laboratory quality control, including dilution, percent solution, and standard solution preparation

Diagnose five short scenario questions that each describe a treatment problem and ask for the most likely cause and first corrective action

Review all five domains using your error log, reworking every missed question until you can explain the correct reasoning aloud

Recite the key regulatory numbers, limits, and reporting deadlines for drinking water and wastewater without notes

Complete two full-length timed practice exams under exam conditions and score each

Rehearse the safety and confined space decision points that appear as scenario questions, stating the correct action and the reason

Build a final one-page summary sheet of formulas, limits, and process control targets to review in the 24 hours before the exam