NC Phase W study plan
NC Phase W · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Water Treatment
Map the full water treatment process train from source intake to finished-water storage, labeling each unit process and its purpose
Define key raw-water quality parameters (turbidity, pH, alkalinity, hardness, coliforms) and state the operational significance of each
Explain coagulation and flocculation chemistry, including common coagulants, optimal pH ranges, and jar-test interpretation
Calculate basic chemical feed rates and dosages from flow, concentration, and demand data
Your checkpoint
One-page process-flow diagram of a conventional surface-water plant annotated with unit-process purposes and a worked feed-rate calculation set (5 problems with solutions).
Water Treatment
Describe sedimentation basin design and operation, including surface overflow rate, detention time, and sludge removal
Compare granular media filtration types and explain backwash triggers, rates, and filter-to-waste procedures
Outline disinfection requirements under the Surface Water Treatment Rules, including CT concepts and DBP precursor control
Identify common treatment troubleshooting scenarios (filter breakthrough, poor floc formation, chlorine residual loss) and corrective actions
Your checkpoint
A 10-question self-quiz on sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection, scored with written corrections for every missed item.
Water Distribution
Diagram a distribution system layout including transmission mains, storage tanks, booster stations, and pressure zones
Explain pipe materials, joints, valves, hydrants, and appurtenances and the maintenance implications of each
Describe cross-connection control and backflow prevention device types and testing requirements
Interpret basic hydraulic concepts: head loss, C-factor, pressure vs. elevation, and surge/water hammer causes
Your checkpoint
Annotated distribution-system schematic plus a written summary of backflow prevention requirements and device-testing intervals.
Water Distribution
Apply disinfection residual maintenance and monitoring practices across the distribution system, including sampling site selection
Explain main flushing, valve exercising, and hydrant maintenance programs and how to document them
Describe leak detection methods, main repair procedures, and safe shutdown/restoration of service
Identify distribution water quality complaint categories (taste, odor, color, pressure) and the diagnostic steps for each
Your checkpoint
A distribution operations checklist covering flushing, valve exercising, hydrant inspection, and coliform sampling with frequencies and recordkeeping fields.
Wastewater Collection
Trace a wastewater collection system from service lateral to treatment plant headworks, naming each component
Compare gravity sewers, force mains, and lift stations and state when each is appropriate
Explain infiltration/inflow (I/I) sources, flow monitoring, and smoke/dye testing methods
Describe confined-space entry hazards in collections, including atmospheric testing, ventilation, and permit requirements
Your checkpoint
A collection-system profile sketch from a residential lateral to the plant headworks with lift stations marked and a one-page I/I investigation summary.
Wastewater Collection & Wastewater Treatment
Describe sewer cleaning and inspection methods (rodding, jetting, CCTV) and when each is selected
Explain collection system capacity assessment and sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) prevention and reporting
Outline preliminary treatment: screening, grit removal, and flow equalization, including equipment types and maintenance
Identify safety hazards specific to wastewater collection and treatment, including H2S, methane, and biological exposure
Your checkpoint
A two-page comparison table of sewer cleaning/inspection methods with selection criteria, plus a written SSO response and reporting sequence.
Wastewater Treatment
Explain primary sedimentation and secondary treatment (activated sludge, trickling filters, and lagoons) process fundamentals
Interpret activated sludge control parameters: MLSS, SVI, F/M ratio, MCRT, and dissolved oxygen targets
Describe nutrient removal basics (nitrification/denitrification and biological phosphorus removal) and their operational indicators
Outline sludge handling: thickening, digestion, dewatering, and biosolids disposal options
Your checkpoint
A process-control worksheet with 8 activated sludge scenarios (given MLSS, SVI, and flows) solved with written operational recommendations.
Water Treatment & Water Distribution & Wastewater Collection & Wastewater Treatment
Complete a timed 100-question mixed-domain practice exam and score by domain
Review every missed or guessed question and write a correction note citing the governing concept
Re-drill the two lowest-scoring domains with targeted calculation and process-control problems
Build a one-page formula and key-parameter reference sheet for final review
Your checkpoint
Scored practice exam report by domain, a written correction log for all missed items, and a completed one-page formula reference sheet.
Milestones
Week 2: Score at least 80% on the self-made water treatment quiz and correctly solve all feed-rate and dosage calculations without notes.
Week 4: Explain, from memory, the full conventional treatment train and the distribution system's role in maintaining water quality, including backflow prevention and residual maintenance.
Week 6: Describe a complete collection system from lateral to headworks and list the safety controls required for a confined-space sewer entry.
Week 8: Achieve at least 75% overall on the timed mixed-domain practice exam with no domain below 65%, and show a completed correction log and formula sheet.