ND Water/Wastewater Operator study plan

ND Water/Wastewater Operator · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Water Treatment

Map the water treatment domain into its core process chain (source, coagulation/flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection, storage) and write a one-line purpose for each step
Define and calculate dosage, flow rate, detention time, and loading rate problems using unit-cancellation on at least 15 practice problems
Explain the coagulation and flocculation chemistry: coagulant types, pH dependence, jar-test interpretation, and typical failure symptoms

A one-page process flow diagram of a conventional surface water plant with a labeled purpose and key operating parameter for each unit process

Week 2

Describe filtration types (rapid sand, dual media, slow sand, membrane) and identify backwash triggers, filter-to-waste, and breakthrough indicators
Explain disinfection concepts: CT, contact time, chlorine demand, residual maintenance, chloramine and UV tradeoffs, and DBP formation
Solve CT and chlorine dose/residual calculations and interpret a hypothetical disinfection profile

A calculation sheet of 20 worked water treatment problems (dose, flow, detention time, loading rate, CT) with answers and the formula used for each

Week 3

Diagram a distribution system from source to customer, labeling transmission mains, storage, booster stations, valves, hydrants, and meters
Explain pressure management, head loss, and the causes and symptoms of water hammer and surge
Describe cross-connection control, backflow prevention devices, and the difference between backpressure and backsiphonage

A hand-drawn or digital distribution system schematic with at least 12 labeled components and a short note on the failure mode each protects against

Week 4

Calculate pipe volume, velocity, flow conversions, and storage equalization using standard formulas
Explain main flushing, valve exercising, leak detection, and hydrant maintenance programs and how records support them
Interpret coliform sampling requirements, chlorine residual targets, and what triggers a boil water notice

A distribution math and operations quiz you write yourself (15 questions with answer key) covering flow, velocity, storage, and residual

Week 5

Map the wastewater treatment train (screening, grit removal, primary clarification, biological treatment, secondary clarification, disinfection, solids handling) and state the purpose of each stage
Explain the activated sludge process: sludge age, F/M, MLSS, SVI, return and waste sludge, and the causes of bulking and foaming
Calculate BOD/SS removal efficiency, loading, sludge age, and wasting rates

A worked calculation set of 15 wastewater treatment problems plus a labeled process train diagram with target operating ranges noted

Week 6

Describe solids handling: thickening, digestion, dewatering, and biosolids end use, including key monitoring parameters
Explain collection system components: gravity sewers, manholes, lift stations, force mains, and the purpose of I/I control
Identify collection system inspection and cleaning methods (CCTV, smoke testing, jetting, root control) and when each is used

A side-by-side comparison table of gravity sewer versus force main operation, including failure modes, monitoring, and maintenance triggers

Week 7

Calculate sewer slope, velocity, flow capacity, and lift station pump curves and head
Explain confined space entry, lockout/tagout, trenching and excavation safety, and hydrogen sulfide and chlorine hazard controls
Summarize the regulatory framework: permit limits, monitoring and reporting, recordkeeping, and operator certification obligations

A one-page safety and regulations quick-reference card covering confined space, LOTO, disinfection hazards, and reporting deadlines

Week 8

Take a full-length 100-question practice exam under timed conditions and score it by domain
Review every missed question and write the underlying rule or formula it tested
Re-drill the two weakest domains with targeted calculations and concept checks
Recite the key formulas and safety rules from memory in a single timed review session

A scored practice exam with a domain breakdown and a prioritized list of the top 10 weak areas with the corrective action for each

Week 2: Score at least 75% on a self-made 20-question water treatment set, and correctly solve CT and dose problems without notes

Week 4: Score at least 75% on a self-made distribution set and explain backflow prevention and boil water triggers aloud without reference

Week 6: Score at least 75% on a combined wastewater treatment and collection set, and correctly calculate removal efficiency and sludge age

Week 8: Score at least 80% on the timed full-length practice exam, with no domain below 70%