NH Water/Wastewater Operator study plan

Map the Domain 1 blueprint into treatment-train stages (source, coagulation/flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection, storage, distribution) and label each stage with its key operator-controlled parameters

Trace a drop of surface water from intake to customer tap, writing the purpose and failure mode of each unit process from memory

Sketch the parallel wastewater train (collection, screening/grit, primary, secondary biological, disinfection, discharge) and match each stage to its regulatory limit category

Build a one-page glossary of 40 core terms spanning both domains (NTU, CT, SDWA, MCL, BOD, TSS, SRT, MLSS, RAS/WAS, SVI) and self-quiz until 90 percent recall

Calculate chlorine dose, demand, and residual for at least five practice scenarios and explain how pH and temperature shift CT credit

Compute filter loading rate, backwash rate, and run time from given plant data, and identify when a rate exceeds typical design guidance

Explain coagulation jar-test interpretation and dose adjustment logic for a turbidity upset

Convert between common units (mg/L to lb/MG, gpm to MGD, psi to feet of head) without a reference sheet

Calculate BOD, TSS, and solids-loading values from given lab and flow data, and explain what each result implies for process control

Interpret SVI, MLSS, and sludge age to decide whether to increase or decrease wasting

Diagnose three classic secondary-treatment upsets (bulking, pin floc, rising sludge) from a described set of observations and prescribe a corrective action for each

Describe collection-system capacity problems (infiltration/inflow, SSOs) and the inspection or flow-monitoring response

Match each core lab method (turbidity, chlorine residual, pH, BOD, TSS, coliform) to its holding time, preservation requirement, and container type

Explain the difference between process control samples and compliance samples and why chain-of-custody matters for the latter

Interpret a set of results against an MCL or permit limit and state whether a repeat or confirmation sample is triggered

Identify the top five sampling errors that invalidate results and the field practice that prevents each

Outline the regulatory reporting chain for a drinking water system: monitoring, results review, public notification triggers, and CCR content

Outline the wastewater side: DMR submission, permit limit exceedance reporting, and bypass/upset notification duties

List the recordkeeping and operator certification requirements that apply to daily operations, including who may sign reports

Explain the difference between an MCL, a treatment technique, and a monitoring/reporting violation and give one example of each

Identify confined-space, lockout/tagout, and electrical hazards in a treatment plant and state the required control for each

Describe chemical handling and storage rules for chlorine, fluoride, and treatment polymers, including secondary containment and PPE

Explain the reporting obligations and immediate actions for a chlorine release or a sewer overflow

Apply the hierarchy of controls to three realistic plant accident scenarios and rank the corrective measures

Re-solve missed calculation types from weeks 2 and 3 until each is correct twice in a row without notes

Answer 60 mixed practice questions across all four domains under timed conditions and log every miss by domain and cause

Review the ten most-missed items and write the underlying rule or formula in your own words

Walk through two full operational scenarios (a turbidity exceedance and a permit exceedance) end to end, including reporting

Re-drill every weak area identified in week 7 until each is answered correctly twice

Recite from memory the key limits, holding times, and formulas on a single self-made sheet

Complete two full-length timed practice exams and compare scores to the week 7 baseline

Confirm exam-day logistics: registration, ID, allowed references, and calculator policy