NM Water/Wastewater Operator study plan
NM Water/Wastewater Operator · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Water Treatment
Define each major unit process in a conventional surface-water treatment train and state its purpose in one sentence
Describe coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection in terms of what each removes and typical operating control parameters
List the common coagulant chemicals and the jar-test procedure steps used to select dose
Compute basic dose, feed-rate, and flow conversions (MGD to gpm, lb/day = mg/L x MGD x 8.34) without reference notes
Your checkpoint
A one-page hand-drawn treatment train diagram with all unit processes labeled, plus 10 solved dose/feed-rate problems showing units at every step
Water Treatment & Wastewater Treatment
Explain filtration types, filter loading rate, backwash triggers, and turbidity/particle-count goals for finished water
Describe disinfection CT concept, chlorine residual forms, and disinfection byproduct control basics
Identify the principal wastewater treatment process train from influent to disinfection and solids handling
Compare primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment objectives and typical removal targets
Your checkpoint
A 20-item self-quiz on Domain 1 written by you (questions plus answer key with explanations), scored at 80% or better on a retake
Wastewater Treatment
Describe activated sludge operation including F/M, MCRT/SRT, MLSS, and return/waste sludge control
Explain nitrification and denitrification, and state why alkalinity and dissolved oxygen matter to each
Interpret a BOD, TSS, and ammonia lab result and explain how each drives operational decisions
Solve loading problems for BOD and solids (lb/day, pounds of solids wasted, SRT) showing unit cancellations
Your checkpoint
A completed process-control worksheet with 12 solved activated sludge and loading calculations, each with a one-line interpretation of what the answer means for the operator
Wastewater Treatment & Water Treatment
Describe trickling filters, RBCs, lagoons, and package plants and state the operational limits of each
Explain disinfection and effluent limits for wastewater, including coliform testing and reporting basics
Rank the 10 treatment concepts you are least confident in and close at least 6 of those gaps with worked notes
Complete a timed mixed set of Domain 1 and Domain 3 questions and review every miss
Your checkpoint
A two-page gap-closure log showing the 10 weakest concepts, the corrective action taken for each, and evidence (worked example or notes) for at least 6
Water Distribution
Trace a distribution system from source to customer, naming storage, pumping, valving, metering, and cross-connection control components
Describe pipe materials, joint types, bedding, and thrust restraint for common main installations
Explain pressure zone management, minimum/maximum operating pressures, and how to calculate head and pressure conversions (psi to feet of head)
Identify disinfection and bacteriological sampling requirements for new mains and repairs at a general level without citing figures
Your checkpoint
A labeled distribution system schematic plus 15 solved pressure, head, and flow conversion problems
Water Distribution & Wastewater Collection
Explain main breaks, tapping, valve exercising, hydrant maintenance, flushing programs, and backflow prevention devices
Compute storage volume, system demand, and fire flow needs from given numbers
Describe collection system layout, gravity sewer design slope, and the purpose of manholes, lift stations, and force mains
State the role of infiltration/inflow and how it affects treatment loading
Your checkpoint
A 25-question timed practice set split between Domains 2 and 4, scored at 75% or better, with a written list of every missed concept
Wastewater Collection
Describe sewer pipe materials, trenching, shoring, and confined-space entry hazards and controls
Explain inspection, cleaning, and rehabilitation methods including CCTV, jetting, root control, and lining
Identify lift station components, pump curves, and the operator checks that prevent overflows
Solve collection calculations for pipe slope, velocity, flow, and wet-well pumping rate
Your checkpoint
A safety-and-operations checklist covering confined space, trenching, and lift station response, plus 10 solved slope/velocity problems
Water Treatment & Water Distribution & Wastewater Treatment & Wastewater Collection
Assemble a consolidated formula sheet covering all four domains from your weekly deliverables
Take a full-length timed practice exam weighted 25% per domain and score each domain separately
Re-study only the two lowest-scoring domains and re-test those areas
Rehearse reporting, recordkeeping, and regulatory-compliance style questions across all four domains
Your checkpoint
A final full-length practice exam score report by domain with a target of 80% overall and no domain below 70%
Milestones
Week 2: Completion of both Domain 1 weeks with a self-written quiz score of 80% or better and all dose/feed-rate problems solved without notes
Week 4: Midpoint: average 75% or better on combined Domain 1 and Domain 3 practice sets, with the gap-closure log showing documented action on at least 6 weak concepts
Week 6: Domain 2 and Domain 4 practice set scored 75% or better, and the distribution schematic plus collection calculations completed and self-checked
Week 8: Full-length timed exam at 80% or better overall, with no single domain below 70% and the consolidated formula sheet complete