OR Water/Wastewater Operator study plan

Sketch the coagulation–flocculation–sedimentation train and label where each chemical (primary coagulant, polymer, pH adjuster) is dosed and why

Explain rapid mix versus flocculation mixing intensity (velocity gradient G and the Gt product) and state typical design ranges from memory

Calculate coagulant dose from a jar test in mg/L, then convert it to lb/day and lb/MG using the 8.34 conversion factor

Compute detention time, surface overflow rate, and weir loading for a rectangular sedimentation basin from given dimensions and flow

Judge a four-jar test with varied coagulant doses and pick the optimum dose and pH, justifying the choice with settled turbidity and floc size

Compare rapid sand, dual-media, and low-pressure membrane filtration in a table by loading rate, backwash method, and achievable effluent turbidity

Sequence the backwash steps and state the three criteria that trigger a backwash (headloss, effluent turbidity, run time)

Compute filter loading rate, backwash rate, and percent bed expansion from given media depth, porosity, and flow

Work lime-soda ash softening stoichiometry to calculate lime and soda ash doses from a raw-water hardness and alkalinity analysis

Explain how filtered-water turbidity affects disinfection credit and state the regulatory turbidity limits for filtered systems

Trace raw wastewater through headworks, grit removal, primary clarifier, aeration basin, and secondary clarifier, stating the purpose and typical percent removal at each step

Calculate BOD and suspended solids removal efficiency, F/M ratio, MCRT (SRT), and RAS/WAS flow rates from a given set of plant operating data

Distinguish activated sludge variants (conventional, extended aeration, SBR, MBBR, trickling filter) by loading, aeration strategy, and typical SRT

Diagnose sludge bulking by calculating SVI and listing at least three corrective operational actions

State the purpose and key operating controls of primary and secondary clarifiers, including return rates and sludge blanket measurement

Diagram the nitrification and denitrification pathways and identify the dissolved oxygen, SRT, carbon, and alkalinity conditions each requires

Explain biological phosphorus removal through anaerobic/aerobic cycling and contrast it with chemical phosphorus removal options

Calculate daily solids production, sludge volume, and percent solids, and size a gravity thickener from given solids loading data

Sequence thickening, dewatering (belt press, centrifuge, drying beds), and digestion, stating the key operating controls for an anaerobic digester

Judge digester stability by interpreting volatile solids destruction, pH, alkalinity, and VFA-to-alkalinity ratio

Size distribution storage and estimate the equalization volume needed from a given diurnal demand curve and fire flow requirement

Calculate headloss and pressure using the Hazen-Williams equation and list at least four causes of low-pressure complaints

Explain cross-connection control, select appropriate backflow prevention devices for given situations, and describe a routine cross-connection survey

Compute collection system slope, velocity, and capacity for partially full pipes using Manning's equation

Calculate wet well volume, pump cycling time, and pump brake horsepower and total dynamic head from given pump and system data

Identify inflow and infiltration sources and describe smoke testing and CCTV inspection as diagnostic tools

Classify groundwater versus surface water sources by turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, and contamination susceptibility, and match each to an appropriate treatment train

Interpret a complete water quality analysis by calculating total hardness, carbonate and noncarbonate hardness, and alkalinity relationships

Identify priority contaminants (nitrate, arsenic, lead, fluoride, TTHM) with their MCLs and the treatment process used to remove each

Describe proper sampling technique, chain of custody, preservation, and holding times for chlorine, turbidity, BOD, and coliform samples

Calculate chlorine demand, applied dose, and residual, and convert between mg/L, lb/day, and MGD

Compute the geometric mean for coliform compliance and describe the required response to a positive result

Compare free chlorine, chloramine, ozone, and UV by CT concept, residual persistence, and disinfection byproduct formation potential

Calculate the CT actually achieved and compare it to the required CT for a given target organism, pH, temperature, and residual

Identify the drivers of TTHM and HAA5 formation and list operational changes that reduce them, including precursor removal and alternate primary disinfectants

Explain DBP compliance sampling locations and how the locational running annual average is calculated

List the required steps of a permit-required confined space entry and identify the conditions that make a space permit-required

Apply lockout/tagout and describe the response to a chlorine gas leak, including PPE selection and evacuation decisions

Match key rules (Stage 2 DBPR, LT2, Revised Total Coliform Rule, NPDES reporting) to their core requirements and deadlines

Build a preventive maintenance schedule for pumps, blowers, and clarifiers that lists task frequency and trigger conditions

Assemble and complete a timed 100-question cumulative self-assessment spanning all eight domains

Log every missed item by domain and root cause (knowledge gap, misread, unit error) and re-work each one to a correct final answer

Condense all key equations into a single one-page formula sheet written from memory, then verify each against source notes

Re-drill the two lowest-scoring domains with 30 additional self-written problems each

Rehearse unit-factor conversions (mg/L to lb/day, MGD to cfs, psi to feet of head) until each is completed in under 30 seconds