TX Water/Wastewater Operator study plan

Diagram a conventional surface-water treatment train from intake to finished water, labeling each unit process and its purpose

Explain coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and backwashing in your own words, including the operational variables that control each

Calculate basic detention time, flow rate, and loading values for a clarifier and a filter using given formulas

List common treatment upset indicators and state one corrective action for each

Describe softening, iron and manganese removal, and membrane or ion exchange processes and when each is applied

Solve 15 practice problems covering flow, detention time, loading rate, and chemical dose with unit conversions shown

Build a formula sheet for treatment math and verify each formula against a worked example

Explain how treatment process changes are recorded and why accurate records matter for compliance

Diagram a conventional activated sludge wastewater plant from influent to disinfection and solids handling

Explain preliminary, primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment objectives and the equipment used in each

Describe the activated sludge process, return and waste sludge control, and the meaning of F/M ratio, SRT, and MLSS

Identify common operational problems such as bulking, foaming, and poor settling and state one response to each

Calculate F/M ratio, mean cell residence time, sludge volume index, and solids loading for given operating data

Describe trickling filter, lagoon, and nutrient removal processes and compare them to activated sludge

Explain collection system components: gravity mains, manholes, lift stations, force mains, and grease and grit control

Explain inflow and infiltration, sanitary sewer overflows, and the operator's reporting responsibilities

Describe distribution system layout, pipe materials, valves, hydrants, and appurtenances and their functions

Explain storage tank operation, turnover, disinfection residual maintenance, and cross-connection control

Calculate head loss, pressure, and flow conversions common to distribution work

Summarize the operator certification framework, continuing education obligations, and key reporting and public notification rules

List the primary drinking water and wastewater regulations and the operator actions each requires

Compare surface water and groundwater sources and describe aquifer, watershed, and recharge concepts

Explain source water protection strategies including wellhead protection, watershed surveys, and spill response

Describe disinfection methods, CT concept, residual maintenance, and disinfection byproduct control

Identify chemical, biological, and physical hazards and the safety practices, PPE, and confined space rules that address them

Explain sampling procedures, chain of custody, and which tests are performed in-house versus sent out

Create a one-page summary of recordkeeping requirements for each domain and the retention and reporting timelines

Solve 20 mixed calculation problems spanning all domains under timed conditions

Review missed problems and write the correct method for each in your own words

Recite the safety and disinfection facts you are least confident about until you can state them without notes

Take two full-length timed practice exams and record scores by domain

Re-study the two weakest domains using your own notes and formula sheets

Rehearse the formulas and key regulatory facts from memory without references

Prepare exam-day logistics including identification, scheduling, and allowed materials