WA Water/Wastewater Operator study plan

List and sequence the major unit processes in a conventional surface-water treatment train, from intake to finished-water storage.

Explain the purpose and typical operating targets (e.g., coagulant dose ranges, flocculation mixing energy, sedimentation overflow rate) for coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation.

Diagram the four coagulation mechanisms (charge neutralization, sweep floc, interparticle bridging, enmeshment) and match each to a jar-test outcome.

Define filter loading rate, media depth, and backwash triggers, and calculate a filtration run time from given headloss and flow data.

Distinguish source-water characteristics (turbidity, alkalinity, hardness, TOC, pH) and predict which treatment adjustments each one drives.

Describe common groundwater treatment approaches (aeration, oxidation, softening, iron/manganese removal) and when each applies.

Compare source-water protection concepts: wellhead protection areas, surface-water intake setbacks, and sanitary survey findings.

Solve problems converting between turbidity, alkalinity, and coagulant dose to predict finished-water quality shifts.

Explain disinfection theory: CT concept, log inactivation, contact time, and the factors that reduce disinfection efficiency.

Compare chlorine, chloramine, ozone, and UV on effectiveness, byproduct formation, residuals, and operational complexity.

Calculate chlorine demand, residual, and dose from given test data, including a CT calculation for a clearwell.

Describe chemical feed systems (dry feeders, metering pumps, solution tanks) and identify common feed-rate calculation errors.

Identify distribution system components (mains, valves, hydrants, meters, storage tanks) and state the function and inspection needs of each.

Explain the causes of distribution water-quality problems (nitrification, biofilm, sediment, cross-connections) and the corrective actions for each.

Perform hydraulic calculations: headloss through pipe, pressure conversion (psi to feet of head), and storage tank turnover.

Describe cross-connection control and backflow prevention device types and testing requirements.

Describe collection system layouts (gravity, force main, combined) and the flow velocity ranges that prevent settling and scouring.

Explain infiltration/inflow, sanitary sewer overflow causes, and the inspection and cleaning methods used to prevent them.

Identify pump types (centrifugal, positive displacement, submersible) and match each to its typical application in water and wastewater systems.

Interpret a pump curve and calculate pump head, brake horsepower, and wire-to-water efficiency.

List preventive maintenance tasks for pumps, motors, and valves and the interval for each.

Explain the purpose and procedure for core tests: turbidity, pH, chlorine residual, alkalinity, hardness, BOD, TSS, and settleable solids.

Calculate BOD, TSS removal efficiency, and solids loading from given lab data.

Describe process control responses to out-of-range lab results in both water and wastewater treatment.

Identify proper sampling techniques, chain-of-custody steps, and quality control practices (blanks, duplicates, standards).

Summarize the Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act requirements most relevant to operator duties, including reporting and public notification.

List confined-space entry, lockout/tagout, chemical handling, and personal protective equipment requirements and the steps for each.

Describe required recordkeeping: daily logs, monitoring reports, compliance schedules, and retention expectations.

Identify emergency response procedures for spills, power loss, and boil-water advisories.

Review all eight domains using a timed 60-question practice set and score each domain separately.

Re-study the two lowest-scoring domains and rework missed calculation problems until correct.

Recite key formulas (CT, dose, headloss, horsepower, BOD, TSS efficiency, loading rate) from memory.

Build a personal weak-area checklist and schedule final review sessions before the exam.