Class A Water Operator
Operator Certification Unit
(1500 or less = D) (1500 - 15000 = C) (15000-50000 = B) (>50000 = A) All surface water systems must be operated by a Superintendent with at least a class C certification for populations less than 15000
Colilert test
-a test to indicate contamination by coliform bacteria in drinking water. -qualitative test: test indicates presence or absence; not how much
Ch 5 - A solids contact basin has a surface loading rate of 0.75 gpm/ft2. What is the rise feet in ft/min
0.1 (1 gal = 0.133 ft3, 0.75gpm/ft2 * 0.133 ft3 = 0.0975 ft/min)
One gallon is how many cubic feet
0.1337 ft3
Quality Problems associated with Algae blooms
1. taste and odor problems 2. Increased pH levels 3. Increase in organic loading 4. Dissolved oxygen depletion
CH 3 - Records at water systems must be kept for
10 years
How many Training Hours and experience for a class B Water Operator
100 Hours Training and 3 years Experience (must include 1 year of hands on experience)
Ch 1- The average domestic water usage per person per day is usually somewhere in the range of
100-130 gallons
A raw water has an alkalinity of 36 mg/l (as HCO3). A dose of 52 mg/l of alum is needed to reduce the turbidity from 75 NTU to lass than 0.5 NTU. At least 30 mg/l of alkalinity is requires for complete precipitation of alum. What dose of Ch(OH)2 is needed to complete the reaction?
13.5 mg/l (insert math here)
How many Training Hours and experience for a class D Water Operator
16 Hours Training and No Experience
Ch 4 - What is the approximate volume of a reservois in gallons for a reservoir of 58 acre/ft?
18.9MG (1 acre/ft = 325851, 325851*58=18,899,358)
How many Training Hours and experience for a class A Water Operator
200 Hours Training and 5 years Experience (must include 2 years of hands on experience)
Maximum time between sample collection and analysis for bac-t
30 hours but operators are encouraged to submit samples within 24 hours to be safe.
How many Training Hours and experience for a Class C Lab Operator
32 Hours and no experience
How many Training Hours and experience for a Class A Lab Operator
32 hours of B and 1 year experience. ***Must include a Bachelor in science
How many Training Hours and experience for a Class B Lab Operator
32 hours of C and 32 hours of B and 6 months experience. ***associate in science can substitute 32hrs of C level training
Acre/ft to gallons
325,851 gallons
Ch 4 - How much CuSO4 is needed to dose a reservoir with 0.5mg/L if the reservoir volume is 20MG and the CuSO4 solution is 25%
335 lbs (insert Math here)
How many Training Hours and experience for a class C Water Operator
36 Hours Training and 1 year Experience
How many Training Hours and experience for a Class C Distribution Operator
36hours and 1 year experience
How many Training Hours and experience for a Distribution Technician
8 hours and no training.
Ch 1 - One gallon of water weighs
8.34 pounds
E. coli
A bacterium that is commonly used as an indicator of human health risk from harmful micro organisms that can be present in water. Symptoms include sever cramps and diarrhea. Blood is often seen in the stool. Symptoms begin 1-9 days after exposure and last a week or less.
Ch 3 - Which of the following requirements is primarily concerned with keeping a permanent, unalterable record of laboratory data?
A bound volume must be kept for records of the test results, date, time, and signature of analyst.
Hard Water
A characteristic of water caused mainly by the salts of calcium (Ca++) and magnesium (Mg++). Undesirable due to formation of soap curds, increase use of soap, and scale deposits in boilers and water heaters. Defines as having hardness of 100mg/L or greater
Monthly Operations Report (MOR)
A complete record of most of the major factors involved in plant operations for each day of the month. It is the Superintendent's responsibility to ensure MOR is kept up to date and accurate. Original MOR must be submitted by the 10th day of the following month to the DEQ Water Quality Division. A second copy must be kept at the facilityh for at least 10 years.
Short Circuiting
A condition that occurs in flocculation when some of the water in the basin travels faster due to temperature differences, density currents, wind currents or improper design of inlet and outlet structures.
Activated carbon
A form of specially treated, porous carbon, used to remove various odors and tastes as well as various types of organic substances.
Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTUs)
A measure of turbidity
Phenolphthalein Alkalinity (P-alk)
A measurement of alkalinity. If pH is less than 8.3, no P-alk will be present. Measures concentrations of hydroxide, carbonate, and bicarbonate in the sample. Part of the total alkalinity.
Giardia
A microscopic parasite that can be found in water. It produces cysts that are resistant to harsh environmental conditions. Giardia causes intestinal illness called giardiasis. Symptoms simular to cryptosporidiosis. Vomition, chills, headache and fever may also occur. Symptoms begin one week after exposure and can last up to a month.
Cryptosporidium
A microsocpic parasite that can be found in water. It produces cysts that are very resistant to harsh environmental conditions. It is responsible for intestinal illness called cryptosporidiosis. Symptoms include diarrhea, cramps, gas, bodily discomfort, fatigue, and weight loss. Occurs one week after exposure and can last for 1-4 weeks
Community Water System
A public water supply that has at least 15 service connections or serves 25 or more persons on a regular basis
Disinfection Profiling
A water system assesses the level of disinfection currently provided and then determines the impact a proposed change in disinfection practice would have.
Aluminum sulfate (alum)
Al2(SO4)3*14H2O is a common primary coagulant. Most effective between pH 5.0 and 7.0. Alum will consume 0.5mg/L of alkalinity for every 1.0mg/L of alum that is dissolved in water. Alkalinity is necessary for coagulation to occur. Alum tends to lower pH.
Ch 5 - A commonly used coagulant in water treatment is
Aluminum Sulfate
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
An Act passed by the US Congress in 1974. It establishes a cooperative program among local, state, and federal agencies to ensure safe drinking water for customers.
Hydrated Lime (calcium Hydroxide)
Ca(OH)2 used to increase alkalinity levels in water
Lime
CaO used to increase alkalinity levels in water
Copper Sulfate (CuSO4) Bluestone
Chemical used to control Algae growth in water sources.
Ch 3 - The superintendent of a water system treating surface water for a community of 550 persons must hold at least
Class C certification
Ch 2 -The organisms used as an indicator of microbiological contamination are
Coliform bacteria
Primary Contaminants
Contaminants identifies by the EPA as harmful to umal health
Ch 4 - The chemical sometimes used to control algae populations in surface water sources is
CuSO4
Ferric Sulfate
Fe2(SO4)3*9H2O a primary coagulant
Ferric Chloride
FeCl3*6H2O is a primary coagulant
Ferrous Sulfate
FeSO4*7H2O a primary coagulant
Most common water borne disease
Giardiasis
Public Water Supply Operation (Chap 631)
Regulations for actual operation of public water supply system. this includes sampling, monitoring, reporting, and public notice requirements for water supplies.Implemented by the Water Quality Division of ODEQ.
Rules for Oklahoma Hazard Communication Standard
Rules regarding the transmission of necessary information to employees about the properties and potential hazards of hazardous substances in the workplace. Enforced by the Public Employees Health and Safety Division of the Oklahoma State Department of Labor.
MF (Membrane filter) test
Sometimes used to measure the total coliform and fecal coliform of water. Water is filtered and the coliform is then grown into colonies and counted to determine concentration in the initial sample.
Public Water Supply Construction Standard (Chap 626)
Standards for the construciotn or modification of the physical system of public water supply systems. This document is also implemented by the Water Quality Division of ODEQ
Algae bloom
Sudden increase in algae populations in surface water sources. the most common water quality problems associated with surface water supply systems can be traced directly back to algal blooms.
Colloids
Suspended Solids that do not settle out in water
Absorption
Taking in or "soaking up" of a substance into themedia
Carbonate Hardness (CH)
Temporary hardness which is always alkalinity. Calcium and magnesium ion combine with carbonate, bicarbonate, and hydroxide ions to form carbonate hardness. Carbonate Hardness precipitates out with heat.
Alkalinity
The ability to resist changes in pH in response to dilute acids or dilute bases. While pH tends to be high with high alkalinity, it is not always the case. Alkalinity can be present in low pH conditions as well.
Detention Time
The actual time required for a volume of water to pass through a basin.
Biological action
The breakdown of a substance as a result of digestion by microorganisms
Apparent color
The color visible in water
Adsorbtion
The gathering of a substance on the surface of the filtration media
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MDRLs)
The highest level of disinfectant allowed in drinking water. Standards set by the US EPA
Ch 5 - The test performed at water plants to determine optimum dosage levels of coagulants and coagulant aids is
The jar test
Maximum Containment Level (MCL)
The level in which contaminants must not exceed or public notification is required.
Rapid Gravity Filtration
The most common type of filtration used in water treatment 1. Single Media (Sand) 2. Dual Media (anthracite coal and sand) 3. Multimedia (anthracite coal, sand, and garnet)
Straining
The removal of particles by passing the liquid through a filter that has pores small enough to "catch" the particles to be removed
Sedimentation rate
The speed that a particle can move as it settles to the bottom of a clarifier
Total alkalinity (T-alk)
The total amount of alkalinity present). Has a pH of between 4.5-14.0. Water with pH less than 4.5 has zero alkalinity.
Ch 2 - The primary concern when a treated water exceed the MCL for turbidity is that
The turbidity may harbor pathogenic organisms preventing proper disinfection
Secondary coagulation
This condition is a result of supersaturating the water with alum or other primary coagulants where some of the coagulant stays dissolved throughout the treatment process. It then produces Floc in the distribution system.
Filter Breakthrough
Turbidity will build up on the surface and inside the media of the filter eventually causing clogging of the filter. This leads to breakthrough, a condition in which solids are no longer being removed.
An Operator is
a person who performs work on, or determines the method of working on, water works or who changes water quality either directly or by order. This includes a person who sets or removes meters, makes service connections, or repairs lines.
MPN (Most Probable Number) test
a statistical determination of the number of coliforms per 100ml of water
Coagulant Aids
added to form bigger flocs. Include pH adjusters, activated silica, clay, and polymers. Increases density and prevents shearing.
Water Works
all facilities used in the procurement, treatment, storage, pumping, or distribution of water for human consumption.
Faculative organisms
can live with or without oxygen
H+
hydrogen ion
OH-
hydroxide ion
Ch 4 - A surface water source is usually (in terms of taste and odor)
lower quality water than ground water
Coliform bacteria
non pathogenic bacteria often found in the intestinal tract of animals; monitored as in "indicator" of fecal contamination of water
Where can samples be collected for bac-t
only from sites listed on the Pre-approved site sampling plan.
Superintendent
the operator in direct responsible charge of an entire plant or distribution system. This is true even if other official titles are sometimes assigned by employers
Ch 2- The substance CaCO3 in water will contribute to the
total alkalinity and carbonate hardness
Historically, the five major water-borne diseases have been
typhoid, cholera, dysentery, polio, and hepatitis (jaundice).
When must an operator be certified
within 10 days of employment or appointment as an operator
True color
Dissolved material contribution to color and is not removed through simple filtration (i.e. coffee or tea). Measure in Color Units (CUs) using a clear glass tube called a Nessler tub.
Ch 2 - The chemical preservative normally used for water samples that are to be tested for metals is
HNO3
Ch 1 - The most important duty of a water plant operator is to
Help to protect the health and well-being of the community
Chemical ions that form Alkalinity
Hydroxide (OH-), carbonate (CO3--), and bicarbonate (HCO-). The pH of water determines which of these three ions are present
Ch 1 -Probably the most important source of information to use when implementing changes in process control at a water plant is
Lab Results
Microbial Pathogens
Micro-organisms that cause disease
Ch 3 - If the Utilities Director selects which chemicals and what must be used in the community water system, he or she
Must be certified at the same level required of the superintendent
Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate)
Na2CO3 Used to increase alkalinity levels in water
Caustic soda (sodium hydroxide)
NaOH Used to increase alkalinity levels in water
Nutrients
Nitrate, phosphate, and other compounds. They are often responsible for water quality problems associated with surface water supplies.
Simple Sedimentation
Particles settling onto the media through the forces of gravity
Turbidity
Particles suspended in water. These particles can be removed through filtration. This is considered a primary contaminant by the EPA. These particles can surround and protect harmful microorganisms from being destroyed by chlorination.
Noncarbonate Hardness (NCH)
Permanent Hardness. Calcium and magnesium combine with sulfate and chloride ions the result is non-carbonate hardness. (Noncarbonate hardness = total hardness - total alkalinity)
Primary Coagulants
Primary coagulants cause the initial coagulation reaction to take place and cause the particles to begin clumping together.
Falsification of Records
Punishable by loss of certification, fine of up to 25,000 per violation and 1 year in jail.
