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Water Operator
Class D info
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| The primary purpose of the Water Utility Industry | The production and delivery of safe drinking water to consumers |
| Those who work in the public water industry have a responsibility to meet standards created by these types of government entities. | Federal and State |
| basic federal and state standards state that Water must be: | disinfected, delivered at adequate pressure, and be ample in quantity. |
| Employees should guard what | the water supply and facilities |
| Employees should guard the water supply and facilities from these three things. | contamination, vandalism and terrorism |
| Bacteriological analysis records are kept for | 5 years |
| Chemical analysis records are kept for | 10 years |
| Records about action taken to correct violations of primary drinking water regulations are kept for | 3 years after last action taken |
| Written documentation relating to sanitary surveys conducted are kept for | 10 years after the survey is completed |
| Documentation of a variance or exemption granted is kept for | 5 years after its expiration |
| Results of required tests, measurements or analysis must be reported | within 10 days following its completion |
| A copy of Consumer Confidence reports (EPA Required)must be kept for | 5 years |
| Administers water operator licensing | TCEQ |
| TCEQ | Texas Commission on Environmental Quality |
| Description of a public water system | Regularly serves at least 25 individuals daily at least 60 days out of the year.Services at least 15 service connections. |
| MUDs | Municipal Utility Districts |
| Water is essential to | Life and health |
| Customers are entitled to | courteous treatment & answers to questions about water |
| This type of public system is not required to compile monthly reports | systems that serve less than 100 connections OR purchase treated water |
| Job training for water utility operators is available through these 3 organizations | American Water Works Association, Texas Engineering Extension Service, Texas Water Utilities Association |
| All public water systems are required to employ certified operators even if the system only | redistributes treated water bought from another source |
| cities, municipal utility districts,rural water supply corporations mobile home parks, campgrounds are examples of: | Public Water Systems |
| Examples of community water systems | cities, municipal utility districts,rural water supply corporations, mobile home parks, campgrounds |
| Non-community water system | Any public water system that is not a community system |
| travel trailer spaces, Hotel and motel rooms, service stations are examples of this type of water systems | non-community water systems |
| The federal agency that impacts the water industry | EPA |
| EPA | Environmental Protection Agency |
| The most important federal law impacting the water utility industry is the | Safe Drinking Water Act |
| The Safe Drinking Water Act establishes these 4 national safety and quality standards | Physical, Chemical, Bacteriological, Radiological |
| The state agency that regulated drinking water in Texas and administers the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act | TCEQ |
| The water system must notify the TCEQ when (5 items) | there is a change or alteration of the system; a new facility to be build; water supply health hazards; change in water quality; change in water source |
| MUDs; Rural Water Supply Corporations; Drainage Districts; Ground Water Conservation Districts; Subsidence Districts and River Authorities -- These are what type of agencies and what do they impact? | Regional and local agencies that impact the water utility industry |
| The relationship between you and the customer | Public Relations |
| PR | Public Relations |
| Wat are the three keys to good customer relations | Everything the utility does is PR; Customers are entitles to courteous treatment; Every employee is a PR person |
| Customers have the most contact with | Meter Readers |
| Meter readers can be ambassadors of goodwill by doing these 5 things | wearing identifying clothing; being neat and courteous; Teaching customers how to read their meter; Explaining utility policies such as delinquent notices or disputed readings; Taking care or property |
| Maintenance crews can warn customers of | service interruptions |
| Maintenance crews can provide this to protect the public | signs and barriers |
| The plant operator is responsible for making the water | safe to drink and use |
| Water bills should be 4 things | accurate; itemized; neat; legible |
| It is important that the utility have a sense of this (attitude) | pride and professionalism |
| Employees should be kept informed of utility... | plans and policies |
| How should customer complaints be treated? | as legitimate and investigated as soon as possible |
| In small water systems the operator is often | a meter reader, repair crew and pump operator; the highest paid employee; a college graduate |
| Stuffers are | sent to customers in billing statements |
| Suffers can be many things. Name 4. | departments to call for service; explanations of utility policy; a history of the utility; tips on water conservation |
| Delinquent payment notices should be (4 things) | tactful and tasteful; mailed in an envelope; businesslike |
| The EPA requires community water systems to The water system must provide customers with a report on the system's water quality how often? | yearly |
| The annual system water quality report should be | attractive; easy to understand |
| The annual system water quality report can build what | goodwill and trust with the customer |
| Good treatment of employees includes 3 primary things | fair wages; benefits; safe working conditions |
| After action is taken on a complaint the employee should do this to to make sure everything is satisfactory(OK). | follow up with a phone call, post card or e-mail |
| Give 3 reasons that water plant facilities should be kept neat and clean | to indicate a professional attitude; to keep public support; to keep confidence in the water quality |
| The employee should listen to special requests and look for ways to oblige the customer within | utility policy |
| The chemical symbol for water | H2O |
| Three forms of water | solid(ice); liquid(water); water(vapor/gas) |
| Hydrological cycle | the natural exchange of water between the earth and atmosphere |
| Average water use depends on these 5 things | temperature; rainfall; cost; supply; economic level |
| Ground Water is located | located below the earth's surface (underground) |
| Name the three places that surface water comes from. | rivers; lakes; reservoirs |
| According to the TCEQ, future water supplies will be | more scarce |
| Raw Water | Surface water or ground water prior to treatment |
| Ground water is tapped by | wells |
| Potable water | water that is free of disease-causing organisms, has a chlorine residual and is safe for human consumption |
| Before construction, the utility must submit engineering plans to | the AWWA |
| Operators should keep records of 5 types of things | water usage; system pressure; sample results; repairs; amount of chlorine used |
| Reports by Surface water systems must be received by the TCEQ at this location | Austin |
| Reports for Surface water systems must be received by the TCEQ by | the 15th of the following month |
| How often are ground water systems are required to compile reports? | monthly |
| Reports for Ground Water Systems must be kept for... | inspection or review but are not required to mail them in |
| Types of systems that are not required to compile monthly reports | Ground Water & Surface Water that serve less than 100 connections |
| Water is never found in nature with this characteristic | pure |
| Name the 5 physical characteristics of water | Temperature; Turbidity; Color; Taste and Odor |
| Chemical Characteristics of water | Hardness; pH; Solids; Gases |
| Turbidity | the amount of suspended matter such as clay, silt, organic matter and microorganisms in water |
| Color in water can result from | mineral or organic matter |
| True color | dissolved in water; cannot be removed by filtering |
| Apparent Color | suspended in water; can be filtered out |
| an example of true color | tea |
| an example of apparent color | red water caused by oxidized iron |
| algae; bacteria; organic matter; gases; and chemicals give what to water | taste and color |
| chemicals in water are measured in | mg/L |
| mg/L | milligrams per liter |
| How often should surface water be sampled for chemical analysis? | once a year |
| How often should ground water be sampled for chemical analysis? | every 3 years |
| Hardness is caused by | calcium and magnesium and other minerals |
| The pH scale ranges from | 0 to 14 |
| acidic on the pH scale is (number range) | from 0 to 7 |
| basic on the pH scale is | from 7 to 14 |
| neutral on the pH scales is | 7 |
| Solids that can be removed by filtering | suspended |
| Solids that cannot be removed by filtering | dissolved |
| Name 3 Common gases found in water | hydrogen sulfide; carbon dioxide; methane |
| chemically water is made up of | two atoms hydrogen; one atom oxygen |
| Nature's way of recycling water | the hydrological cycle |
| the quality water standard of public water supplies is | drinking |
| one of the most important purposes of a public water supply | fire fighting |
| Organic matter includes | matter that is alive or once was alive |
| The most important treatment process is | disinfection |
| the treatment process which destroys disease-causing organisms | disinfection |
| Public water systems are required to compile a monthly report showing | disinfection |
| Most ground water is relatively free of | turbidity |
| Turbidity can be a major problem in | surface water |
| Color level should be | less than or equal to 15 units |
| Turbidity is measured in this unit | NTUs |
| Taste and Odor Units | TONs |
| Water is considered hard when | it exceeds 100 mg/L of calcium carbonate |
| A gallon of water weighs | 8.34 pounds |
| 1 mg/L of water equals | 1 ppm by weight |
| ppm | part per million |
| List 5 characteristics of Hydrogen Sulfide | heavier than air; colorless; flammable; toxic; has a rotten egg odor |
| Excessive nitrates in drinking water can cause | blue baby syndrome in infants |
| Excessive amounts of fluoride may cause | mottling/staining of teeth |
| byproducts of chlorination | Trihalomethanes THMs; Haloacetic Acids HAAs |
| Trihalomethanes and Haloacetic Acids may cause problems with (4 health related items) | the liver; kidneys; central nervous systems; increase cancer risks |
| What is the Action level for Copper? (by the Lead and Copper rule) | 1.3 mg/L |
| What is the Action level for Lead? (by the Lead and Copper rule) | .015 |
| Turbidity limits | less than or equal to .3 NTU |
| What is the acceptable Fluoride range in water? | .7 to 1.0 mg/L |
| Nitrates Limits | less than or equal to 20mg/L as nitrogen |
| Dissolved solids limits | less than or equal to 1000 mg/L |
| Taste and Color Limits | less than or equal to 15 units |
| Aquifer | underground water-bearing formation yielding useful quantities of water |
| The quantity of water that a formation yields depends on | the depth, thickness, drawdown and permeability of the formation |
| What are 2 problems caused by over-pumping include | falling water levels; subsidence |
| subsidence | sinking of the land |
| the purpose of the well casing and cementing is to | protect the well from collapse and surface contamination |
| The purpose of the well screen is to | reduce/keep sand out of the well |
| the most important feature of the well screen is | the size of the openings (mesh size) |
| A screen's mesh size is determined by 3 things. What are they? | size of the aquifer material; size of the gravel in the gravel pack; type of well development |
| Gravel pack | Fine gravel placed around the well screen |
| The purpose of a well's gravel pack is to | reduce pumping sand |
| Well Vent | vacuum breaker |
| The Purpose of a well vent | to allow the casing to breathe as water levels change when the pump cycles |
| Name 2 problems that vacuums in wells can cause | drawing of contaminants into the well; restriction of the free flow of water to the well pump |
| Public wells must be provided with 4 things. What are they? | concrete sealing block; meter; screened vent; sampling faucet |
| Contamination types allowed INSIDE/WITHIN 50 feet of a well | None |
| Livestock must be this many feet away from a well | 50 |
| Storm Sewers must be this many feet away from a well | 50 |
| Septic Tanks must be this many feet away from a well | 50 |
| Tile or Concrete Sewers must be this many feet away from a well | 50 |
| UNDERGROUND Fuel Storage Tanks must be this many feet away from a well | 150 |
| Septic Drainage Fields must be this many feet away from a well | 150 |
| Sewage Wet Wells must be this many feet away from a well | 300 |
| Sewage Pumping Stations must be this many feet away from a well | 300 |
| Wastewater Drainage Ditches must be this many feet away from a well | 300 |
| Animal Feed Lots must be this many feet away from a well | 500 |
| Sewage Treatment Plants must be this many feet away from a well | 500 |
| Solid Waste Disposal Sites must be this many feet away from a well | 500 |
| Irrigation With Sewage Effluents must be this many feet away from a well | 500 |
| Zone of No Sewers | 50 feet around a well |
| List 4 ways to reduce the pumping of sand | Lowering the gpm pump rate; Cycling the pump less; Installing sand separation devices; Correcting problems such as loss of gravel pack |
| GPM | Gallons per minute |
| Water from a new well should not be used until what happens? | bacteriological samples for three successive days show NO coliform |
| coliforms are | organisms |
| successive | in a row without interruption |
| consecutive | in a row without interruption |
| coliforms are | a type of organism |
| pumping level | water level with the pump running |
| static level | water level without the pump running |
| Drawdown = | pumping level - static level; the difference between static level and pumping; always a positive number |
| Surface water usually contains more of these than ground water | Microorganisms |
| Ground water usually contains less of these than surface water | Microorganisms |
| Ground water usually contains more of these than surface water | dissolved minerals and gases |
| Surface water usually contains less of these than ground water | dissolved minerals and gases |
| Water table wells are usually (depth) | shallow |
| Artesian wells are | deep wells |
| Artesian Aquifer | Deep aquifer |
| Springs | natural outcrops where an aquifer reaches the surface |
| Deep wells are usually | artesian aquifers |
| Artesian aquifers are overlaid by an | impervious layer of rock |
| impervious layer | a layer of rock that water cannot enter |
| Cone of Depression | an area around a water table well that is dewatered by pumping |
| Zone of pressure reduction | an area around an artesian well that is dewatered by pumping |
| Circle of influence | the top area around a well that is dewatered by pumping |
| An abandoned well must be | sealed |
| Public wells must be provided with a | concrete sealing block; meter; screened vent; sampling faucet |
| Contamination types allowed INSIDE/WITHIN 50 feet of a well | None |
| Livestock must be this many feet away from a well | 50 |
| Storm Sewers must be this many feet away from a well | 50 |
| Septic Tanks must be this many feet away from a well | 50 |
| Tile or Concrete Sewers must be this many feet away from a well | 50 |
| UNDERGROUND Fuel Storage Tanks must be this many feet away from a well | 150 |
| Septic Drainage Fields must be this many feet away from a well | 150 |
| Sewage Wet Wells must be this many feet away from a well | 300 |
| Sewage Pumping Stations must be this many feet away from a well | 300 |
| Wastewater Drainage Ditches must be this many feet away from a well | 300 |
| Animal Feed Lots must be this many feet away from a well | 500 |
| Sewage Treatment Plants must be this many feet away from a well | 500 |
| Solid Waste Disposal Sites must be this many feet away from a well | 500 |
| Irrigation With Sewage Effluents must be this many feet away from a well | 500 |
| Zone of No Sewers | 50 feet around a well |
| Ways to reduce sand pumping | Lowering the gpm pump rate; Cycling the pump less; Installing sand separation devices; Correcting problems such as loss of gravel pack |
| GPM | Gallons per minute |
| Water from a new well should not be used until what analysis | bacteriological samples for three successive days show NO cloriforms |
| cloriforms are | organisms |
| successive | in a row without interruption |
| consecutive | in a row without interruption |
| coliforms are | types of organisms |
| pumping level | water level with the pump ringing |
| static level | water level without the pump running |
| Surface water usually contains more of these than ground water | Microorganisms |
| Ground water usually contains less of these than surface water | Microorganisms |
| Ground water usually contains more of these than surface water | dissolved minerals and gases |
| Surface water usually contains less of these than ground water | dissolved minerals and gases |
| Artesian wells are (depth) | deep wells |
| Artesian Aquifer | Deep aquifer |
| Springs | natural outcrops where an aquifer reaches the surface |
| Deep wells are usually | artesian aquifers |
| Artesian aquifers are overlaid by an | impervious layer of rock |
| impervious layer | a layer of rock that water cannot enter |
| Cone of Depression | an area around a water table well that is dewatered by pumping |
| Zone of pressure reduction | an area around an artesian well that is dewatered by pumping |
| Circle of influence | the top area around a well that is dewatered by pumping |
| Two major Auquifers in Texas | Edwards & Ogallala |
| Completed wells must be protected by | fences or locked well houses |
| Sanitary control easement | an area around a well that is secured from property owners and recorded in the county courthouse deed records |
| Size of Sanitary control easement | 150 feet around the well |
| Developing a well | process of flushing out a well |
| Purpose of developing a well | to remove drilling mud and loose sand |
| Name for methods of developing a well | surging; overpumping; jetting; backwashing |
| What dosage is required to disinfect a well | at least 50 mg/l of chlorine |
| What is the minimum length of time that a well disinfection solution needs to remain in the well | 6 hours |
| purpose of well disinfection | to disinfect the pump gravel and screen |
| The purpose of well disinfection is not to disinfect the | water in the aquifer |
| A well sample for physical and chemical analysis must be taken after | 36 hours of pumping |
| Changes in water levels or the amount of water produced/pumped from a well can show 3 things | a drop in the water table; screen stoppage; damage to the pump |
| The most common type of deep well pumps (2) | submersible & vertical turbine |
| Jet pumps | used in shallow wells when the amount of water delivered is small |
| Gases such as methane, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide are reduced by | Aeration |
| Sodium hydroxide or soda ash is used to adjust | pH |
| Corrosiveness is reduced by | adjusting the pH |
| Two techniques used to remove calcium and magnesium | adding lime; exchanging ions |
| To soften hard water | add lime; this reacts with the hard water to remove calcium and magnesium, causing the water to "soften" |
| Two major Auquifers in Texas | Edwards & Ogallala |
| Completed wells must be protected by | fences or locked well houses |
| Sanitary control easement | an area round a well that is secured from property owners and recorded in the county courthouse deed records |
| Size of Sanitary control easement | 150 feet around the well |
| Developing a well | process of flushing out a well |
| The purpose of developing a well is to | remove drilling mud and loose sand |
| Methods of developing a well | surging; overpumping; jetting; backwashing |
| What dosage is required to disinfect a well | at least 50 mg/l of chlorine |
| length of time for well disinfection solution to remain in well | minimum of 6 hours |
| The purpose of well disinfection is to | disinfect the pump gravel and screen |
| The purpose of well disinfection is not to disinfect the | water in the aquifer |
| A well sample for physical and chemical analysis must be taken after | 36 hours of pumping |
| Changes in water levels or the amount of water produced/pumped from a well can show | a drop in the water table; screen stoppage; damage to the pump |
| submersible & vertical turbine | Most common type of deep well pumps |
| Jet pumps | used in shallow wells when the amount of water delivered is small |
| Gases such as methane, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide are reduced by | Aeration |
| Sodium hydroxide or soda ash is used to adjust | pH |
| Corrosiveness is reduce by | adjusting the pH |
| Used to remove calcium and magnesium | adding lime; exchanging ions |
| percolation | water moving through the soil |
| Surface water | Water above ground, but not in the air |
| Percentage of public water systems that use surface water | 1/4 or 25% |
| 1000 feet | The distance that boat ramps, docks and fishing peirs must be away from a water intake |
| Lakes may be low in | Bacteria and Organic Matter |
| Rivers may be high in | Bacteria and Organic Matter |
| Surface water is low in | Minerals, Gases & Dissolved Solids |
| What are the three objectives of water treatment | to protect the public health, to supply an aesthetically pleasing product and to protect consumer property |
| Name the 8 treatment required by the TCEQ for all surface water. | pretreatment, pre-disinfection, taste and odor control, coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, covered storage, and terminal disinfection |
| Name 5 methods of controlling taste and odor problems | lake destratification, algae control, aeration, chemical oxidation, activated carbon |
| Name 3 chemicals that are Coagulants | Alum, Ferrous sulfate, Ferric chloride |
| Coagulants cause | small particles in water to clot together forming floc |
| The flocculation process | forms larger particles that settle more readily |
| Jar Tests | help the operator determine which chemical and how much to apply |
| 5 things that effect Coagulation | Turbidity, pH, Temperature, Alkalinity, Chemical dosage |
| Name 2 Chlorine resistant microorganisms | Giardia, Cryptosporidium |
| Filtering is the final step in | removing suspended matter and chlorine resistant microorganisms |
| Common Filter | Rapid Sand Filter |
| Rapid Sand Filter media | has several layers of different sized media |
| Backwashing | Cleans the filter |
| A filter must be backwashed when head loss is | approximately 6 to 10 feet |
| Head | pressure |
| Quality water has low amounts of 5 things. What are they? | color, turbidity, solids, taste, odor |
| Pretreatment includes 7 processes. What are they? | lake destratification, control of algae, debris removal, presedimentation, aeration, chemical oxidation, activated carbon adsorption |
| These two things are used to control Algae Blooms | Copper sulfate and approved algacides |
| What is the Copper sulfate dosage range for Algae Bloom control | 0.1 to 0.5 |
| The most effective treatment for taste and odor | Activated Carbon Adsorption |
| What 2 chemicals are used to adjust pH or alkalinity? | Lime and soda ash |
| the process of Coagulation and flocculation is | the process of using chemicals to clot particles together |
| floc must be allowed to settle in | sedimentation basins |
| Flock must be allowed to settle for a minimum of | 6 hours |
| Name7 factors that effect sedimentation | floc weight, floc size, floc shape, water temperature, detention time, water velocity, short circuiting |
| Backwashing should expand the filter by | 30 to 50% |
| Common filter problem | mud balls |
| mud balls can be prevented by | proper backwashing |
| List 4 chemicals commonly used in disinfection | chloramine, ozone, chlorine dioxide, chlorine |
| Disinfection destroys disease-causing microorganisms called | pathogens |
| Most Microorganisms ___________ pathogens. (are, are not) | are not |
| Disinfection kills pathogens without | sterilization |
| Sterilization kills what microorganisms? | All |
| Most bacteria are __________________ for life. | necessary |
| Some bacteria live and grow in the _______. | intestines |
| Waterborne or water carried pathogens live and grow in the | intestines of infected people |
| Pathogens are present only if the person is | infected |
| Waterborne Diseases (definition) | Diseases transmitted by unsafe water |
| Common Intestinal disorders related to waterborne diseases (11 names) | Typhoid; Cholera; Paratyphoid; Legionnaires' disease; Bacillary dysentery; Polio; Amoebic dysentery; Giardiasis; Hepatitis; Cryptosporidiosis; Gastroenteritis; and others |
| Indicator Microorganisms | Microorganisms that indicate that the water may contain pathogens; The total coliform group of bacteria |
| Are Indicator Microorganisms pathogens? | no |
| What type of organisms do we test for? | Indicator Microorganisms |
| Total Coliform group(type) bacteria includes | fecal and non-fecal coliform |
| Where does Fecal coliform live? | The intestines of Humans and warm-blooded animals |
| Where does non-fecal coliform primarily live? | in the soil |
| The most specific indicator of intestinal contamination | E. Coli |
| Fecal Coliform in a sample indicates that | Intestinal waste is in the sample |
| When fecal coliform is found in a sample there is ______________ of disease | a risk |
| Risk of disease is | Alarming |
| A positive fecal coliform water sample is considered | Alarming |
| Bacteriological Samples must be ___________________ of the system | Representative |
| Bacteriological Samples must be collected in: | sterile containers. |
| This must not happen to bacteriological samples during the sampling process. | They must not be contaminated. |
| Name the three types of Test Results | Positive Negative Unsuitable for Analysis |
| A Positive Bacteriological Sample means that: | coliform was found |
| A Negative Bacteriological Sample means that: | coliform was not found |
| The first 3 Bacteriological Sample Collection Process (there are a total of 10) | 1. Determine the number of samples required; 2. Develop a written sample-siting plan; 3. Obtain Sample Containers |
| Steps 4 through 7 of the Bacteriological Sample Collection Process (there are a total of 10) | 4. Obtain Routine samples from designated; sites; 5. Flush the service line; 6. Test the chlorine residual; 7. Flame or disinfect the faucet |
| Steps 8 through 10 of the Bacteriological Sample Collection Process | 8. Fill the sample container; 9. Fill out the form; 10. Send the sample and form to the laboratory |
| The minimum number of bacteriological samples required is based on | the population served (number of people); State and federal Agencies |
| A sample-siting plan assures that | samples are taken from active Representative services |
| Sample Containers must be | sterile |
| Sample Containers contain | sodium thiosulfate |
| Sodium thiosulfate neutralizes the | chlorine residual |
| The point of collection must be: (4 things) | Sanitary; no overhanging plants; no insect nests; no leaky faucets |
| To flush the service line you: | Open the faucet fully |
| How long do you flush the service line? | Until the water coming out is from the main line |
| How do you know when you are finished flushing the service line? | The water temperature changes - indicating that the water is from the main line |
| How do you disinfect a faucet that you are going to collect a water sample from? | Flame it or Use a chemical |
| What 3 chemicals can be used to disinfect a faucet? | Alcohol; Hydrogen peroxide; Bleach; Allow extra contact time |
| When filling a sample container you open the faucet how far? | to a pencil-sized stream of water |
| How much water goes into a sample container? | at least 100 ml but not completely full |
| if a sample container that is given to the lab is completely full what will happen? | The lab will reject it |
| When collecting a water sample DO NOT: | touch the inside of the container or cap |
| A sample container cannot be any older than | 6 months |
| When filling out a sample collection form the form must be filled out | completely |
| A sample must be received by the lab within: | 30 hours |
| If a sample is not received by the lab within 30 hours | the lab rejects it |
| How are samples cared for during transport? | cooled using ice |
| Repeat Samples are taken when | a routine sample is positive |
| The number of repeat samples needed is determined by | the number of monthly samples normally required |
| Positive samples may be removed from your record (yes, no) | yes |
| A positive sample may be removed from your record when | repeat samples are negative AND the system(you) explains why the positive sample was not representative |
| Repeat samples that are removed from your record are not | invalidated |
| Repeat samples are used to determine this type of compliance | coliform MCL compliance |
| MCL | Maximum Contaminate Level |
| Repeat Sample Procedure | Take a total of 3 samples all on the same day; repeat the process for 4 consecutive days |
| Repeat samples are taken at 3 different locations. Name them. | 1 from the point where the positive sample was taken; 1 from within 5 connection upstream from the positive point; 1 from within 5 connection downstream from the positive point |
| Monitoring is required when | required routine or repeat samples are not submitted |
| An ACUTE Risk violation occurs when any of these 3 things occur | You submit greater than or equal to 40 samples a month and > 5% are positive; You submit less than 40 samples a month and > 1 sample are positive; OR A positive FECAL coliform sample is followed by either a positive FECAL or TOTAL coliform sample |
| A NON-ACUTE Risk violation occurs when | A routine TOTAL Coliform sample is positive THEN A repeat TOTAL coliform sample is positive |
| Before notifying the public about a violation you | CONSULT WITH THE TCEQ FIRST |
| Acute Violation Notification Procedure (2 things) | 1. Telephone TCEQ immediately; 2. Notify the public within 72 hours |
| In the case of an Acute Violation, the public should be notified within this amount of time | 72 hours |
| In the case of an Acute Violation, the public should be notified by these two types of media | Radio & TV |
| In the case of an Acute Violation, the notification must include the words | "Serious Health Concern" |
| Non-Acute Violation Notification Procedure | Notify the public within 14 days |
| In the case of a Non-Acute Violation, the public should be notified by these two types of media | Mail or Newspaper |
| In the case of a Non-Acute Violation, the notification must include the words | "Possible Health Concern" |
| TCEQ Special Precautions are required when the system experiences: (4 items) | low distribution pressure; Water outages; Repeated unacceptable microbiological samples; Failure to maintain adequate chlorine residuals |
| Chlorination is the most important process in | the production of potable water |
| In Texas all public water systems must have | Chlorination facilities |
| Low distribution levels occur when the pressure drops below: | 20 psi |
| Disinfectant Residual must be in the water when the water is (where - 2) | in storage; being transported through the system |
| To be effective in drinking water chlorine must be | in it at all times |
| The common name for Sodium Hypochlorite | Liquid Bleach |
| Sodium hypochlorite is produced by | reacting chlorine with SODIUM HYDROXIDE and WATER |
| Sodium hypochlorite disinfection is normally used by this type of system | SMALL water systems |
| The sodium hypochlorite must be approved by the | NSF |
| NSF | National Sanitation Foundation |
| Bleach is not | Liquid Chlorine |
| Liquid Chlorine is | Pure, liquefied, gas chlorine |
| Calcium Hypochlorite is used in these forms | granular and power |
| Calcium Hypochlorite is produced by | reacting chlorine with LIME |
| Calcium Hypochlorite is normally used by this size of system | SMALL water systems |
| Calcium Hypochlorite must be approved by this organization | NSF |
| Calcium Hypochlorite is a | powerful Oxidizer |
| Calcium Hypochlorite will explode if any of these 3 things happens | it contacts oil; contacts organic material; gets too hot |
| Calcium Hypochlorite must be stored in this type of place(environment) | a cool place |
| Pure Chlorine at room-temperature looks like | Greenish-Yellow gas |
| Pure Chlorine at room-temperature has this odor | pungent odor |
| Pure Chlorine at room-temperature weighs | 2 and 1/2 (2.5) times more than air |
| Pure Chlorine at room-temperature is __________ to living things | TOXIC |
| Pure Chlorine when wet is (3 things) | Corrosive; a strong oxidizer; does not burn |
| Pure Chlorine in liquid form looks like | Reddish-yellow (amber) color |
| The chemical symbol for Chlorine is | CL2 (the 2 is a subscript) |
| Name 3 Common Chlorine shipping containers | 150lb Cylinders; Ton containers; 90-ton Railroad cars |
| Chlorine withdrawal Maximums for 150lb Cylinders using vacuum transmission | 1 lb/day per degree F |
| Chlorine withdrawal Maximums for 150lb Cylinders using pressure transmission | 42lbs/day (based on air temp of 70) |
| Chlorine withdrawal Maximums for Ton Containers using vacuum transmission | 8lbs/day per degree F |
| Chlorine withdrawal Maximums for Ton Containers using pressure transmission | 336 lbs/day (based on air temp of 70) |
| Required Capacity for Disinfection of Potable (drinkable) water | 50% greater than the highest expected dosage |
| Hypochlorinators are typically used in this size of plant or water system | small plants (water systems) |
| Name 3 types of equipment used by Hypochlorinators | Mixing tank; Water; Chemical pump |
| Two chemicals that are used by Hypochlorinators | Sodium hypochlorite OR Calcium hypochlorite |
| This type of Chlorination is typically used in large plants (water systems) | Gas Chlorination |
| Where should the cylinder apparatus on a gas cylinder be? | the top of the tank |
| Gas should be withdrawn from a cylinder from this location | from the top of the cylinder |
| A Cylinder apparatus inlet valve allows | gas to enter the apparatus |
| A rotameter does this | measures the gas moving through the cylinder apparatus |
| A rotameter measures gas in | lbs/day or grams/hour |
| A cylinder ejector allows this | allows chlorine to pass into the water supply |
| Dosage | The amount of chemical applied in mg/l or ppm |
| Dosage unit of measure | mg/L or ppm |
| PPM | Parts per million |
| Demand | The amount of chemical used up by reducing agents |
| Residual | The amount of chemical remaining after reacting with demand |
| Dosage = | Dosage = Demand + Residual |
| Free Chlorine | Chemically uncombined |
| Combined Residual | Chloramine |
| Chloramine | Chlorine combined with Ammonia |
| Total Residual Calculation | Total Residual = Free Chlorine Residual + Chloramine (combined chlorine) residual |
| Minimum Free Chlorine Residual | 0.2 ml/L |
| Minimum Chloramine Residual | 0.5 mg/L |
| Chloramine is measured as | Total Residual |
| Chloramine can cause this | taste and odor |
| Which is stronger: Chloramine or Free Chlorine | Chloramine |
| Which is more reactive: Chloramine or Free Chlorine | Free Chlorine |
| Which last longer: Free Chlorine or Chloramine? | Chloramine |
| To much Chlorine residual results in the production of these 2 cancer causing chemicals | Trihalomethanes or Haloacetic Acids |
| Maximum Free Chlorine Residual | 4 mg/L |
| Maximum Chloramine Residual | 4 mg/L |
| This chemical is added to water when testing Chlorine Residuals | DPD |
| DPD unit of measure | mg/L |
| What happens when you add DPD to water | It reacts with Chlorine and turns the water pink |
| Chlorine Residuals are measured using this type of equipment (3) | Colorimeter; Bench top Spectrophotometer; Titration (multiple types) |
| Chlorine and Water makes these two acids | Hydrochloric (HCL) Acid; Hyperchlorous(HOCL) Acid |
| HCL | Hydrochloric (HCL) Acid |
| HOCL | Hyperchlorous(HOCL) Acid |
| Hydrochloric (HCL) Acid AND Hyperchlorous(HOCL) Acid ARE | DISINFECTANTS |
| another name for REDUCING AGENTS | Demand |
| Reducing Agent | Matter that reacts with chlorine |
| What kind of matter is a reducing agent? | organic or inorganic (all types) |
| The result of Reducing Agent reactions is | matter is destroyed/deactivated the disinfection power is reduced or destroyed |
| Chlorine is highly irritating to what parts of the body | the nose and throat |
| Exposure to Chlorine causes severe | coughing and Tissue damage |
| Heavy Exposure to Chlorine can be | Fatal |
| Common Types of Reducing Agents | Ammonia; Iron; Manganese; Hydrogen Sulfide; Bacteria; Organic Compounds |
| SCBA | Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus |
| In order to be useful, a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) must be 3 things. List them | readily available; Stored away from the Chlorinator room; inspected regularly |
| Disinfection Equipment Capacity must be how much? | must be 50% greater than the highest expected demand dosage at any time |
| Chlorinator Rooms -- Housing must be | above ground |
| Chlorinator equipment and Chlorine Containers must be stored | in separate areas |
| Chlorinator Rooms must have this kind of vents | High level and Low level screened vents |
| Chlorinator Rooms with more than 1 open 150lb cylinder must have | Forced air ventilation |
| Name two parts of forced air ventilation equipment | vents; fan |
| A Chlorinator room's fan switch must be located | outside the room |
| Chlorine storage temperature | between 50 and 140 degrees |
| Cylinder pressure Relief Plugs melt at | 160 degrees |
| EPA Chemical Risk Management Requirements apply to what entities | Any Private, municipal or industrial entity with 2500lbs or more of Chlorine |
| TCEQ Chemical Risk Management Requirements apply to this type of container | a 1 Ton Container (or more)of Chlorine or Ammonia is within a 1/4 mile of a residential or higher development |
| If EPA Chemical Risk Management Requirements apply you must | have a Chemical Risk Management Program |
| You must have this when TCEQ Chemical Risk Management Requirements apply to you | Evacuation Procedures Established |
| To detect a Chlorine leak | Hold an open bottle of 10% Ammonium Hydroxide (ammonia and water) under the suspect point (where you think the leak is) |
| If the appropriate solution is held under a chlorine leak this happens | ammonium chloride will appear as white smoke |
| Before entering a room that contains Chlorine Gas 5 the employee should...(there are 5) | 1. Be trained and prepared; 2. Wear a fresh air supply; 3. have standby help; 4. Have repair Equipment; 5. Wear a safety harness and life line |
| The best source of help for a Chlorine Leak | the Supplier |
| If you encounter chlorine do these 4 things | 1. keep your mouth closed; 2. avoid deep breathing; 3. keep your head high; 4. quickly leave the area |
| Name 3 Alternative Disinfectants | Chlorine Dioxide; Ultraviolet Light; Ozone |
| Aeration | Bringing Water into contact with air |
| Alum | a coagulant used in water treatment |
| Maximum Chlorine level when water is going from the water system to a ground source | .11 mg/l |
| Storage Facilities equalize _______________ on the water supply | Demand |
| Storage fills when demand is | low |
| Storage begins to empty during ____________ demand | peak |
| Storage provides for these three things | Uniform pumping rates (control pressure on flow surges); supplies water for fire fighting (adequate pressure); provides time for disinfection (effective chlorination) |
| Ground storage is generally constructed of | reinforced concrete or steel |
| Storage's place in the treatment and distribution process is | before distribution and after production |
| Clear Well | Ground storage at a surface water treatment plant receiving the treated water |
| TCEQ requires all storage tanks to have | Screened Vents; Locked Hatches; A dust proof cover; Overflows with hinged flaps and entry ports |
| Screened vents are made of | corrosion resistant material |
| The size of mesh on storage tank screened vents | 16 or finer |
| the Gap on Storage Tank Overflow covers cannot be more than | 1/16" |
| The rim of the Storage Tank Entry port must extend at least | 4" above the tank |
| the rim of the storage tank entry port must have a lid with this to prevent rain from entering | 2" overlap |
| Required storage capacity when the only type of storage is ground storage | 200 gallons per connection |
| Required storage capacity when storage types include more than ground storage | 200 gallons per connection |
| If a storage tank does not have a 30" diameter access opening, it must have | primary roof access of at lease 30" diameter |
| If a storage tank does not have a 30" diameter access opening, you must provide one at this time | next major maintenance |
| A storage tanks access opening should measure | 30" diameter |
| Ground Storage must be maintained according to | AWWA Standards |
| Ground Storage: No lead is allowed in the | paint, coatings, wax |
| True or False, Ground Storage must be painted | true |
| True or False, Ground storage must be disinfected | true |
| Coatings that contact potable water must be approved by 1 of these | EPA NSF FDA |
| FDA | U.S. Food and Drug Administration |
| TCEQ definition of Elevated Storage | Water stored at least 80 feet above the highest service connection that provides the state minimum normal operating pressure of 35 psi |
| psi | Pounds per Square Inch |
| The states minimum normal operating pressure | 35 psi |
| Elevated storage is usually made of | steel |
| Elevated storage is supported above ground on/by a | tower |
| The taller the water column is the more of this | weight and thus pressure |
| Each foot of heighth on elevated storage produces this psi | .433 |
| Elevated storage is required for systems with | more than 2500 service connections |
| When elevated storage is required it must have this minimum capacity | 100 gallons per connection |
| Elevated storage must meet the same general requirements as | ground storage |
| Definition of Standpipe Storage | A tank resting on the ground with a height greater than its diameter and a total height that is higher than 80 feet above the highest service connection |
| Storage that is less than 80 feet above the highest service connection | Ground Storage |
| Means of Protecting Storage Tanks from corrosion | Coatings; Cathodic protection; water conditioning; Galvanizing(but not for elevated tanks) |
| Galvanizing process | DC current travels through strips of aluminum or other metal suspended in the tank, then through the water. This electroplates the walls above the waterline |
| In a Galvanized storage tank walls that are above the waterline is or is not protected from corrosion | is not |
| Ownership Signs must be at | each production, storage and treatment site |
| Ownership signs must include | the utility name and an emergency phone number |
| Grounds and Landscaping must have | a program to facilitate cleanliness and to improve the appearance of plant sites |
| Grounds should be sloped | away from the tower or tank |
| The chain link fence around a site must be | flush to the ground (no gap between it and the ground) |
| If a tank is wholly or partially underground it cannot be near potential contaminants, including: | sewer lines, septic tank drain fields, animal lots areas that flood |
| These must be prevented from entering storage tanks | sunlight, dust, birds, insects, rain |
| After construction or maintenance tanks must be: | disinfected |
| This must be done after a storage tank is filled (after construction or maintenance) | a bacteriological sample is taken (sample for coliform) |
| The results of a bacteriological sample from a newly filled tank is in if it is positive what is done | more samples are taken until 2 consecutive samples are negative; if this cannot be done the disinfection must be repeated |
| The results of a bacteriological sample from a newly filled tank is in if it is negative what is done | the tank is put into service |
| Distribution systems are composed of | water mains; service lines; meters; valves; hydrants; pressure booster stations |
| Distribution systems must meet standards for | water quality; quantity of water; pressure; fire protection |
| Critical safeguards for distribution systems | chlorine residual; adequate pressure; bacteriological sampling; cross connection control |
| Pressure requirements are important because | adequate pressure prevents contaminated water from being drawn into the system |
| TCEQ pressure minimums for Distribution Systems | 20 psi even in emergencies; 35 psi during normal operations |
| psi | Pounds per Square Inch |
| Distribution system components must meet these specifications | AWWA |
| Distribution system components should not affect | the taste, odor or quality of water |
| Pipe Material may be made of | Ductile iron; cast iron; steel; (AC)asbestos-cement; Concrete; PVC; copper |
| Asbestos-cement pipes in Texas | not allowed for new construction in potable water systems |
| PVC | polyvinyl chloride |
| PVC must be approve by and have | approved by the NSF and have an ASTM pressure rating of at least 150 psi or a standard dimension ratio of 26 |
| ASTM | American Society for Testing and Material |
| Rules for reusing pipe | No pipe used for any purpose other than drinking water may be used in a potable supply |
| Pipe selection is based on | strength, carrying capacity, durability, ease of installation, availability, soil conditions, cost |
| Lead limit on pipe and fittings | 8% |
| Lead limit on solders and flux | 0.2% |
| Types of pipe joints may be | flanged, mechanical,push-on, welded, threaded, gasket material |
| Gasket material should be treated to | prevent bacterial growth |
| The most common type of isolating valve | gate valve |
| this type of valve is used to turn off sections of a system / main | Gate |
| Types of controlling valves | globe, diaphragm, rotary |
| controlling valves regulate | pressure, flow rate, direction |
| important uses for fire hydrants | fire fighting, flushing, bleeding air from mains |
| Problems that are commonly solved by flushing | taste, odor, red water, dirty water |
| water meters measure... | water flow into and out of treatment plants, into the distribution system; to customers |
| types of water meters | propeller; compound; magnetic; positive displacement meter; |
| Most common meter for residential use | positive displacement meter |
| This type of meter is very accurate at low flow | positive displacement meter |
| a positive displacement meter cannot over-register due to | external influence or internal wear |
| How a positive displacement meter works | Water flows through the meter chamber which cases a disk inside to wobble. The wobbling disk causes a spindle and magnet to rotate. The rotation of the magnet is transmitted through the wall of the meter to a second meter. That operates the register. |
| Mains must be this many feet away from sewers and manholes | 9 |
| Distances from mains are measured from | the outside of the pipe |
| parallel lines of water ansd sewer must be | laid in separate ditches |
| Coupon | the piece of pipe material cut from a main when a tap is made. |
| Trenches for a 6-inch or larger pipe must be | at least 18 inches wide; 12 inches wider than the pipe diameter |
| The depth that a main is buried depends on | frost lines; surface load; obstructions |
| In texas the rule for main depth is | 30 to 60 inches below the ground; the top of the pipe must have at least 24 inches of cover |
| Corporation stop | the valve that connects the service line to the main. It is buried when the hole is backfilled. |
| A corporation stop operation | it cannot be operated from the ground's surface, because it is buried under ground |
| Curb Stop or Meter Stop | the valve that connects the service line to the meter |
| operation of a curb stop or meter stop valve | can be operated from the meter box |
| Cave-ins are likely when | the soil is wet; spoil banks are too close to the trench; traffic or machinery vibrations loosen the soil |
| shoring | using timber, plywood or commercial devices to support an excavation |
| inspect shoring when | daily |
| If subsidence or soil cracks occur in your shoring you need to | stop work; correct the problem |
| Maximum Allowable Slope | The degree of slope that overcomes collapsing pressure |
| The Maximum Allowable slope is determined by | soil conditions |
| shoring is not necessary if the walls are | sloped to the maximum allowable slope |
| angle of repose | another name for maximum allowable slope |
| Spoil banks must be this far from an excavation | at least 2 feet |
| These may be used instead of shoring or sloping | trench boxes |
| When using trench boxes workers must | stay inside of the box |
| Pipe must be bedded with | a minimum of 4 inches or 1/4 the pipe diameter of tamped sand or gravel |
| This is required whenever a water line changes direction | pipe bracing |
| Bends in lines must be braced or blocked against | internal thrust |
| How much thrust is there against a closed 6 inch valve at 60 psi | almost 1700 lbs (pounds) |
| As a pipe goes into the trench you need to swab it with | a hypochlorite solution |
| Never leave laid pipe with an | open end. |
| Close laid pipe with | a watertight plug |
| Items that must be disinfected before returning them to service | mains; service lines; meters; valves |
| Dosage for new mains | 50mg/L or more of chlorine for at least 24 hours |
| Dosage required to return a line to service, quickly. | 500mg/L for 30 minutes |
| To disinfect after making a water tap | add 1 teaspoon(t)of Sodium Hypochlorite at the TAP end and at the METER at the end marked "IN" |
| After disinfecting a line and before putting it into service you must | flush the line |
| Prior to putting line into service you must have | negative bacteriological samples; 1 for each 1000 feet of main |
| How often do dead end mains need to be flushed? | once a month |
| Flushing of dead end mains reduces | slime and scale build up; red water complaints |
| Flushing of dead end mains brings in | fresh chlorinated water |
| Flushing of dead end mains removes | chlorine-reducing materials |
| Pressure surges are caused by | rapid flow changes |
| Pressure surges can result in | severely damaged mains |
| Pressure surges can be caused by | closing a hydrant valve too fast |
| closing a hydrant valve (or any valve for that matter) causes a | water hammer |
| tuberculation | a buildup of oxidized iron, calcium carbonate or other chemicals in mains |
| scale | a build up of minerals on a surface; caused when water repeated comes in contact with the surface |
| Tuberculation cleaning methods | high-pressure water; pigs or swabs; chemicals |
| Corrosion | the dissolving of metal |
| Corrosion damages | pipes and water tanks |
| Corrosion effects on water quality | rust color; taste problems |
| Corrosion may cause water to contain | harmful amounts of lead, copper or other metals |
| Factors that make water more corrosive | low Ph; dissolved oxygen; dissolved salts; free chlorine; low hardness; high velocity; high temperature; low alkalinity; sulfate reducing bacteria |
| If the water is red but not corrosive the cause may be | iron bacteria |
| methods of controlling corrosion | pipe with protective linings or coatings in the inside; install anodes in storage tanks; eliminate different metals that cause galvanic corrosion; treat the water with chemicals |
| Galvanic corrosion occurs when | different metals such as copper and steel are connected |
| Galvanic corrosion can be prevented by | separating different types of metal with an dielectric (non-conducting)material |
| dielectric | does not conduct electricity; does not allow electricity to flow |
| When repairing a main, crews should be supplied with | tools; repair materials; maps of the distribution system; pipe location equipment; safety equipment; traffic control devices; first aid supplies |
| Equipment that should be stored at the Service Center | backhoes; pumps; air compressors |
| excavation practices for a leak | excavate below the pipe on both sides; dig one side deeper than the other; keep ditch water out of the line |
| Hot Repair | doing a repair without turning off the water/valves |
| Hot repairs are preferable because | it keeps the leak under pressure |
| Advantages of keeping a leak under pressure | no service interruption; reduced risk of contamination; reduces air in the main; ensures the repair holds under service |
| after completing the repair the clean-up process is important to | public relations |
| When cleaning up after an installation or repair you need to | REPLACE (paving, sidewalks & driveways); RESTORE (lawns, trees, shrubs); NEVER (promise residents what is not utility policy) |
| Cross Connection | A physical connection between a public water system and an unknown or questionable supply, a source that may contain contamination, water treated to a lesser degree. |
| Typical cross connections include | bottom connections to stock tanks; lawn-sprinkling systems; faulty pump installations; piping from a private well connected to a house with city water; pump priming |
| Valves or check valves are not safe between | potable and unknown water supplies |
| the preferred method of preventing a cross connection | air gap |
| the only method approved by the TCEQ for protection against cross connections with sewage | air gap |
| When does TCEQ allow backflow prevention devices | in certain situations; if properly located, maintained, & inspected |
| Organization that covers backflow device standards | AWWA |
| AWWA backflow prevention device standards cover devices such as | atmospheric vacuum breaker; double check valve assemblies; reduced pressure devices |
| Do these things when storms are expected | Alert personnel; check communications; fill gasoline tanks; check emergency equipment; fill storage tanks; isolate elevated storage; restock repair clams; restock calcium hypochlorite; review emergency procedures |
| The most common pump in the Water utility field | centrifugal pump |
| Volute | the casing that encloses the impeller on a centrifugal pump |
| Water is supplied to a centrifugal pump by | atmospheric pressure (suction lift) or Weight of the water (suction head) |
| type of pump used in water wells | Deep-well Turbine centrifugal pump |
| Pumps are lubricated with | water or oil |
| Before starting a water lubricated pump make sure | the water line is on |
| factors that impact centrifugal pump selection | amount of water to be pumped; Force (head) that the pump works against; type of material to be pumped; cost; availability; pump efficiency |
| Normal Pumping rate unit of measure | gallons per minute |
| Pumping rate unit of measure in very large pumps | million gallons per day |
| head | the force the pump works against |
| head units of measure | feet or psi |
| psi | pounds per square inch |
| static head | when there is no water flow or no pumping (the water is not moving through the pump) |
| Dynamic head | when there is water flow or pumping (the water is moving through the pump) |
| Suction Lift | The vertical distance that water is raised from a supply to the pump's centerline |
| Suction Head | The vertical distance that the water supply is above the pump's centerline |
| Discharge Head | The vertical distance between the water supply and the free discharge |
| Friction Head | The force needed to overcome resistance in pipe and fittings |
| Total Dynamic Head (equation) | Total Dynamic Head = Total Static Head - Friction Head |
| To maintain pump efficiency you should | check the pumps efficiency periodically by measuring the pumps performance against the manufacturer's specifications |
| As Head increases Pump capacity and efficiency | decreases |
| Pump efficiency is affected by: | high suction lift; worn impellers; clogged impellers; high discharge head |
| An attractive work environment results in | good employee morale |
| Pump rooms should be kept | clean |
| Pump room walls, floors and equipment should be | painted |
| When a pump is installed Gate Valves must be installed | on the pump's discharge and if there is a positive suction head on the pump suction |
| When a pump is installed A check valve is installed | in the discharge line |
| Purpose of a check valve | to prevent water from flowing backwards |
| When a pump is installed this type of valve is installed at its discharge and sometimes at its suction | Gate Valve |
| When a pump is installed this type of valve is installed at its discharge | Check Valve |
| Common pump problems | misalignment of pump and motor; foreign matter in the impeller; air leaks in the suction; the pump turning backward; water hammer |
| A pump turning backward can cause | unscrewing of the drive shaft coupling; damage to the pump or pump motor if the pump suddently starts |
| Name 3 things that can prevent a pump from turning backward | foot valve; check valve; ratchet |
| Cavitation occurs where in a pump | inside the pump volute or casing |
| Cavitation in a pump is caused by | insufficient pressure on the suction side of the pump |
| Cavitation creates a | vacuum |
| Cavitation causes this to form | water vapor bubbles |
| During pumping bubbles caused by cavitation do this | collapse and cause a mechanical chock |
| A mechanical chock caused by pump cavitation does this | chips metal away from the impeller or casing |
| Water Hammer is caused when | pressure surges (closing a hydrant or valve to fast, turning off a pump to fast) |
| Pump sanitation protects pumps from | contamination |
| Do not lay suction lines in | contaminated areas |
| maintain this on a pump whenever possible to prevent a vacuum from occurring | positive suction head |
| Most water pumps use this type of power | electric (electric motors) |
| The most common type of pump motor | squirrel cage induction |
| This type of pump motor is used when 100HP or more is required | Synchronous motor |
| This prevents a pump motor from overheating | ventilation |
| clean motors prevent | short circuits |
| the life/service of a pump can be increased by careful attention to | voltage; connections; bearings; motor ventilation; short cycling; overload prevention |
| Motor controls should be kept free of this | dust and corrosion |
| This protects operators from shock during pump operations or maintenance | insulating mats |
| Chlorine limit for water that is going on a watershed | .11 or less |
| Working in the water and wastewater field is | dangerous |
| Accidents can be avoided because they are | caused and do not just happen |
| 9 out of 10 accidents are caused by | unsafe acts of the person injured or someone else |
| employees can avoid accidents with the right | attitude & training |
| Water department employees are exposed to these types of safety hazards | chemicals; high voltage; traffic; excavations; deep water; animal bites; confined spaces |
| Federal law that regulates workplace safety | OSHA |
| OSHA stands for | Occupational Safety and Health Act |
| OSHA regulates (makes rules for) | workplace safety |
| OSHA is a (federal, state) law? | federal |
| OSHA applies to these types of businesses | industrial, manufacturing, private businesses |
| Who is not required to follow OSHA regulations? | state entities, municipal entities, public schools, most federal employers |
| Entities that are not required to follow OSHA have this | a moral obligation to proved a safe workplace |
| Entities that are not required to follow OSHA may use | OSHA as guidelines for their safety program |
| The Texas State law that governs employers who are not bound to OSHA | Texas Hazard Communication Act |
| another name for the Texas Hazard Communication Act | the Right to Know Law |
| The Texas Hazard Communication Act defines the rules for | Texas employers who are not bound to OSHA |
| Examples of entities that are ruled by the Texas Hazard Communication Act | State, county, municipal |
| The Texas Hazard Communications Act requires employers to provide information about | Hazardous chemicals that are in the workplace |
| The key requirement of the Texas Hazard Communications Act | Employees must have access to MSDSs |
| MSDS | Material Safety Data Sheet |
| MSDSs contain | hazardous product information |
| MSDSs are supplied by | the manufacturer |
| MSDSs state/describe | product hazards; precautions |
| Who needs to be involved in safety programs | Everyone |
| Safety programs must start with | the top official |
| Safety programs must extend to | all employees |
| If everyone does not participate in a safety program, the program will | fail |
| Elements of a safety program | written policy; supportive administration; trained employees; safety inspections; accident review; record keeping |
| Where to get information about setting up a safety program | Texas Department of Health; Texas Municipal League; Libraries |
| Hazards that are especially dangerous to water utility operators | confined space entry; excavation and trenching; chemical handling; traffic |
| Definition of Confined Space Entry | A space that is large enough and so configured (designed) that an employee may enter and do work; it has limited or restricted means of entry or exit; it is not designed for continuous occupancy |
| Categories of Confined space hazards | Hazardous Atmospheres (bad air); engulfment; chemical; mechanical; electrical; biological; radiological |
| The number 1 cause of death in a confined space is | lack of oxygen |
| Combustible (explosive) gases | methane, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, oxygen |
| Gases that are toxic (poisonous) long before being combustible | hydrogen sulfide; carbon monoxide |
| Toxic gases are monitored with a | toxic sensor |
| When identifying gases do not rely on | sense of smell; sense of sight; cockroaches |
| When identifying gases use a | direct reading instrument |
| When identifying gases check 1st for | Oxygen content |
| When identifying gases check 2nd for | Combustibles |
| When identifying gases check 3rd for | toxins |
| optimum oxygen range | 19.57 to 21.5 |
| Employers are responsible for evaluating confined spaces. They must... | identify confined spaces then determine their hazards |
| After evaluation, confined spaces are designated as | a permit required space or a non-permit required space |
| When entering a permit required space personnel must | wear a harness and be attached to a retrieval line |
| if a potable ladder or stars are not used in an elevated space you must use an | anti-fall line |
| when a vertical entry of 5 feet or more is made the retrieval line must be | attached to a mechanical retrieval device |
| A mechanical retrieval device must be attached to the retrieval line when entering | a vertical entry of 5 feet or more |
| mechanical retrieval devices allow for | non-entry rescue |
| Confined space rescuers must be | trained in confined space rescue; available before an entry occurs; able to respond in an appropriate amount of time |
| Confined space rescuers do no have to be | on-site |
| For years, TX has more deaths due to this than any other state | cave-ins |
| OSHA requires cave-in protection for excavation of this depth | 5 feet or more |
| Cave-in protection can be | shoring; shielding; sloping |
| When cave-ins occur they start from the | bottom of the hole |
| Shoring | uses timbers or hydraulic wedges and sheeting to prevent cave-ins |
| When shields or trench boxes are use workers must stay | within the shield or box |
| Shields and trench boxes do not | prevent a cave-in |
| Benching | A type of sloping done by cutting stair steps in the trench wall while maintaining the Maximum allowable slope |
| Sloping | Cuts trench walls to the angle that overcomes collapsing pressure |
| Another word for Maximum allowable slope | angle of repose |
| The maximum allowable slope is determined by | soil type |
| OSHA's maximum allowable slope for Type C soil | 34 degrees or 1 1/2 : 1 horizontal run to vertical rise |
| OSHA's maximum allowable slope for Type B soil | 45 degrees or 1:1 horizontal run to vertical rise |
| OSHA's maximum allowable slope for Type A soil | 34 degrees or 3/4:1 horizontal run to vertical rise |
| OSHA's maximum allowable slope for Stable Rock | 90 degrees or 0 horizontal run to vertical rise |
| Trench exits are required for a depth of | 4 feet or more |
| Trench exits can be | ramps or ladders |
| ladders used as a trench exit must | extend at least 3 feet above the top of the excavation; be secured; be within 25 feet laterally (side to side) of anyone in the excavation |
| Components of the Texas Hazard Communication Act | Written Program; Posted "Notice to Employees"; Personal Protection Equipment; Hazardous material training; MSDSs; Employee rights protection; State notification of chemical injuries |
| The official name of the Right to Know law | Texas Hazard Communication Act |
| Most work area accidents on streets and highways are caused by | improper warning signs or barricades |
| Traffic control must not do this to motorists | confuse them |
| Workers should be trained in traffic control from the | Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices |
| The Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices is from the | Texas Department of Transportation in Austin |
| 1 gallon = ? lbs (pounds) | 8.34 pounds |
| 1 cubic foot = ? gallons | 7.48 gallons |
| 1 psi = ? feet of water column | 2.31 feet |
| 1 foot of water column = ? psi | .433 psi |
| 1 mile = ? feet | 5280 |
| 1 day (24 hours) = ? minutes | 1440 |
| mgd | million gallons per day |
| gpd | gallons per day |
| gpm | gallons per minute |
| How much does a gallon of water weigh? | 8.34 pounds |
| How many feet are in a cubic foot? | 27 |
| How many gallons are in a cubic foot? | 7.48 |
| How many feet are in a mile? | 5280 |
| How many feet of water column produce 1 psi? | 2.31 |
| How many minutes are in a day? | 1440 |
| What is the psi for 1 foot of water column? | .433 |
| What is the formula for the area of a rectangle? | length * width |
| Define "Circumference" | distance around a circle |
| Define "Diameter" | the distance through the center of a circle |
| Define "Radius" | have the diameter of a circle |
| Area is usually expressed in | inches, feet, yards, or miles |
| formula for the area of a circle | "pi"R"squared" or 3.14*radius*radius |
| formula for the volume of a rectangular box or cube | = length * width * depth |
| the result of a volume calculation is expressed in | cubic units |
| Formula for the volume of a cylinder | the area of the circle * the depth/height/length of the cylinder |
| The volume of an object in gallons | = volume in cubic feet * 7.48 |
| The quick way to convert from gpd to mgd | move the decimal to the left 6 spaces |
| the quick way to convert from mgd to gpd | move the decimal to the right 6 spaces |
| how do you convert from gpm to mgd | convert gpm to gpd then convert gpd to mgd |
| how do you convert from mgd to gpm | convert mgd to gpd then convert gpd to gpm1440; |
| how do you convert from gpm to gpd | divide the gpm by 1440; gpm/1440 |
| How do you convert form gpd to gpm | multiply the gpd by 1440/gpd*1440 |
| volume is expressed AS | cubic units |
| area is expressed AS | squared units |
| A "community" water system is described as? | A public water system that has a potential to serve at least 15 service connections on a year round basis or serves at least 25 individuals on a year round basis. |
| A non-transient non-community water system (NTNCWS) is? | A public system that regularly serves at least 25 of the same persons more than 6 months of the year. |
| NTNCWS | Non-transient Non-community Water System |
| The hydrologic cycle is? | The movement of water between the earth and atmosphere |
| A pH of 6.5 is | slightly acidic |
| A pH of 7.8 is | slightly Basic |
| What protects a will from collapses and surface contamination? | Casing and Cementing |
| water softening removes | calcium and magnesium |
| We soften water by | adding lime or by exchanging ions (an atom or group of atoms) |
| Water treatment processes may include: | aeration, screening, chemical oxidation, coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration and disinfection |
| How are suspended particles removed from the water during treatment? | Chemicals are mixed with the water in a rapid mix zone. The chemicals cause particles in the water to clot together or coagulate to form floc. |
| This disinfectant is weaker than free chlorine, but less reactive and longer lasting | Chloramine |
| chlorine leaks should be repaired in this amount of time | as soon as possible |
| the chlorine institute's recommendation when using ammonia to locate chlorine leaks | do no use household ammonia |
| Valves or check valves (are or are not) safe between a potable and unknown water supply | are not |
| The preferred method of preventing cross connections is | an air gap |
| The only method approved by the TCEQ for protection against a sewage cross connection is the: | Air Gap |
| To obtain a license, an individual must the requirements of the TCEQ... | Administration of Occupational Licenses and Registrations. |
| A Class D Water Operator License is valid for how long? | 2 years |
| A Class C Water Operator License is valid for how long? | 3 years |
| The most important responsibility of Water Utility personnel is to | Provide water that is safe for all purposes |
| A Class D water operator license/certificate is only valid for this type of system. | Ground water systems with less than 250 connections |
| This type of meter is normally used for low flows | Positive Displacement Meter |
| Pumping rates are usually expressed as: | GPM (gallons per minute) |
| Potable water is free of | disease causing organisms |
| When an MCL is exceeded what is required by the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act? | public notification |
| When an MCL is exceeded public notification is required by | the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act |
| public notification is required by the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act when | an MCL is exceeded |
| Flocculation helps to | remove impurities in the water |
| The Safe Drinking Water Act does this | Sets MCLs for drinking water |
| Groundwater occurs below the earth's surface in water-bearing formations called: | aquifers |
| Sewers must be kept at least this far from a well | 50 feet |
| Watershed | The area of runoff of a surface water source |
| A water system is required to have ground storage if | they have 50 or more connections |
| pressure tank storage | hydropneumatic tanks; cylindrical and horizontal to the ground; Air mechanically compressed against the water surface provides pressure |
| A water system without ground storage must have a pressure tank capacity of | 50 gallons per connection |
| A water system with ground storage is allowed to have | a pressure tank capacity of 20 gallons per connection, or elevated storage. |
| The exterior and interior of ground, elevated, standpipe and pressure tanks must be inspected how often? | yearly |
| The exterior and interior of ground, elevated, standpipe and pressure tanks must be inspected by who? | water system personnel or a contracted service |
| storage tank inspections must be | documented |
| storage tank inspection documentation must be kept for how long? | at least 5 years |
| The exterior and interior coating of storage tanks must be inspected for | corrosion protection |
| The interior of storage tanks must meet these specifications | AWWA |
| Adequate water pressure in the system prevents this | contaminated water from being drawn into the system. |
| Lead limits for pipe and fittings | not more than 8% lead |
| Lead limits for solders and flux | not more than 0.2% lead |
| Water mains must be no closer than this, in all directions, from sewers and manholes. | 9 feet |
| Distances from water mains are measured from | the outside surface of the pipe |
| Parallel water and sewer lines must be laid | in separate ditches |
| An important part of public relations is to | provide courteous treatment to customers |
| The process of nature recycling water is called | the hydrological cycle |
| The Parts of the hydrologic cycle | Transpiration; precipitation; evaporation; infiltration (percolation); condensation |
| The presence of these in a system should cause concern | indicator organisms |
| Boat Ramps, Marinas, Docks, Fishing Piers must be this distance away from a water plant intake | 1000 feet |
| All activities within this distance of a Plant intake are limited | 200 ft. |
| Plant intakes must have | Screens & Grates to minimize the amount of debris entering the plant |
| fluoridation | The process of adding fluoride to water to help prevent cavities |
| Sodium aluminate - purpose | coagulant |
| Aluminum sulfate (alum)- purpose | coagulant |
| Ferrous sulfate - purpose | coagulant |
| Ferric Chloride - purpose | coagulant |
| Calcium hydroxide (lime) - purpose | pH adjustment, softening, aid to coagulation |
| Sodium carbonate (soda ash) - purpose | softening, removal of heavy metals, aid to coagulation, pH and alkalinity adjustment |
| Polyphosphates (calgon)- purpose | Stabilization, prevents red water |
| Copper sulfate (blue stone)- purpose | algae control |
| Polyelectrolytes - purpose | Aid to coagulation |
| Activated carbon - purpose | removal of tastes, odor, organics |
| Fluorosilic acid, Sodium silicofluoride, sodium fluoride - purpose | Fluoride addition, prevents tooth decay |
| Public water systems are either | "Community" or "Non-community" water systems |
| A water line ditch should be this wide | 12 inches wider than the pipe |
| When we take a bacteriological sample we are primarily sampling for | coliform |
| Name 3 parts of a cylinder apparatus | inlet valve; rotameter; ejector |
| square feet is used to describe this type of geometric calculation | area |
| feet square is used to describe this geometric function | perimeter |
| this type is meter is usually used in low flow situations | positive displacement meter |
| pumping rates are usually expressed as | gpm |
| Always put on a self-contained breathing apparatus before | entering a room with a known chlorine leak |
| Class 100 pipe | pipe that is pressure rated up to 100 psi |
| What is done if a sample has coliform in it? | 3 repeat samples are taken |
| general formula for Detention Time | = capacity in gallons / flow rate |
| Detention Time in Days = | capacity in gallons / flow rate gpd |
| Detention time in Hours = | capacity in gallons / flow rate gph |
| Detention time in Minutes = | capacity in gallons / flow rate in gpm |
| lbs hypochlorite = | lbs pure CL2(chlorine) / decimal percentage hypochlorite |
| lbs/day = | mgd * 8.34 * mg/L |
| mg/L = | lbs/day / (mgd*8.34) |
| Dosage = | Demand + Residual |
| Demand = | Dosage - Residual |
| Residual = | Dosage - Demand |
| Pumping level = | Static level + Drawdown |
| Static Level = | Pumping Level - Drawdown Level |
| How do you convert from gpd to gph | gpd / 24 |
| How do you convert from gph to gpd | gph * 24 |
| How do you convert from gpm to gph | gpm * 60 |
| How do you convert from gph to gpm | gph / 60 |
| gph | gallons per hour |
| how do you convert from inches to feet | inches/12 |
| how do you convert from feet to inches | feet * 12 |
| How do you convert from square inches to square feet | in(2) = in(2)/12(2) |
| How do you convert from square feet to square inches | ft(2) = ft(2)* 12(2) |
| How do you convert from feet to yards | feet/3 |
| How do you convert from yards to feet | feet*3 |
| How do you convert from feet to miles | feet/5280 |
| How do to convert from miles to feet | miles*5280 |
| How do you calculate 5 to the 3rd power on a calculator | 5*5*5 |
| You know: cubic feet; you want to know: how many gallons are in it; What equation do you use? | Number of gallons = cubic feet * 7.48 |
| You know: the number of gallons; You want to know: the weight of the water; What equation do you use? | Weight(lbs) = gallons * 8.34 |
| How do you convert cubic feet to cubic yards? | yd(3) = ft(3)/27 |
| How do you convert cubic yards to cubic feet? | ft(3) = yd(3) * 27 |
| You know: feet above ground(height); You want to know: psi; What is the calculation? | psi = height * .433 |
| You know: psi; You want to know: height; What is the calculation? | height(ft) = pressure(psi) * 2.31 |
| How do you convert from gpm to gpd | gpm * 1440 |
| How do you convert from gpd to gpm | dgp/1440 |
| The abbreviation for pound | lbs |
| How do you convert % to decimal | %/100; or shift the decimal point 2 places to the left |
| How do you convert decimal to % | % * 100; or shift the decimal point 2 places to the right |
| How do you calculate a percentage of some known amount (How Much)?; for example 10% of 200mg/l | How much = known amount * (%/100) |
| How do you calculate the amount left after a percentage of the original amount is removed (Amount left)? For example: "10% of 30lbs is used, how much is left?" | Amount left = starting amount - (starting amount * (%/100); or Amount left = starting amount - How Much |
| Under the Surface Water Treatment Rules what NTU must be | <= 0.3 NTU in at least 95% of measurements taken each month; No sample can exceed 1 NTU; |
| Under the Surface Water Treatment Rules systems serving less than 500 persons my reduce turbidity sampling to? | once per day |
| Under the Surface Water Treatment Rules what percent of Giardia cysts must be inactivated or removed? | at least 99.9% |
| Under the Surface Water Treatment Rules what percent of viruses must be inactivated or removed? | at least 99.99% |
| Primary parts of a fire hydrant | shoe, main valve, traffic coupling, barrel, bonnet or cap, operating nut, pumper nozzle; weep holes |
| Volume of a cylinder (tower, anything long and with a circular end) | volume = Area of the circle (end) * Length(height,depth...); volume = (pi*r(2))* heighth |
| volume of a square or rectangle | volume = length * width * height; |
| area of a circle | area = pi*r(2) |
| Area of a rectangle | area = Length * width * height |
| In small water systems the operator is often (3 job titles, and 2 characteristics) | a meter reader, the repair crew, the pump operator, the highest paid employee, a college graduate. |
| What is the acceptable Oxygen Range for confined spaces? | 19 to 22 |
| When planning a collection system you must consider what the population will be _____ years into the future. | 20 to 25 |
| When planning a collection system you must consider capacity needed ________ years into the future. | 50 |
| Purpose of a sewer use ordinance | to protect the system from injurious industrial wastes. |
| wastewater is moved through the collection system by using.... | gravity and lift stations |
| minimum flow velocity required to keep transported solids in suspension | 2 feet per second (FPS) |
| Flow velocity is effected by | grade, gpm, pip material (c-factor), Pipe diameter |
| Define c-factor | a pipe's coefficient of roughness or rating for interior wall smoothness; (how smooth the interior of the pipe is) |
| The smallest diameter pipe allowed for a city main | 6 inches |
| Primary components of a collection system | sewer pipe, cleanouts, grease traps, sand traps, vent pipes, siphons, manholes, lift stations |
| who is responsible for installing a house service line? | the property owner |
| define service line | starts at the property and extends to the property line where it joins a lateral |
| define later line | belongs to the city and is tapped into a submain or main |
| define outfall sewer | the line that carries the sewage to treatment |
| where are cleanouts installed | where there may be a stoppage such as between the house line and the city lateral |
| how is a cleanout designed to be used | by inserting a cleaning tool |
| a cleanout is not designed for | personnel entry |
| Total Suspended Solids (TSS) can be removed by | filtration |
| Where should grease traps should be installed and inspected | kitchens, garages and restaurants... |
| Where should sand traps be installed and inspects | car washes and other places where sand is likely to enter the sewer |
| purpose of vent pipes | to improve gravity flow and dissipate gases in sewer lines. |
| purpose of inverted siphons | used where the sewer must cross under an obstruction (below the hydraulic gradient); stream, highway, railroad tracks... |
| the minimum size and grade of a gravity flow sewer line on city right-of-way | 6 inches and 0.50 percent |
| When planning construction to the following: | guard excavations with barricades and warning signs; notify public of any traffic disruptions; |
Created by:
tbuckerfield