Small Water System Operations

Small Water Systems Introduction

• Describe a small system operator's duties and responsibilities.
• List and briefly describe the five main steps (barriers used to treat water).

Hydrology

• Describe the hydrological cycle.
• Relate the key terms and fundamental aspects of the movement of groundwater.
• Identify the various surface waters and of the influences affecting the quantity and quality of water.
• Outline the main components of most wells.
• Outline the common types of used for wells groundwater sources.
• Discuss proper well maintenance.

Water Storage

• Discuss the importance of water storage.
• Identify the different types of storage structures
• Outline the different types of corrosion control.
• Describe the importance of hydraulics in water storage operations.
• Identify the different modes of reservoir operation.
• Identify the different maintenance and cleaning programs available.

Water Quality Characteristics and Sampling

• Identify the components of physical analysis.
• Identify the components of chemical analysis.
• Identify the components of biological analysis.
• Describe the correct technique use for microbiological sampling.

Mathematics

• Recognize the basic calculator features and functions.
• Solve for an unknown using multiplication, division, addition and subtraction.
• Solve problems using given formulas.
• Calculate perimeters, areas, and volumes.
• Calculate averages and percents.
• Convert units using algebraic and box methods.
• Perform ratio and proportion calculations.
• Perform basic dosage calculations.

Hydraulics

• Describe the term electricity.
• Outline the basic components on an electrical circuit.
• Define the electrical terms voltage, current, resistance and power.
• Identify the units used for voltage, current, resistance and power.
• Describe basic electrical service.
• Describe general lighting and appliance circuits.
• Describe the fundamentals of electric motor and associated control circuits.
• Identify the basic concepts of instrumentation circuits.

Water Treatment

• Explain the importance of intake screening.
• Explain the importance of coagulation in water treatment.
• Explain the importance of flocculation in water treatment.
• Explain the importance of sedimentation in water treatment.
• Describe the various slow sand filtration techniques.
• Describe the operation of conventional sand filtration.
• Outline the different forms and functions of membrane filtration.
• Describe the various methods of disinfection available.
• Describe and explain the mechanics of chlorination.
• Outline the ozone disinfection technique.
• Outline the UV disinfection technique.

Distribution Systems

• Describe the different types of valves and their functions.
• Describe the different types of pipes and their functions.
• Describe and explain the different styles of pumps that are used in a small water system.
• Describe cross-connection and identify typical devices used for cross-connection control.
• Identify the basic operation and maintenance considerations for distribution systems.

Environmental Legislation

• Describe the legal responsibility of a small water system plant.
• Explain the terms negligence and due diligence.
• Outline the history of water safety regulations.
• Outline the Water Act and Ground Water Protection Regulations.
• Discuss the need for and the methods used in reporting and notifying the public.

Occupational Health and Safety

• Explain why an OHS program is needed.
• Describe the elements that make up an OHS program.
• Describe the hazards and control measures for construction site safety.
• Describe the hazards and control measures for plant site safety.
• Describe good occupational hygiene.
• Describe the hazards and control measures for laboratory safety.
• Outline the key elements of WHMIS.
• Recognize the classification involved in TDG.
• Describe the control measures for hazardous gases.
• Outline the general safety rules for handling and storing chemicals.
• Outline the components of PPE.