surface water

Ion

An electrically charged atom, molecule, or radical

Anion

A negatively charged ion

Cation

A positively charged ion

Watershed

An area that contributed to the drainage/catchment area above a specific point on a river, lake, stream, ocean, etc.

Describe the movement of water through the hydrological cycle

Precipitation—-runoff—-transpiration/evaporation—-condensation

Lake Turnover and it's effect on surface water quality

Turn over specifically happens at 39.2 F, usually occurs during spring and fall. Brings poor quality water to the surface and increases turbidity and gasses. Can lead to an increase in disinfectant byproducts

Surface water quality

The condition of water regarding the coliform count, algae, turbidity, color, temp, pH, pathogens, chem contaminants, etc. desirable surface water is low in organic material, clear, no bacteria, and no odor/taste

Harmful waterborne microbiological organisms and what disease they cause

Bacteria: antrax, dysentary, cholera, gastroenteritis, typhoid, salmonellosis

Parasites: amoebic dysentary, cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis

Viruses: typhoid, polio, heart anomalies, hepatitis, gut issues

Primary drinking water standards

These standards establish the maximum contaminant levels based on health significance

Secondary drinking water standards

Standards that serve as guidelines for states regarding aesthetic considerations

Why are disinfection byproducts trihalomethanes and haloacetic acid a problem

They both cause cancer and reproductive harm

How are trihalomethanes and haloacetic acides formed

They are formed when chlorine or other disinfection agents react with organic and inorganic matter

How can submerged lights placed at the outlet of a mixing basin aid the operator?

Lights can help the operator observe flocculation better

Which controllers/gauges should be on a typical filter console?

Flow recorder, loss of head gauge, backwash MGD flow gauge, washwater pump control, valve controls (backwash, influent, effluent, filter drain, waste)

Describe positive displacement pumps

Pumps that deliver a constant volume of liquid with each stroke, works best at 30-70% capacity

Gate valve

Most common linear stroke valve has the least restriction of flow when fully open, used to isolate mains

Butterfly valve

A moveable disc as large as the diameter of the pipe, disc rotates on a spindle and is best for isolation and automatic control functions.

Check valve

A one way valve that prevents backflow

Ball valve

Uses a hollow perforated and pivoting ball through which the fluid passes

Plug valve

A valve with a tapered or cylindrical plug with an opening on the side that can be turned to adjust flow often use as a corporation stop.

Pressure regulating valve

A valve that controls and /or limits the pressure of a liquid or gas to a specific value

List the most common types of centrifugal pumps

Single stage, dual stage, vertical/horizontal, multiple stage turbine

These pumps are used to keep the distribution system pressurized.

Describe the function of an impeller in a centrifugal pump

The rotating part of the pump designed to move fluids by rotation.

Describe the function of a shaft in a centrifugal pump

The rod that transmits torque from the motor to the impeller

Describe the function of a shaft sleeve in a centrifugal pump

A hollow metal tube that protects that shaft from packing wear

Describe the function of bearings in a centrifugal pump

They constrain relative movement of the shaft and reduce wear and friction on the shaft and stator

Describe the function of a lantern ring in a centrifugal pump

A perforated hollow ring located near the center of the stuffing box protecting it from heat and contaminants

Mechanical seal

Seals the gap between the shaft and pump housing while still allowing the shaft to turn

Describe the function of pump casing in a centrifugal pump

Main housing of the pump designed to construct fluid from the inlet and direct it to the impeller.

Describe the function of packing in a centrifugal pump

A rope like material usually graphite or PTFE packed around the shaft to reduce leakage. If pump is leaking too much at the shaft, replace packing with the same number of strands and righted seal to reduce leakage

Describe the function of the packing gland in a centrifugal pump

Holds packing in a stuffing box

Describe the function of a volute in a centrifugal pump

Curved funnel like part of the pump casing that increases in area as it approaches the discharge port. It converts kinetic energy to pressure by reducing the speed of the liquid to increase pressure.

Describe gravimetric chemical feeders

A chemical feeder that delivers a predetermined weight of a chemical in the specific timeframe, generally used in large plants

Describe a volumetric chemical feeder

A type of chemical feeder that delivers a specific volume of a chemical during a given time interval, simpler and less expensive that gravimetrics

Two types of filtration in use at water treatment plants

Gravity filter and pressure filter

Describe the function and components of a gravity filter

Water percolates through the media via gravity (contains slow or rapid sand)

Describe the function of a pressure filter in a water treatment plants

Similar to gravity but the filtration process happened in a pressure tank (sand and multimedia)

Media layers from top to bottom

Single media: sand and gravel

Dual media: anthracite coal, sand, and gravel

Mixed or multi media: anthracite coal, sand, garnet, gravel

Why is flouridation practiced and what compounds are used in surface water treatment

This process is done to help prevent tooth decay, flourdie is 4.0 mg/L

Sodium fluoride-powder

Fluorosilicic acid- liquid

Sodium silicoflouride- powder

Function of carbon

Taste and odor

Function of chlorine

Disinfection

Function of potassium permangante

Taste and odor, helps remove iron, manganese and hydrogen sulfide

Function of alum

Coagulant

Function of ferric chloride

Coagulant

Function of polymers

Coagulant

Function of Hydrofluorosilicic acid

Dental health

Function of activated silica

Coagulant

Function of lime

Corrosion control

Function of phosphates

Corrosion control

Function of caustic soda

Corrosion control

Function of ozone

Disinfection

Describe metal commonly used as an expendable auxiliary anode for corrosion control in steel tanks

Usually magnesium but sometimes size, used as an anode in steel tanks because it will corode before the tank will

Define pretreatment and the order of the process

The physical, chemical, and mechanical processes done before main treatment.

Coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, prechlorination, aeration, chlorination, and sedeminatation.

What changes need to be made to control the effects of lake turnover on surface quality

You can increase chlorine or another disinfectant, add more coagulants,!!!, add carbon

Explain post chlorination and how it is done

An addition of chlorine into the effluent water after treatment but before entering the distribution system, helps maintain a chlorine residual in the distribution system

Define chlorine demand

The difference between the amount of chlorine added to the water and the amount of residual remaining after it has reacted with compounds within the water.

Define free chlorine

The portion of total available chlorine residual remaining in the water after chlorination, does not include chlorine that has combined with ammonia and nitrogen

Define combined chlorine

The sum of chlorine composed of free chlorine and ammonia or nitrogen

Define total chlorine residual

The total amount of chlorine residual including both free and chemically bound chlorine, can't be more than 2.0 mg/L for more than 4 hours

What forms when ammonia is added to chlorinated water?

Chloranines which are weaker and longer lasting disinfectants

List common chemical coagulants used in surface water treatments

Alum, ferric chloride, ferric sulfate, ferrous sulfate, and polymers

What is the use of a coagulant aid

They add density to slow settling floc and adds toughness so the floc doesn't break up as easily. This improves and acceleratesthe process

Types of coagulants

Bentonite clay, calcium carbonate, sodium silicate, anionic/nonionic polymers, limestone, and cationic polymers

Describe enhanced coagulation and how it reduces disinfection byproduct (dbp) precursor levels

The goal is to remove more natural oganic matter from the water by adjusting the coagulant dosage and pH to produce the greatest possible reduction or dissolved or suspended carbon, THMs, and DBPs

Instead of overdosing a coagulant for pH depression adding acid or alkali will achieve a lower pH which also decreases treatment residues and residuals which in turn minimizes reactions with disinfection agents.

Identify factors determining when filter media should be replaced

Time/age, media thickness, descreased performance, need for more frequent backwashing, decling containment removal rates, shrinking or expanding

Identify the factors which indicate the need and duration for backwashing

Clogging, reaching max head loss, breakthroughs, blow outs, high turbidity times between backwashs

Describe the steps in backwashing in a filter

1. Close influent valve

2. Open drain valve

3. Close effluent valve

4. Start surface wash

5. Start backwash

6. Observe process until water clears

7. Turn off backwash

8. Close drain valve

Purpose of backwashing a filter

The reverse the flow of water to remove trapped debris from the filter and restore pressure to the system

Describe the maintenance of a centrifugal pump with regard to priming

Pumps must be primed before starting in order to prevent damage using clean water

Describe the maintenance of a centrifugal pump with regard to packing

Inspect annually as needed, when packing wears or is compressed so much the packing gland can it be tightened further, install a new set of rings

Clean the stuffing box, check shaft sleeve, replace packing rings, while running tighten gland bolts

Describe the maintenance of a centrifugal pump with regard to bearings

Regular inspection and lubrication, listen for noise, check temp, change oil after one month in new pumps then every 6-12 months

Describe the maintenance of a centrifugal pump with regard to alignment

Misalignment may cause excessive vibration check the alignment after initial installation

Describe problems associated with pump packing

1. Excessive leakage: tighten packing gland

2. Compressed/worn: replace packing

3. Overtightened: packing will prematurely wear and score shaft sleeves

Explain the importance of a surface wash in the filter cleaning process

This wash helps prevent mudballs, cracks, and particle growth. It cleans media properly allowing for it to last longer and be more efficient

Describe the wisconsin administrative code NR810.13 requirements for exercising emergency power generators

Emergency power generators and engines should be exercised once per month and quarterly under full load. Keep records of these operations. Rented leased or borrow generators shall have a contract with the own and perform full load exercising at least annually. Keep all records

Describe the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for fluoride

4 mg/L

Describe the MCL for nitrate

10 mg/L

Describe the MCL for sodium

20 mg/L

Describe how to treat corrosivity

PH adjustment with chemicals/corrosion inhibitor pH should be 6-8

Describe the MCL for TTHMs

0.08 mg/L

Describe the MCL for turbidity

0.5 NTU

List circumstances where public notification is required

1. A reporting violation

2. An E coli MCL violation

3. A monitoring violation

4. A treatment technique violation

List the circumstances where public notification is required

1. A reporting violation

2. An E coli MCL violation

3. A monitoring violation

4. A treatment technique violation

Define Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) and list the MRDL for chlorine and chloranines

The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. For chloramine and chlorine the MRDL is 4 mg/ L

The acceptable range for fluoride concentration in water

0.6-0.8 mg/L

Discuss monthly fluoride split samples and what to do with them

A single grab sample that is separated into at least two parts. One is sent to the state lab and one is tested at the plant. The results are compared to each other for accuracy.

How often should flourdie in a water distribution system be testing?

Fluoride should be tested daily at the plant

Describe negative head and how it affects water filtration

When pressure is reduced to less than atmospheric, below the surface of sand, air comes out of the solution and air bubbles accumulate below the sand and increase the resistance to flow through sand

Air binding

The results of filter pressure becoming negative causing the air dissolved in water to come out of the solution

Describe how media size affects head loss and filter run

Large media can improve headloss issues, smaller media can clog fast has more resistance to flow, dual media (larger media on top of smaller media that prolongs filter runs)

Describe proper safety used in confined spaces

Use a gas meter before entering

Describe chemical feed safety equipment needed for chlorine gas

Requires forced exhaust ventilation, chlorine gas mask, emergency repair kit for stopping leaks

Discuss the type of chemical feed room safety equipment needed for alum/fluoride

Requires a dust collector system, respirators, gloves, coveralls, goggles, shower.

discuss the type of chemical feed room safety equipment needed for carbon

fireproof location, CO2 fire extinguishers, water sprayers, goggles, mask, and a dust collection system

discuss the type of chemical room safety needed for lime

dry feeding, long sleeve shirt, filter mask, boots, gloves, protective cream, dust=bad

Describe a method of detecting chlorine gas leaks

dip a paint brush or rag in amonia and hold it close to suspected leak. White fumes form if a leak is present

Define circulation zone

the warmer top layer of the body of water which mixes up from wind and waves

Define stagnation zone

The cold hypolimnion layer of water has no movement. When thermal stratification occurs, this layer becomes isolated from atmospheric conditions and remains still.

List the factors that control runoff rates

major storms, intensity of precipitation, snow melt, land use, vegetation, soil type, basin shape, elevation, topography

Raw water

water in its natural state before any treatment