Drinking Water Operator Exam Study Guide

These flashcards encompass key concepts and regulations related to drinking water treatment and management, as outlined in the study guide.

What is the mission of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)?

To protect human health and the environment.

What act established national drinking water standards in the U.S.?

Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).

What does Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) refer to?

The highest concentration of a contaminant that does not pose a known health risk.

What does GWUDI stand for?

Groundwater Under the Direct Influence of Surface Water.

What testing does the Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR) require?

Testing for total coliforms and E. coli in water samples.

What is a primary responsibility of a drinking water operator?

To produce safe and pleasant drinking water.

What are two types of water systems mentioned in the notes?

Community water systems and transient non-community water systems.

What are disinfection byproducts (DBPs)?

Chemical compounds formed when organic material in water reacts with chlorine.

How should lead and copper samples be collected according to the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR)?

Samples should be taken from the first-draw or first-flush after water has been unused for six hours.

What is the purpose of filtration in water treatment?

To remove solid particles from water through various methods.

What is the definition of turbidity?

A measure of the cloudiness or haziness of a fluid caused by large numbers of individual particles.

What is the role of chemical coagulants in water treatment?

To neutralize the charge of suspended particles in water, causing them to clump together and settle.

What does osmosis refer to in the context of water treatment?

The process of solvent passing through a semipermeable membrane from a less concentrated solution to a more concentrated one.

What are the indicators used to measure water quality?

pH, turbidity, temperature, and disinfectant residual.

Why must chlorine residuals be monitored in a water supply system?

To ensure the effectiveness of disinfection and prevent contamination.

What is a significant health risk associated with high nitrate levels in drinking water?

Methemoglobinemia, also known as 'blue baby syndrome'.

What is the purpose of backflow prevention in water systems?

To prevent contaminated water from flowing backward into the potable water supply.

What method is used for determining hardness in water?

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) measurement.

What types of materials are common in corrosion control measures?

pH adjustments and chemical corrosion inhibitors.

What is utilized in disinfection to kill bacteria and viruses in water?

Chemical oxidants, frequently chlorine.

What are the primary sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in water?

Manufacturing processes and can occur naturally.