Water Treatment Plant Operations – Course 1

COURSE INTRODUCTION:

In this course, you will be introduced to the practical aspects of operating and maintaining water treatment plants with an emphasis on safe practices.   The material presented includes an introduction to water treatment plants, the role of the operator, source water, reservoir management, and intake structures. Learn how to safely operate and maintain coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection processes.

Also discussed are methods to control tastes and odors in drinking water, control corrosion to meet Lead and Copper Rule requirements, perform basic water laboratory procedures, and complete math calculations commonly used in plant operation. This course covers: daily operating procedures, regulation of flows, chemical use and handling, records and reports, plant maintenance, safety, emergency conditions and procedures, handling complaints, and energy conservation. The goal is to provide operators with an understanding of basic water treatment plant operational concepts and practices, and with the ability to recognize, analyze, and solve problems when they occur.

You will watch videos, read articles, and review presentations on various digital citizenry topics.

Also, you will take notes on the materials, complete assignments, answer research questions, participate in a group discussion forum, complete assessments, create videos, and complete projects on the material for younger audiences.

COURSE SCENARIO:

Think of yourself in the following scenario as you complete this course.

You are a recent graduate looking to start your career. Your best friend currently works with the local wastewater management department and has informed you they are looking for new apprentices.   

COURSE INFORMATION:

• SKILLS PRACTICED: 
  • Understanding of Water Chemistry and Microbiology:
    • Comprehension of the fundamental principles of water chemistry.
    • Knowledge of microbiological contaminants and their impact on water quality.
  • Water Quality Testing and Analysis:
    • Proficiency in sampling techniques and water quality testing.
    • Ability to interpret test results and ensure compliance with water quality standards.
  • Familiarity with Water Treatment Processes:
    • Understanding various water treatment methods like coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection.
    • Skills in operating and optimizing these treatment processes for effective water purification.
  • Operation of Treatment Plant Equipment:
    • Knowledge of the operation of key water treatment equipment.
    • Skills in routine and preventive maintenance of plant machinery.
  • Troubleshooting and Problem-Solving:
    • Ability to diagnose and resolve common operational issues in water treatment plants.
    • Competence in troubleshooting equipment and process failures.
  • Safety and Health Protocols:
    • Awareness of health and safety standards applicable in water treatment settings.
    • Skills in hazard identification, control, and emergency response procedures.
  • Environmental Compliance and Regulation:
    • Understanding of environmental laws and regulations relevant to water treatment.
    • Ability to ensure compliance with these regulations and adopt best environmental practices.
  • Risk Management and Emergency Preparedness:
    • Skills in assessing and managing risks in water treatment plant operations.
    • Preparedness for emergency situations and ability to execute response plans effectively.
  • Analytical and Critical Thinking:
    • Enhanced analytical skills through case study analysis and problem-solving activities.
    • Development of critical thinking in the context of real-world water treatment challenges.
  • Communication and Teamwork:
    • Effective communication skills, essential for coordinating with team members and reporting.
    • Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• SUBJECTS COVERED: Effective water treatment plant management and operation
  
• POTENTIAL SUCCESS HABITS DEVELOPED: Time Management and Organization, Striving for Accuracy, Gathering Data Through All Senses/Capacity to Research, Active Memorization and Recall, Questioning and Posing Problems, Thinking and Communicating with Clarity and Precision, Providing and Seeking Mentorship, Applying Past Knowledge to New Situations
• COURSE DURATION: 
  • Total Duration: 8 Weeks
  • Lecture Hours: 32 hours (4 hours per week)
  • Practical Sessions: 16 hours (2 hours per week)
• COURSE REQUIREMENTS: You will need to have access to Google Drive to access the project and assignments
• COURSE PARTICIPATION: Learners can participate in this course individually or as a group.

COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Understand the principles of water treatment processes.
• Familiarize yourself with water quality standards and testing procedures.
• Learn equipment operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Gain knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Develop skills for emergency response and risk management in water treatment settings.

COURSE QUESTIONS:

Have questions about the course, a unit, an activity or assignment? Click here to discuss it.

 COURSE – INSTRUCTIONS:

You have multiple steps and resources to review and complete in this course. We recommend that you complete one step at a time. Do not rush your learning or to complete the assignment.

Some of the information in the learning materials are new, and some of it is repetitious. The learning materials have been chosen to provide you different viewpoints on the same topics. We believe repetition brings mastery, but feel free to skip if need be.

CLICK THE SECTIONS BELOW TO BEGIN THIS COURSE: