Drinking Water Operator Certification
Exam References
The Water Supply System Operator Examinations are comprised of five levels, Class A-E, with A being the highest level. The exams are closed book, time allowed is three (3) hours, each exam has 100 multiple-choice questions, and math formula sheets will be provided. The training materials on this page, along with your operating experience and common sense, should help you pass the certification exam.
| Math Formula Conversion Tables: | Need to Know Information: | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Class A and B (PDF: 103KB/4 pages) |
Class A | Class D | |
| Class C and D (PDF: 133KB/2 pages) |
Class B | Class E | |
| Class C | |||
Recommended Reference Sources:
Class E
Minnesota Class E Study Guide. Contact Noel Hansen at 651-201-4690 or the Minnesota Rural Water Association (MRWA)
Class D
The following references:
- Minnesota Class D Study Guide - The Minnesota Department of Health study guide provides information about chemical addition, math and much more. Contact MDH (Noel Hansen at 651-201-4690) or the MRWA.
- Small Water Systems Operation and Maintenance, California State University (CalState)
- Water System Security, A Field Guide 2002, #20501, American Water Works Association (AWWA)
References that many operators have found to contain similar information are the Water Treatment Plant Operation and Maintenance Manual, Volume 1, and Water Distribution Systems Operation & Maintenance Manual, both published by CalState.
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Class C
Includes all references listed under Class D and “Other Good Reference Sources” as well as the following:
- Water Treatment Operator Handbook #20481, AWWA
- Water Distribution Operator Training Handbook #20428, AWWA
- Principles and Practices of Water Supply Operations Book Series, Water Sources #1955 and Water Quality #1958, AWWA
Other materials containing much of the same general information are the Water Treatment Plant Operation and Maintenance Manual, Volumes 1 and 2, and Water Distribution Systems Operation & Maintenance Manual, all published by CalState.
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Class B
Includes all references listed under Class C and "Other Good Reference Sources" as well as the following:
- Principles and Practices of Water Supply Operations Book Series, Water Treatment #1956 and Water Transmission and Distribution #1957, AWWA
- Basic Connects and Applications #1959, AWWA
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Class A
Includes all references listed under Class B and C and "Other Good Reference Sources" as well as the following:
- Utility Management, and Manage for Success, CalState.
- Code of Federal Regulations, Title 40, Part 141, U. S. Government Printing Office.
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Other Good Reference Sources
Minnesota Rural Water Association (MRWA):
- Minnesota Water Works Operations Manual
Download the chapters at the link above and then test your knowledge by taking the online E-Training quizzes. - Safe Drinking Water for Your Small Water System: An Operator's Guide
The manual provides basic, user-friendly information about the operation of small nontransient noncommunity public water systems and can be downloaded from the link above.
Hard copies of these manuals can be ordered for a fee by contacting:
Minnesota Rural Water Association
217 12th Avenue Southeast
Elbow Lake, Minnesota 56531
phone: 218-685-5197 or 800-367-6792
e-mail:mrwa@mrwa.com
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California State University (CalState):
These are distance-learning courses for persons interested in learning the operation and maintenance of drinking water systems:
- Water Treatment Plant Operation, Volumes I and II
- Water Distribution System Operation and Maintenance
To order, contact:
California State University, Sacramento
Office of Water Programs
6000 J Street
Sacramento, California 95819-6025
phone: 916-278-6142
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American Water Works Association (AWWA):
- Operator Certification Study Guide, Fifth Edition
This guide (#20517) provides sample questions and answers in all certification exam areas.
- Iron and Manganese Removal Handbook
This book (#20440) covers understanding processes for removing iron and manganese from both groundwater and surface water sources, as well as basic operation of water treatment and filtration plants.
- Basic Science Concepts and Applications Student Workbook
The workbook provides practice for students in solving math, chemistry, electricity, and hydraulics problems as taught in Basic Science Concepts and Applications, #1954.
- Basic Chemistry for Water and Wastewater Operators
This book (#20494) covers all chemistry topics for water treatment and wastewater treatment.
AWWA DVDs
- Operator Math Made Easy
This 20-minute DVD (#64127) provides calculations for volume measurements, conversions, flow rates, and other basic math problems that water operators must know on the job and for passing certification exams. 1999 edition.
- Operator Chemistry Made Easy
This 13-minute DVD (#64128) provides calculations for chemical dosages, feed rates, conversions, and other chemistry problems that operators must know on the job and for passing certification exams. 1999 edition.
Order from:
American Water Works Association
AWWA Bookstore
6666 West Quincy Avenue
Denver, Colorado 80235
phone: 800-926-7337
fax: 303-347-0804
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