Mar 29, 2024  
2020-2021 Course Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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WAT 309 - Water Distribution Systems I

Credits: 4
Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 2
Practicum Hours: 0
Work Experience: 0
Course Type: Voc/Tech
This course has been developed using the ABC Water Distribution Class I Need-to-Know Criteria. The ABC Need-to-Know Criteria describe the core competencies covered on the ABC standardized exams used by the Iowa DNR Operator Certification Program for their Water Distribution Grade I certification exam. The ABC Need-to-Know Criteria covered by this course are System Information/Components and Monitor, Evaluate, and Adjust Disinfection Core Competencies.
Competencies
  1. Assess system information/components
    1. Install joint restraints and thrust blocks
    2. Perform pressure readings and physical measurements
    3. Read blueprints, readings, and maps
    4. Recognize piping material, type and size; types and sizes of pipes
    5. Select materials and type of pipes
    6. Size mains
    7. Recognize approved backflow methods and devices
    8. Explain corrosion control procedures including cathodic protection
    9. Identify fire flow requirements
    10. Use measuring instruments
    11. Discuss pipe fittings and jointing methods
    12. Use proper operation and maintenance practices
    13. Adjust equipment
    14. Identify system demand
  2. Examine wells
    1. Describe well operations, maintenance, and rehabilitation
    2. Describe wellhead protection
  3. Analyze disinfection process
    1. Describe disinfection concepts
    2. Define disinfection parameters
    3. Calculate disinfection parameters
    4. Compare calculated values to recognized standards for disinfection parameters
    5. Identify operation, maintenance, and monitoring practices and requirements
    6. Discriminate between normal and abnormal conditions
    7. Recognize proper application of chemicals
    8. Collect samples using proper sampling procedures
    9. Monitor samples using proper techniques
    10. Use monitoring equipment and instruments
    11. Recognize abnormal analytical results
  4. Assess disinfection process
    1. Discriminate between normal and abnormal conditions
    2. Diagnose/troubleshoot disinfection
  5. Adjust disinfection process
    1. Calibrate equipment and instruments
    2. Maintain processes in normal operating condition
    3. Use proper start-up an shut-down procedures
    4. Identify operation and maintenance practices
    5. Describe normal chemical range
    6. Modify chemical feed rates, flow patterns, and system units and equipment
    7. Confirm chemical strength
    8. Prepare chemicals
  6. Assess water storage facilities
    1. Describe water storage facilities
    2. Identify purpose of water storage facilities
    3. List benefits of water storage facilities
    4. Compare types of storage facilities
    5. Discriminate between normal and abnormal conditions
    6. Explain the purpose of booster pumps, regulatory stations, and gauges
    7. Identify operation, maintenance, and monitoring practices and requirements
    8. Collect samples using proper sampling procedures
    9. Monitor samples using proper techniques
    10. Recognize abnormal analytical results
    11. Calculate parameters
    12. Compare calculated values to recognized standards for these parameters
    13. Identify monitoring equipment and instruments
    14. Define water storage parameters
    15. Describe troubleshooting water quality problems
  7. Diagnose/troubleshoot water quality
    1. Identify potential sources of contamination
    2. Recognize potential sources contamination
    3. Explain the importance of water quality and why water quality standards are regulated by federal, state, and local agencies
    4. Categorize water contaminants into chemical, physical, or biological in nature
    5. Discriminate between normal and abnormal conditions
    6. List causes of water quality degradation
    7. Identify monitoring equipment and instruments
    8. Collect samples using proper sampling procedures
    9. Analyze samples using proper techniques
    10. Recognize abnormal analytical results
    11. Describe troubleshooting water quality problems
  8. Comply with State and federal regulations and guidelines
    1. Define reporting and recordkeeping requirements
    2. Examine Safe Drinking Water Act, regulations, and guidelines
    3. State purpose of building codes, local codes, and ordinances
    4. Explain the Water Supply permit
    5. Outline procedures for sanitary surveys of groundwater supplies and water distribution systems
    6. Describe safety regulations
    7. List certification requirements
  9. Demonstrate proper safety procedures
    1. Interpret Safety Data Sheets
    2. Identify potential safety hazards
    3. Select proper safety equipment
    4. Operate safety equipment
    5. Recognize unsafe work conditions
    6. Use safe work habits
    7. Maintain proper chemical handling and storage
  10. Perform recordkeeping and reporting requirements
    1. State purpose of recordkeeping system
    2. Describe recordkeeping policies
    3. Use monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting policies and requirements
    4. Interpret data
    5. Record information
    6. Report findings
    7. Translate technical language into common terminology
    8. Describe monthly operating report
  11. Examine potential disasters
    1. Identify potential causes of disasters in facility
    2. Determine potential impact of disasters in facility
    3. Assess likelihood of disaster occurring
    4. Recognize preparedness contingency/contingency plan
  12. Identify types of water distribution systems
    1. Recognize types of public water systems
    2. Recognize types of water distribution systems
    3. Describe the duties of a water distribution operator
    4. Explain the skills and qualifications needed for the job
    5. Explain certification, licensing and educational requirements in water distribution occupations
    6. Describe legal and ethical concerns for operators



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