Welcome back to TPO magazine's Exam Study Guide Series, which offers a pair of water/wastewater study questions with in-depth explanations of the answers. Last time, we covered a set of wastewater and drinking water treatment questions on the topics of Rotifers in Activated Sludge Systems and Arsenic Regulations. This time you can test your knowledge about settleometer tests and public notification requirements.
Wastewater Treatment Sample Question
When conducting a sludge settleometer test, what does the first five minutes of the test indicate?
A. Presence of filaments
B. Particle collision rate
C. Presence of zoogloeal matter
D. No useful indication
Water Treatment Sample Question
What public notification is triggered if a water system exceeds the nitrate MCL?
A. Tier 1
B. Tier 2
C. Tier 3
D. Tier 4
To see answers for both of the above questions, click this link.
About the authors: Rick Lallish is the Water Pollution Control program director at the Environmental Resources Training Center (ERTC) of Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. He provides training for entry-level operators in the wastewater field and operators throughout the state looking to further their education. Lallish was also named the 2017 Illinois Operator of the Year and 2018 president of the Illinois Association of Water Pollution Control Operators.
Drew Hoelscher is the program director of drinking water operations at the Environmental Resources Training Center in Edwardsville, Illinois.
