Drinking Water Distribution
Course Pack: Drinking Water Distribution and Maintenance
Things to Watch For
Course Description
This module provides operators with a concise overview of the factors that lead to disinfection upsets in drinking water systems. Learners learn essential disinfection terminology, proper DPD chlorine testing techniques, and how to recognize and troubleshoot common testing interferences. The course also explains ammonia’s role in chloramination, operational conditions that contribute to nitrification risk, and early signs of declining disinfectant stability. Scenario‑based exercises guide operators in interpreting monitoring results, selecting corrective actions, and documenting activities in compliance‑ready formats.
Learning Objectives
- Define key disinfection terms used in water operations and compliance
- Perform and interpret DPD chlorine tests and recognize common interferences
- Explain ammonia’s role in chloramination and operational impacts
- Identify early warning signs of disinfection loss or water quality deterioration
- Apply corrective actions and documentation practices to prevent recurring upsets
Agenda
1. Disinfection upset prevention: common failure modes
2. Core definitions: residual, CT, breakpoint, chloramination basics
3. DPD chlorine testing: method overview, best practices, interferences
4. Ammonia fundamentals and nitrification risk (operator view)
5. Scenario drills: interpreting results and selecting responses
6. Recordkeeping: compliance-ready logs and follow-up actions
Target audience
Water treatment and distribution operators
Level
I, II
Learning material and method
Online on-demand
Assessment
Knowledge check and quiz (80% correct and above)
Instructor
Mike Harrington