AWWA

Operator Field Guide

AWWA Wastewater
Wastewater
AWWA is the authoritative resource for knowledge, information and
advocacy to improve the quality and supply of water in North America
Operator
Field Guide
and beyond. AWWA is the largest orga­nization of water professionals
in the world. AWWA advances public health, safety, and welfare
by uniting the efforts of the full spectrum of the water community.
Through our collec­tive strength we become better stewards of water
for the greatest good of the people and the environment.

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3P-5C-20600-3/10-UG The Authoritative Resource on Safe Water®

20600 Cover-Rev 2010.indd 1 3/17/2010 4:40:37 PM

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AWWA Wastewater
Operator Field Guide

Compiled by AWWA staff members:

John M. Stubbart
William C. Lauer
Timothy J. McCandless
Paul Olson

Science and Technology

AWWA unites the drinking water community by developing and distributing author-
itative scientific and technological knowledge. Through its members, AWWA
develops industry standards for products and processes that advance public
health and safety. AWWA also provides quality improvement programs for water
and wastewater utilities.
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Copyright © 2006 American Water Works Association.

All rights reserved.
Printed in the United States of America.

Project Manager: Melissa Christensen, Senior Technical Editor

Produced by Glacier Publishing Services, Inc.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in

any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying, recording, or any information or retrieval system,
except in the form of brief excerpts or quotations for review pur-
poses, without the written permission of the publisher.

Disclaimer
The authors, contributors, editors, and publisher do not assume
responsibility for the validity of the content or any consequences
of their use. In no event will AWWA be liable for direct, indirect,
special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of the use
of information presented in this book. In particular, AWWA will
not be responsible for any costs, including, but not limited to,
those incurred as a result of lost revenue. In no event shall
AWWA’s liability exceed the amount paid for the purchase of this
book.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

has been applied for.

ISBN 1-58321-386-4

6666 West Quincy Avenue

Denver, CO 80235-3098
303.794.7711
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Contents

Preface vii
Basic Math 1
Système International Units 2
Key Formulas for Math 5
Key Conversions for Flows 10
Key Formulas for Flows and Meters 11
Units of Measure and Conversions 13
Units of Measure 14
Conversion of US Customary Units 30
Conversion of Metric Units 35
Temperature Conversions 49
Water Conversions 50
Water Equivalents and Data 51
Chemistry 53
Key Formulas for Chemistry 61
Conductivity and Dissolved Solids 62
Safety 81
OSHA Safety Regulations 83
Trench Shoring Conditions 88
Roadway, Traffic, and Vehicle Safety 90
Fire and Electrical Safety 102

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Personnel Safety 103

Health Effects of Toxin Exposure 106
Collection 119
Design Flow Rates 120
Flow Measurement 123
Sewer Construction 129
Manholes 147
Pipe Characteristics 149
Pipe Joints 160
Gauges and Valves 163
Types of Corrosion 165
Various Factors Affecting Corrosion 166
Pipe Testing 169
Water Exfiltration 171
Pipe Cleaning and Maintenance 173
Pumps 185
Electrical Measurements 186
Frequently Used Formulas 186
Horsepower and Efficiency 189
Pump Volage 195
Maintenance and Troubleshooting 197
Types of Pumps 211
Flow 221
Key Conversions for Flows 222
Key Formulas for Flows and Meters 223
Weirs 228
Types of Flumes 241
Types of Meters 246
Wastewater Treatment 261
Key Formulas 264
Grit 273
Filters 275
Settling 284
Diffusers 288
Sequencing Batch Reactors 289

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Intermittent Sand Filters 292

Septage 294
Biosolids 297
Sludge Processing Calculations 298
Gravity Thickening 304
Dewatering 310
Centrifuges 315
Management Practices 317
Regulatory Requirements 335
Discharge and Disinfection 369
Chlorine 370
Ultraviolet Light 380
Marine Discharge 387
Abbreviations and Acronyms 389
Glossary 405
Index 423

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Preface

This guide is a compilation of information, charts, graphs, formu-

las, and definitions that are used by wastewater system operators
in performing their daily duties. There is so much information
contained in so many different sources that finding it while in the
field can be a problem. This guide compiles information mostly
from AWWA manuals, books, and standards, but also from other
generic information found in many publications.
The sections of this guide group the information based on how
it would be used by the operator. The guide includes information
for both wastewater treatment and collection. Design engineers
should also find this material helpful. Major sections include
math, conversion factors, chemistry, safety, collection, pumps and
motors, flow, wastewater treatment, biosolids, and disposal.
Perusing the guide now will assist in finding handy information
later. This is the first edition of the guide. If you would like to sug-
gest changes or additions to the guide, please submit them to
AWWA, Publishing Group, 6666 W. Quincy Ave., Denver, CO
80235.

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