Meters and Valves

In this episode of The Water Sifu, I spend a brief time discussing some things going on in my life, as well as upcoming episodes, and then jump into the meat of the show, discussing the types of meters and valves you will find in a distribution system.  Items covered under meters include types of positive displacement meters and velocity meters.  Types of valves discussed include ball, plug, diaphragm, gate, butterfly, pressure reducing, surge control, check, foot, pressure relief, altitude, air, and float.

Distribution Review – Audio Flash Cards

With the popularity of the last “Water Treatment” audio flash cards episode, I have had many people request I do another with an emphasis on “Water Distribution System” exam preparation.  This week we will do just that….

Because sometimes you just can’t get a shutdown.

Trenching Shoring and Water Main Construction

This week focuses on everything having to do with main construction and installation… pipe types, joints, soil types, competent person, trenching and shoring, excavations, pipe laying, back-filling, and flushing / bac-t procedures.

Drinking Water Supply

The format of this show will be switching to a monthly format, with the episodes primarily focusing on treatment and distribution exam preparation.  This week we spend a little time discussing the direction I will be taking the show in the future, and why. Then, I jump right into the meat of the show, discussing drinking water supplies:  surface water, ground water, and wells.  This info is essential for anyone planning to take an upcoming exam, either treatment or distribution.

Water Treatment Exam Prep

I think that creating and using flash cards is an incredible tool for ingraining the knowledge when studying for your water treatment or distribution exams.  A major stray from my normal show type, this week will basically be a “study guide on the go” for people testing for a Treatment Exam.  Think of this weeks show as audio flash cards… which is essentially what it is.

Passing your Water Treatment or Water Distribution Exam

In this podcast I share my advice on how to best improve your chances of success on your water treatment and water distribution exams.  From exam prep, to what to study, to where to find the best study materials, to how to study, and how to test, this podcast has it all.

The following link will help you to best use the material on this site to prepare for your treatment or distribution exams.

Unfortunately, since recording this podcast, the Minnesota Rural Water Assn has taken down their free practice exams.

Water Math

Knowing your water math is a huge step in passing any state exam. Those that know it have a huge step up and those that don’t are often doomed to fail. Unfortunately, finding information to teach water math in a clear and easy way can be difficult. This podcast will discuss my views on water math.  It will also introduce my beginning and advanced water math courses, and explain why I am absolutely confident that they can help even those who feel most lost to master these subjects.  You can find more info on them both at this link.

Government Regulation of the Drinking Water Industry

In this episode of The Water Sifu, I spend a brief time discussing issues which have gotten in my way of putting out regular weekly content, and then get into the meat of the show, which discusses government regulation of the drinking water industry.  This is a must listen show for anyone studying for a state exam.

Hard / Soft Water, Iron and Manganese, Nitrification

This week I focus on some random, undesirable, issues which may arise in the system and affect water quality… specifically  hard or soft water problems, staining as a result of iron or manganese, and nitrification.

Biological Contaminants and Disinfection

Biological contaminants of the water supply have killed millions and millions of people through the years.  Today we are going to look at some of these contaminants and show how, through chlorination and disinfection, their threat has been drastically reduced.  We are also going to take a look at chlorine itself, talking about some of it’s properties and dangers along with it’s fantastic disinfective properties.