California T-5 Water Treatment Operator Exam Prep
Free study guides for the California T-5 water treatment operator certification exam. Every regulation you need to know — written by a plant operator who passed it.
All quick-reference cards bundled into one PDF
Federal Drinking Water Regulations
The federal rules every T-5 candidate must know — SDWA framework, treatment rules, DBP rules, and public notification requirements.
SDWA Fundamentals
The foundation for every other drinking water regulation. Covers MCLs vs MCLGs, primary vs secondary standards, the regulatory framework, and enforcement authority.
12 min readSurface Water Treatment Rule
The most heavily tested rule on the T-5 exam. Covers filtration requirements, disinfection CT calculations, log removal credits, and turbidity standards.
15 min readEnhanced SWTRs (IESWTR/LT1/LT2)
Builds on the SWTR with enhanced requirements for Cryptosporidium, turbidity, and treatment technique triggers. Covers IESWTR, LT1ESWTR, and LT2ESWTR bin classifications.
18 min readFilter Backwash Recycling Rule
Requirements for recycling filter backwash water, thickener supernatant, and liquids from dewatering processes back through the treatment plant.
8 min readRevised Total Coliform Rule
High exam frequency. Covers the E. coli MCL, total coliform treatment technique triggers, Level 1 and Level 2 Assessments, and repeat sampling requirements.
12 min readGround Water Rule
Triggered source water monitoring, compliance monitoring for 4-log virus inactivation, and corrective actions for fecal indicator-positive groundwater sources.
10 min readStage 1 DBPR
MCLs for TTHM and HAA5, MRDL requirements, enhanced coagulation and softening, and the balancing act between disinfection and DBP formation.
14 min readStage 2 DBPR
LRAA compliance approach, IDSE requirements, operational evaluation levels, and how Stage 2 builds on Stage 1 to address distribution system DBP variability.
12 min readLead and Copper Rule
Action levels for lead and copper, 90th percentile calculations, optimal corrosion control treatment (OCCT), lead service line inventories, and public education requirements.
14 min readPublic Notification
Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 notification requirements, delivery methods, timing deadlines, and which violations trigger which tier of public notice.
10 min readCalifornia Title 22 Implementation
How California implements federal drinking water regulations — and where it goes further. Essential for the T-5 exam.
Title 22 Chapter 15
California-specific MCLs, monitoring frequencies, reporting requirements, and how Title 22 Chapter 15 implements and sometimes exceeds federal drinking water standards.
14 min readTitle 22 Chapter 15.5
California implementation of federal DBP rules. TTHM and HAA5 MCLs, disinfectant residual requirements, and how California applies Stage 1 and Stage 2 DBPR.
12 min readTitle 22 Chapter 17
California implementation of SWTR and enhanced rules. State-specific turbidity standards, filtration requirements, and how California applies federal surface water treatment rules.
14 min readTitle 22 Chapter 17.5
California implementation of the Lead and Copper Rule. State-specific action levels, monitoring requirements, and how California applies federal LCR requirements.
12 min readRelated Technology Guides
Understanding treatment technology gives you an edge on the exam. These guides cover the equipment and processes behind the regulations.