,Georgia Water Treatment Operator Class I Exam — 250
Questions and Verified Answers with Rationales
(2026/2027 Edition)
Section 1: Georgia Regulations & Safe Drinking Water Act (Questions 1–63)
1. Which Georgia EPD rule governs the Rules for Safe Drinking Water?
A. 391-3-6
B. 391-3-5
C. 391-3-4
D. 391-3-7
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Georgia EPD Rule 391-3-5 establishes the Rules for Safe Drinking Water. This chapter
implements the Georgia Safe Drinking Water Act of 1977 (O.C.G.A. Section 12-5-170 et seq.) and
establishes policies, procedures, requirements and standards for public water systems .
2. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, what is the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for total
trihalomethanes (TTHMs)?
A. 0.060 mg/L
B. 0.080 mg/L
C. 0.100 mg/L
D. 0.120 mg/L
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The MCL for total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) is 0.080 mg/L based on a locational running
annual average (LRAA). This standard limits exposure to disinfection byproducts that may pose long-
term health risks.
3. In Georgia, a Class II certified operator may serve as the Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) for
which type of facility?
A. A Class I water treatment plant
B. A Class II water treatment plant only
C. A Class III or Class IV water treatment plant
D. Any facility regardless of classification
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: Georgia regulations require that the ORC hold a certificate of a class equal to or higher than
the class of the plant they are operating. A Class II operator can only serve as the ORC for a Class II or
lower-classified plant, not a higher-classified plant like Class I .
4. How many continuing education points must a Class I water operator complete per renewal cycle?
A. 12 CE Points
B. 18 CE Points
C. 24 CE Points
D. 6 CE Points
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Class I Water & Wastewater operators must complete 24 CE Points per biennial renewal
cycle. At least 50% of the points must be in courses approved for Water, Wastewater, or both .
5. What is the MCL for nitrate (as N) in drinking water?
A. 5 mg/L
B. 10 mg/L
C. 15 mg/L
D. 20 mg/L
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The MCL for nitrate (as N) is 10 mg/L. Nitrate contamination can cause methemoglobinemia
(blue baby syndrome) in infants. This standard protects vulnerable populations.
6. Under Georgia rules, when do water operator certificates expire?
A. December 31 of even-numbered years
B. June 30 of odd-numbered years
C. January 1 of each year
D. March 31 of odd-numbered years
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Certificates expire on June 30 of odd-numbered years and must be renewed every two years.
Applicants approved for initial certification are exempt from continuing education requirements for
their first renewal period .
7. What is the minimum passing score for the Georgia Water Treatment Operator Class I exam?
, A. 60%
B. 65%
C. 70%
D. 75%
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Georgia requires passing the Water Treatment Operator Certification Exam with a minimum
score of 70% .
8. What is the MCL for turbidity in filtered drinking water?
A. 0.1 NTU
B. 0.3 NTU
C. 0.5 NTU
D. 1.0 NTU
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The MCL for turbidity in filtered drinking water is 0.3 NTU in at least 95% of measurements
taken each month. Turbidity is a measure of water clarity and can indicate the presence of pathogens.
9. Under Georgia regulations, how long must a water system retain records required by Rule 391-3-5?
A. 3 years
B. 5 years
C. 10 years
D. 12 years
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Each water system must retain the records required by this rule for no fewer than twelve (12)
years. Systems must maintain the results of individual filter monitoring for at least three (3) years .
10. Which document must be provided to water customers annually?
A. Consumer Confidence Report
B. Water Quality Permit
C. Operations Manual
D. Emergency Response Plan
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), also known as the Annual Water Quality Report,
must be delivered to customers annually. It includes information about contaminant levels, compliance
with regulations, and the sources of drinking water.
Questions and Verified Answers with Rationales
(2026/2027 Edition)
Section 1: Georgia Regulations & Safe Drinking Water Act (Questions 1–63)
1. Which Georgia EPD rule governs the Rules for Safe Drinking Water?
A. 391-3-6
B. 391-3-5
C. 391-3-4
D. 391-3-7
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Georgia EPD Rule 391-3-5 establishes the Rules for Safe Drinking Water. This chapter
implements the Georgia Safe Drinking Water Act of 1977 (O.C.G.A. Section 12-5-170 et seq.) and
establishes policies, procedures, requirements and standards for public water systems .
2. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, what is the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for total
trihalomethanes (TTHMs)?
A. 0.060 mg/L
B. 0.080 mg/L
C. 0.100 mg/L
D. 0.120 mg/L
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The MCL for total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) is 0.080 mg/L based on a locational running
annual average (LRAA). This standard limits exposure to disinfection byproducts that may pose long-
term health risks.
3. In Georgia, a Class II certified operator may serve as the Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) for
which type of facility?
A. A Class I water treatment plant
B. A Class II water treatment plant only
C. A Class III or Class IV water treatment plant
D. Any facility regardless of classification
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: Georgia regulations require that the ORC hold a certificate of a class equal to or higher than
the class of the plant they are operating. A Class II operator can only serve as the ORC for a Class II or
lower-classified plant, not a higher-classified plant like Class I .
4. How many continuing education points must a Class I water operator complete per renewal cycle?
A. 12 CE Points
B. 18 CE Points
C. 24 CE Points
D. 6 CE Points
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Class I Water & Wastewater operators must complete 24 CE Points per biennial renewal
cycle. At least 50% of the points must be in courses approved for Water, Wastewater, or both .
5. What is the MCL for nitrate (as N) in drinking water?
A. 5 mg/L
B. 10 mg/L
C. 15 mg/L
D. 20 mg/L
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The MCL for nitrate (as N) is 10 mg/L. Nitrate contamination can cause methemoglobinemia
(blue baby syndrome) in infants. This standard protects vulnerable populations.
6. Under Georgia rules, when do water operator certificates expire?
A. December 31 of even-numbered years
B. June 30 of odd-numbered years
C. January 1 of each year
D. March 31 of odd-numbered years
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Certificates expire on June 30 of odd-numbered years and must be renewed every two years.
Applicants approved for initial certification are exempt from continuing education requirements for
their first renewal period .
7. What is the minimum passing score for the Georgia Water Treatment Operator Class I exam?
, A. 60%
B. 65%
C. 70%
D. 75%
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Georgia requires passing the Water Treatment Operator Certification Exam with a minimum
score of 70% .
8. What is the MCL for turbidity in filtered drinking water?
A. 0.1 NTU
B. 0.3 NTU
C. 0.5 NTU
D. 1.0 NTU
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The MCL for turbidity in filtered drinking water is 0.3 NTU in at least 95% of measurements
taken each month. Turbidity is a measure of water clarity and can indicate the presence of pathogens.
9. Under Georgia regulations, how long must a water system retain records required by Rule 391-3-5?
A. 3 years
B. 5 years
C. 10 years
D. 12 years
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Each water system must retain the records required by this rule for no fewer than twelve (12)
years. Systems must maintain the results of individual filter monitoring for at least three (3) years .
10. Which document must be provided to water customers annually?
A. Consumer Confidence Report
B. Water Quality Permit
C. Operations Manual
D. Emergency Response Plan
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), also known as the Annual Water Quality Report,
must be delivered to customers annually. It includes information about contaminant levels, compliance
with regulations, and the sources of drinking water.
