Ontario Operator-in-Training (OIT) Practice Exam

Which aspect is a primary focus of water treatment operators?

1. Breaking down sewage

2. Managing sludge production

3. Removing or inactivating harmful microorganisms

4. Monitoring chemical levels in wastewater

The correct answer is: Removing or inactivating harmful microorganisms

The primary focus of water treatment operators centers on the removal or inactivation of harmful microorganisms. This critical aspect ensures that the water being treated is safe for human consumption and meets public health standards. Pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, can pose serious health risks if present in drinking water. Therefore, operators utilize various processes such as filtration, disinfection, and chemical treatment to effectively eliminate or reduce these microorganisms. While managing sludge production and monitoring chemical levels in wastewater are important tasks within the broader scope of water treatment operations, they do not directly address the immediate safety concerns related to harmful microorganisms. Breaking down sewage is more aligned with wastewater treatment processes rather than the primary focus of ensuring drinking water quality, which emphasizes the removal of pathogens. Thus, the focus on microorganism removal is paramount for protecting public health and ensuring safe water supply.