Water Treatment Operator-in-Training (OIT) Practice Test

In a daily sewage production calculation, which metric is most relevant to determine per capita production?

1. Total sewage volume

2. Population served

3. Lift station operating hours

4. Sewage treatment efficiency

The correct answer is: Population served

Determining per capita sewage production relies heavily on the population served because this metric directly correlates the total sewage produced to the number of individuals contributing to it. By dividing the total sewage volume by the population, operators can accurately assess how much sewage is generated on average by each person. This is essential for effective resource allocation, treatment planning, and infrastructure development. Understanding the population served allows water treatment operators to forecast future needs and adjust operations accordingly. When the population grows or shrinks, the per capita sewage production can indicate the necessity for upgrades or modifications in the sewage management system. Other options, while connected to sewage management, do not provide the necessary direct ratio of sewage production to the population, making them less relevant for calculating per capita production.