Waterworks Math – The Basics Chapter 13

What Is In This Chapter?

1. The principles of working with fractions 15. How to make common waterworks conversions
2. The principles of working with decimals 16. Common abbreviations found in waterworks math
3. How to round numbers 17. How to convert pressure to feet of head
4. How to determine significant digits 18. The number of gpm that equals one cfs
5. How to read powers 19. How to calculate the radius and circumference of a
6. Conversions using standard conversion factors circle
7. The weight of one cubic foot of water 20. How to calculate the perimeter of a rectangle
8. The volume in gallons of one cubic foot of water 21. How to calculate flow
9. The number square feet in an acre 22. How to calculate detention time
10. How to average a set of numbers
11. How to determine area of rectangles and circles
12. How to determine volume of rectangular, circular,
and cone-shaped objects
13. How to convert whole numbers to percent
14. How to calculate percent

Key Words

• Area • Cubic Feet • Head • Rectangle

• Averages • Cylinder • MGD • Velocity
• cfs • Demand • mg/L • Volume
• Circumference • Detention Time Flow • pi
• Cross-sectional Area • Diameter • Radius
13-2 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

Introduction
Lesson Intent
This lesson on math basics is intended as a review and introduction to those math
concepts believed to be critical and minimum to the “Certified Operator” in an Alas-
kan community of fewer than 500 population. This does not mean that these are the
only math concepts that a competent operator needs in order to solve routine opera-
1
Flow – To be in constant movement, tion and maintenance problems.
typically in a single direction. In regards

Lesson Content
to water, this term typically relates to
a volume per unit of time, gallons per
minute, cubic feet per second, etc. This lesson on basic math is a review of the principles needed for working with frac-
2
Detention time – The theoretical tions and decimals, rounding numbers, determining the correct number of significant
time required to displace the contents
of a tank or unit at a given rate of
digits, raising numbers to powers, calculating percent, making simple conversions,
discharge or flow. calculating flow1, calculating volume, and calculating detention time2.

Basic Equations
The following is a listing of the basic formulas found in the math section of this text.
They have been compiled here for your convenience.

Perimeter/Circumference
Square or Rectangle Circle
Perimeter = L1 + L2 + L3 + L4 Circumference = πD

Area
Rectangle or Square Circle
A=LxW A = π r2 or 0.785D2
 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-3

Area
Triangle
BxH
A =
2

Other Equations

Volume
Rectangle or Square
V=LxWxD

Cylinder
V = π r2 x H or L

H
13-4 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

Volume
Cone Sphere
π r2 H .785 D2 H 2
or
3 x (.785 D ) x D
2
3 3

HEIGHT

DIAMETER DIAMETER

Pounds
Lbs = V, MG x 8.34 lbs/gal x Conc, mg/L

Where:
Lbs = pounds
V = flow or volume in millions of gallons
Conc = concentration or dosage in mg/L

Removal Efficiency

In - Out
x 100 = % efficiency
In

Pump Efficiency

Output Horsepower
x 100 = % efficiency
Input Horsepower

Weir Overflow Rate

Flow rate in gpd
Weir Overflow Rate (WO) = = gal/day/ft
Weir length in feet
Temperature

°C = 5/9 (°F – 32°) °F = (9/5 x °C) + 32

Detention Time
Volume
Detention Time (DT) =
Flow
 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-5

Working with Math

Steps in Solving Problems
Introduction
There are many methods that can be successfully used to solve waterworks prob-
lems. We tend to select and adapt problem-solving styles that fit our individual
system. If you have selected one or more methods that are beneficial to your style,
we suggest that you continue to use what has worked in the past. However, if water-
works problems have frustrated you then we suggest that you consider some version
of the following procedure:

Procedure
1. When appropriate, make a drawing of the information in the problem.
2. Place the data that is available on the drawing.
3. Ask, “What is the question?”
4. Write down what you are to find. Sometimes the answer has more than one
piece. For instance, you may need to find “X” and then find “Y.”
5. Write down any equation that you are going to need.
6. Fill in the data in the equation.
7. Rearrange the equation, if necessary.
8. Pick up the calculator and make the calculation.
9. Write down the answer.

Word Problems
Words to Symbols Word Meaning
In word problems, certain words can be used to
of multiply
determine the correct math function or mean-
ing. Here are a few of the basic word meaning and add
examples: per divide

Symbols to Words less than subtract

In writing mathematical formulas or expressions,
symbols are used to indicate an mathematical operation. Here are a few examples:

Math Operation Symbol Example

Multiplication x Q=VxA
Multiplication • Q=V•A
Multiplication No space Q = VA
Multiplication ()() Q = (V) (A)
Division ÷ r=D÷2
D
Division r=
2
Division / r = D/2
13-6 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

Help with the Calculator

Introduction
The calculator has made the solution of waterworks problems much easier and im-
proved our accuracy. At the same time the calculator brings with it its own problems.
The following are few hints that may make using the calculator less stressful.

Hint #1 – Type of Calculator

The calculator used by a waterworks operator is not a toy; it is a tool like any other
tool. As such, it is best to purchase for quality rather than price. Quality will be easier
to use and last much longer. A quality calculator used by a waterworks operator
should have the following:
• The keys should be large enough to allow your fingers to be easily placed on
them.
3
pi – Greek letter (π) used as a sym- • The calculator should have a pi3 (π) key. This makes calculating pipe and
bol denoting the ratio of the circum- circular tank volumes much easier.
ference of a circle to its diameter.
• Solar calculators do not offer the freedom of use that battery calculators offer.
• A protective case will add life to the calculator.
• The display should allow for 10 characters.
• A scientific calculator is more appropriate and useful than a business calcula-
tor.

Hint #2 – Read the Book

The small booklet that comes with the calculator is designed to help you understand
the functions of the calculator. You should read and then store the book for easy
access. This allows you to use the book to help solve unique problems that show up
only on occasion.

Hint #3 – Division by 2
One of the common problems confronted by operators is the proper method to solve
the following:
• One incorrect method that is used is to divide 7 by 0.25 and then multiply
4
mg/L (milligrams per Liter) – A unit that answer by 8.34. This will yield an incorrect answer of 233.52 mg/L4 .
of the concentration of a constituent
in water. It is 0.001g of the constituent • A second less serious mistake is to multiply 0.25 x 8.34 and write the answer
in 1,000 ml of water. mg/L has replaced down on a piece of scratch paper (2.085). Typically the answer is rounded off
the PPM (parts per million) in report-
ing results in water. to 2. The rounding reduces the accuracy, and writing the number down is a
step that is not necessary.
• The CORRECT APPROACH would be to place 7 in the calculator, press the
divide key (÷), enter the number 0.25 and press the divide key (÷) again. Now
enter in the number 8.34, and press the equal key (=). The correct answer of
3.357 should be displayed. This can be rounded off to 3.4 mg/L. Yes, this is
one more character than the correct number of significant digits. This is done
not because of accuracy but because the answer is most likely larger than 3.
 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-7

Math Principles
Fractions
Use
With the calculators that are available today, the need to work with fractions is not
what it once was. However, the operator is often faced with routine situations that
require thinking in fractions and on occasion actually working with fractions. One
of the common uses for the rules governing the use of fractions in a math problem
is dealing with units of a problem. The unit gpm is actually a fraction gal/min, and
cfs5 is actually ft3/sec. So as you can see, understanding fractions may help you solve 5
cfs – To be in constant movement,
typically in a single direction. In regards
other problems. to water, this term typically relates to
a volume per unit of time, gallons per
Components of a Fraction minute, cubic feet per second, etc.
A fraction is composed of three items: two numbers and a line. The number on the
top is called the numerator, the number on the bottom is called the denominator, and
the line in between them means to divide.

3 Numerator
Divide
4 Denominator

Principles of Working With Fractions

Introduction
Like all other math functions, how we deal with fractions is governed by rules or
principles. The following is a discussion of 11 principles associated with using frac-
tions.

Same Numerator and Denominator

When the numerator and denominator of a fraction are the same, the fraction can be
reduced to 1. For example:

4 24 8 12 125
=1, =1, =1, =1, =1
4 24 8 12 125

Whole Numbers to Fractions

Any whole number can be expressed as a fraction by placing a “1” in the denomina-
tor. For example:

2 45
2 is the same as and 45 is the same as
1 1

Adding Fractions
Only fractions with the same denominator can be added, and only the numerators are
added. For example:

1 3 4 6 12 18
+ = and , + =
8 8 8 32 32 32
13-8 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

Subtracting Fractions
Only fractions with the same denominator can be subtracted, and only the numera-
tors are subtracted. The denominator remains the same. For example:

7 3 4 18 6 12
- = and, - =
8 8 8 25 25 25

Mixed Numbers
A fraction combined with a whole number is called a mixed number. For example:

1 2 3 1 17
4 , 16 , 8 , 45 and, 12
8 3 4 2 32

These numbers are read, four and one eighth, sixteen and two thirds, eight and three
fourths, forty-five and one half, and twelve and seventeen thirty seconds.

Changing a Fraction
A fraction can be changed by multiplying the numerator and denominator by the
same number. This does not change the value of the fraction, only how it looks. For
instance:

1 1 x 2 2
is the same as which is
2 2 x 2 4

Simplest Terms
Fractions should be reduced to their simplest terms. This is accomplished by dividing
the numerator and denominator by the same number. The result of this division must
leave both the numerator and the denominator as whole numbers. For instance:

2 is not in its simplest terms, 1

4 by dividing both by 2, we obtain 2

The number 2/3 cannot be reduced any further since there is no number that can be
divided evenly into the 2 and the 3.

Practice Problems – Fractions

1. Reduce the following to their simplest terms.
A. 4/8 =
B. 12/18 =
C. 3/4 =
D. 6/8 =
E. 24/32 =
F. 9/18 =
G. 15/27 =
 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-9

Key to Reducing – Even Numbers

When the starting point is not obvious, do the following: if the numerator and
denominator are both even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, etc.), divide them both by 2.
Continue dividing by 2 until a division will no longer yield a whole number with the
numerator and denominator.

Key to Reducing – Odd Numbers

When the numerator and denominator are both odd numbers (3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15),
attempt to divide by three, continue dividing by 3 until a division will no longer yield
a whole number with the numerator and denominator. It is obvious that some num-
bers such as 5, 7, and 11 cannot be divided by 3 and may in fact be in their simplest
terms.

Different Denominators
To add or subtract fractions with different denominators, the denominators must be
changed so that all denominators are the same. To find the “common denominator,”
multiply the denominators together. Then convert each fraction to a new value based
on this new common denominator.

For instance, to add 1/8 and 2/3 together:

1. Start by multiplying the denominators 8 x 3 = 24.
2. Change 1/8 to a fraction with 24 as the denominator.

24 3
= 3, 3 x 1 = 3 (the numerator), new fraction is
8 24
Notice that this is the same as 1/8 except 3/24 is not reduced to its simplest
terms.

3. Change 2/3 to a fraction with 24 as the denominator.

24 16
= 8, 8 X 2 = 16 (the numerator), new fraction is
3 24
4. Complete the addition.

3 16 19
+ =
24 24 24

Numerator Larger
Any time the numerator is larger than the denominator, the fraction should be turned
into a mixed number. This is accomplished by the following procedure:
1. Determine the number of times the denominator can be divided evenly into
the numerator. This will be the whole number portion of the mixed number.
2. Multiply the whole number times the denominator, and subtract from the
numerator. This value, the remainder, becomes the numerator of the fraction
portion of the mixed number.
13-10 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

28
, 28 is divisible by 12 twice. 2 is the whole number
12

2 x 12 = 24

28 24 4 1
- = dividing top and bottom by 4 =
12 12 12 3

1
New mixed number is 2
3

Multiplying Fractions
This is accomplished by the following procedure:
1. Multiply the numerators together.
2. Multiply the denominators together.
3. Reduce to the simplest terms.
For example: Find the result of multiplying 1/8 x 2/3

1 2 2 2 2 1
x = , reduced = ÷ =
8 3 24 24 2 12

Dividing Fractions
This is accomplished by the following procedure:
1. Invert the denominator (turn it upside down).
2. Multiply and reduce to simplest terms. For example:
3. Divide 1/8 by 2/3.

1 2 1 3 1x3=3 3
÷ = x = =
8 3 8 2 8 x 2 = 16 16

The divide symbol can be ÷ or / or –––.

Converting Fractions to Decimals

To convert a fraction to a decimal, simply divide the numerator by the denominator.

Example – Converting Fractions to Decimals

1 7 7 1 2
= 0.5, = 0.875, = 0.875, = 0.25, and = 0.667
2 8 16 4 3

Changing Inches to Feet

To change inches to feet, multiply the number of inches by the conversion 1/12.
 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-11

Example – Changing Inches to Feet

Change 3 inches to feet:

1ft 3in x 1ft 3ft

3 in x = = = 0.25 ft
12in 12in 12

Practice – Changing Inches to Feet

Change the following to feet:

2 inches, 4 inches, 6 inches, 8 inches

2
= 0.167 feet
12

4
= 0.33 feet
12

6
= 0.5 feet
12

8
= 0.667 feet
12

Decimals
The Components
A decimal is composed of two sets of numbers: the numbers to the left of the deci-
mal are whole numbers, and numbers to the right of the decimal are parts of whole
numbers, a fraction of a number.

Fraction Component
The term used to express the fraction component is dependent on the number of
characters to the right of the decimal.
• The first character after the decimal point is tenths: 0.1 – tenths
• The second character is hundredths: 0.01 – hundredths
• The third character is thousandths: 0.001 – thousandths
13-12 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

Principles
Calculators
With today’s use of calculators, we seldom need the rules for handling decimals. As
a result, when we need to make a computation manually, we often cannot remember
the basic rules. Therefore, this brief review is provided.

Number Less Than One

When a number is less than one and is expressed as a decimal, place a “0” (zero)
to the left of the decimal. This makes it clear that the number is less than one. For
instance 0.25 is much clearer than .25.

Subtraction
When subtracting decimals, simply line up the numbers at the decimal, and subtract.
For example:

_ 28.65 _ 145.600
12.25 13.212
16.40 132.388

Addition
To add numbers with a decimal, use the same rules as subtraction: line up the num-
bers on the decimal, and add.

28.65 145.600
+ +
12.25 13.212
40.90 158.812

Multiplication
To multiply two or more numbers containing decimals, follow these few basic steps:
1. Multiply the numbers as whole numbers. Do not worry about the decimals.
2. Write down the answer.
3. Count the total number of digits (numbers) to the right of the decimal in all
of the numbers being multiplied.
4. To place the decimal in the answer, count from the right to the left the num-
ber of digits counted in the previous step.

Example – Multiplication

Multiplying 3.04 x 8.6 yields the number 26144.

There are a total of three digits to the right of the decimal point (2 for the number 3.04 and
1 for the number 8.6). Therefore, the decimal point should be placed three places to the left
from the right of the last 4.

26.144
 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-13

Division
To divide a number by a number containing a decimal, the divisor must be made into
a whole number by moving the decimal point to the right until you have a whole
number.
1. Count the number of places the decimal needed to be moved.
2. Move the decimal in the dividend by the same number of places.
3. Make the division.

Using the Calculator

With today’s calculators, this problem would simply be set up as follows:

346.2
= 7.59
45.6

Rounding
Why Round?
Numbers are rounded to reduce the number of digits to the right of the decimal point.
This is for convenience, not accuracy.

Process of Rounding
1. Start by deciding how many places you want to the right of the decimal. Re-
member this is done for convenience.
2. If the number to the right of the last number that you wish to report is 5 or
greater than 5, increase the size of the last number by 1.
3. If the number to the right of the last number that you wish to report is less
than 5, the size of the last number remains the same.

Example 1 – Rounding

A calculation has just been completed, and the answer is 24.55836. A decision is made to
have two places to the right of the decimal. Two places takes you to 25.55. The next number
is “8.” Therefore, the last five is rounded up to a six. The number is 24.56.

Example 2 – Rounding

A calculation has just been completed, and the answer is 24.55436. A decision is made to
have two places to the right of the decimal. Two places takes you to 25.55. The next number
is “4.” Therefore, all of the numbers to the right of the .55 are dropped. The reported number
is 24.55.
13-14 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

Practice Problems – Rounding

1. Round the following to the nearest hundredths (the second place after the deci-
mal).

A. 2.4568
B. 27.2534
C. 128.2111
D. 364.8762
E. 354.777777
F. 34.666666
G. 67. 33333

2. Round the following to the nearest tenths (the first place after the decimal).
A. 2.4568
B. 27.2534
C. 128.2111
D. 364.8762
E. 354.777777
F. 34.666666
G. 67. 33333

Determining Significant Digits

The Concept
Significant digits are related to rounding. We use the concept to determine the direc-
tion to round a number. The basic idea is that no answer can be more accurate than
the least accurate piece of data used to calculate the answer.

Process
There are several rules used to determine whether a digit is significant:
1. Non-zero digits are significant. ie. numbers 1-9
2. Zero’s appearing between non-zero digits are significant. ie. 103, 24000.2, 10.7
3. Zero’s appearing to the right of a decimal ar significant. ie. 12.00, 8.3400, 0.020
4. Zero’s appearing at the beginning of a number are NOT significant. ie 0.4

Practice Problems – Significant Digits

For addition and subtraction the process involves two steps:
1. Determine the number of decimal places in the least accurate piece of data.
2. Round off the answer to theis position.

Example – Significant Digits

The following calculation was made:

12.27 + 45.283 = 57.553

 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-15

The least accurate piece of data is number 12.27. As 12.27 has only 2 decimal places
the sum can have only 2 decimal places as well. The correct answer is 57.55.

1. Round the following answers off to the most significant digit.

Problem Accurate Answer

A. 25.1 + 26.43 = 51.53
B. 128.456 – 121.4 = 7.056
C. 85-7.92432 = 77.07568
D. 8.564+5 = 13.564

For multiplication and division the process involves two steps:

1. Determine the number of significant figures each number has.
2. Round the final answer to the number with the least significant digits.

Example – Multiplication and Division with Significant Digits

The following calculation was made:

53.2 x 128.64 = 6,843.648

In the above problem, 53.2 has 3 significant figures and 128.64 has 5. The multipli-
cation/division rule says the answer should be rounded to the number with the least
number of significant digits; in this case three (53.2). So the correct answer is 6,840.

2.
Problem Accurate Answer
A. 26.34 x 124.34567 = 3,275.26495
B. 23.58 x 34.251 = 807.63858
C. 12,453 / 13.9 = 895.8992805755
D. 12,457.92 x 3 = 37,373.76
 13-16 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

Working with Powers

Principle
Powers are used to identify area6, as in square feet, and volume as in cubic feet7.
Powers can also be used to indicate that a number should be squared, cubed, etc. This
later designation is the number of times a number must be multiplied by itself.

Example – Powers
We could find these two numbers:
42 or 4 ft2
The number 42 means 4 x 4 = 16.
The number 4 ft2 means four square feet, an area 2 ft x 2 ft.

6
Area – The extent of a surface,
measured by the number of squares
of equal size it contains.
7
Cubic Feet – A measurement of
volume in the number of cubes that
are one foot on a side.

Or we might see these two numbers 43 or 4 ft3.

The number 43 means 4 x 4 x 4 = 64.
The number 4 ft3 means 4 cubic feet, a block 2 ft x 2 ft x 1 foot deep.

Finding Averages
Use
Finding an average8 of a series of numbers is accomplished by adding the num-
8
Average – An arithmetic mean. The bers and dividing by the number of numbers in the group. This is an activity that
value is arrived at by adding the quan- is required on the monthly report for chlorine, fluoride, and turbidity readings. The
tities in a series and dividing the total average for the month is commonly figured on all chemicals added, and on most test
by the number in the series.
results.
 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-17

Example 1 – Averages

Find the average of the following series of numbers: 12, 8, 6, 21, 4, 5, 9, and 12. Adding the
numbers together we get 77. There are 8 numbers in this set. Divide 77 by 8.

77
= 9.6 is the average of the set
8

Example 2 – Averages

Here is a series of daily turbidities. Obtain the average for them.

0.3, 0.4, 0.3, 0.1, 0.8

The total is 1.9. There are 5 numbers in the set. Therefore:

1.9
= 0.38, rounding off = 0.4
5

Practice Problem – Averages

1. Find the average of the following set of numbers:
0.2
0.2
0.1
0.3
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.1
0.3

Equations
Description
An equation is a symbolic representation of how to combine certain information in
order to obtain the proper result. Equations are written using letters and symbols to
represent unknown or standard values.

Use
Equations (also called formulas) are used by operators to solve a wide variety of
problems associated with treatment and collection. In fact, most operators use formu-
las without thinking about them to solve routine problems. For instance, to determine
the perimeter or distance around a building requires using a formula.
13-18 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

Example 1 – Equations

The equation for determining the perimeter of a triangle is P = a + b + c. P is the letter used
to designate the perimeter and a, b, and c are used to identify the lengths of the sides. The
mathematical symbols (=) and (+) tell the user what math functions are to be carried out.
This formula says to add the lengths of all of the sides to obtain the perimeter.

Example 2 – Equations

In the example below, the numbers 3’, 4’, and 5’ have been substituted for the letters a, b,
and c. To solve the equation substitute the numbers for the appropriate letters, a = 3’, b = 4’,
and c = 5’. Now add the three together to obtain a perimeter of 12’. The distance around
this triangle is 12 feet.

Works on All Triangles

This equation will work for all triangles, regardless of the lengths of their sides.

Formulas with Symbols

Some equations such as the one for the area of a circle (A = π r2) use symbols. The
symbol π (pi) is used to represent a constant: 3.14. This is done in equations to sim-
plify the writing of the equation.

Listing of Formulas
A listing of common equations used in water/wastewater systems can be found at the
end of this chapter. In addition, equations are used in most of the other sections of
this chapter.
 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-19

Rearranging Equations
Types of Equations
The equations that are commonly used in water math are called linear equations
(follow a straight line). To be successful in solving math problems, an operator must
be able to solve a linear equation with one unknown (perimeter of a triangle, pounds
formula, area of a circle are all examples of this type of equation).

Why Rearrange?
To solve a problem, an operator is often required to solve the equation for a com-
ponent that is not normally part of the solution. For instance, the perimeter and the
length of two sides of a triangle may be known, and you wish to solve for the length
of the third side.

Two Sides
Equations have two sides that are separated by the equal sign (=) . To solve an equa-
tion, there must be only one unknown and the unknown must be on one side of the
equation by itself.

Rearranging Equations with Addition and Subtraction

Rule
The rule of equality must be maintained! Thus, if you subtract a value from the right
side of the equal sign, you must subtract the same value from the left side of the
equal sign. The is true for adding, dividing, and multiplying.

Example – Addition and Subtraction

Solve the equation 12 = 3 + b + 5

The first step is to rearrange the equation so that the unknown is on one side of the equation
by itself. This is accomplished by subtracting 3 and 5 from both sides of the equation.

12 – 3 – 5 = 3 + b + 5 – 3 – 5

On the right side of the equation 3 – 3 = 0 and 5 – 5 = 0

The resulting new equation would look like this:

12 – 3 – 5 = b

The last step is to do the math. That is, subtract 3 and 5 from 12. The result is: 4 = b

Rearranging Equations with Multiplication and Division

Process
To solve for an unknown value in an equation using multiplication or division, move
the unknown value to one side of the equation by itself.

Top and Bottom

As stated above, an equation has two sides. A multiplication and division equation
also has a top and bottom that are separated by a division line. When the equation is
just multiplication, the division line is not shown and all of the items are above the
line.
13-20 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

Rule
To move an item from one side of an equation to the other in a multiplication or divi-
sion equation, the item is moved from the top of one side to the bottom of the other
or from the bottom of one side to the top of the other.

Summary
To state it another way, if the item that is being moved is on top of the equation, then
it must be placed below when moved. If an item is below in the equation, then it
must be placed above when it is moved.

Example 1 – Multiplication and Division

Solve this equation for V:

254 = V X 8.34 X 35

254
= V X 8.34 X 35
X

6
254
= V
8.34 X 35

8
Result:
V = 0.87

Example 2 – Multiplication and Division

Solve for X in the following equation:

Step 1 – Rearrange the equation by multiplying both sides by 10.

10 x 6 = X

Step 2 – Solve the equation.

60 = X
 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-21

Special Note
Many equations are written without the use of the multiplication sign. For instance,
A = π r2 and C = π D.

π r2 is the same as π x r2, or pi times r2.

Also, π (r2) is the same as π x (r2) or pi times r2.

Equation Problems

Example 1 – Equation Problems

A triangle has a perimeter of 24’, the length of the bottom is 8’, and the length of the left
side is 6’. What is the length of the long side?

Step 1 – Draw a diagram of the triangle.

Step 2 – Place the known values on the diagram.

Step 3 – Write the equation.

P = a + b+ c

Step 4 – Fill in the known values in the equation.

24' = 6' + 8' + c

Step 4 – Subtract 6’ and 8’ from both sides of the equation.

24'- 6' – 8' = c

Step 5 – Solve the equation.

10' = c
13-22 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

Example 2 – Equation Problems

Find the diameter of a pipe with a circumference of 18 7/8 inches.

Step 1 – Draw a diagram of the pipe.

Step 2 – Place the known values on the diagram.

Step 3 – Make any obvious conversions.

The circumference is given in inches and fractions of inches. This must be converted to a
decimal before proceeding.

18 7/8" = 18.875"

Step 4 – Select an equation.

C=πD

Step 5 – Fill in the known values.

18.75" = π D

Step 6 – Divide both sides of the equation by pi.

18.75"
=D
π

Step 7 – Solve the equation.

6" = D
 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-23

Example 3 – Equation Problems

Find the diameter of a settling basin with a surface area of 1257 ft2.

Step 1 – Draw a diagram of the clarifier.

Step 2 – Place the known values on the diagram.

1257 ft2

Step 3 – Select an equation.

A = π r2

Step 4 – Fill in the known values.

1257 ft2 = π r2

Step 5 – Divide both sides of the equation by pi (π).

This rearrangement will require two steps. The second step is to change the r2 to r. This is
accomplished by finding the square root of all of the values on both sides of the equation.

2
1257 ft
= r= r
π

20 feet = r

Step 6 – Determine the diameter from the radius.

Since the radius is one half of the diameter this value must be multiplied by 2.

2 x 20 ft = 40 ft – the diameter of the clarifier

13-24 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

Example 4 – Equation Problems

A chlorine contact chamber holds 2700 gallons. It is desired to have a contact time of 30
minutes in the chamber. What is the maximum flow rate that can pass through this chamber
at this detention time.

Step 1 – Draw a diagram of the situation.

Step 2 – Place the unknown values on the diagram.

Step 3 – Select an equation.

Volume
DT =
Flow

Step 4 – Place the known values in the equation.

2,700 gal
30 min =
gpm

Step 5 – Divide both sides of the equation by 30 minutes.

2,700 gal
gpm =
30 min

Step 6 – Solve the equation.

gpm = 90 gpm

Practice Problems – Formulas

1. Find the diameter of a settling basin that has a circumference of 126 feet.

2. Find the diameter of a pipe that has a circumference of 12 9/16".

 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-25

3. Find the diameter of a settling basin that has a surface area of 113 ft2.

4. Find the diameter of a storage tank that has a surface area of 314 ft2.

9
Circumference – The perimeter of
5. The detention time in a chlorine contact chamber is 42 minutes. If the chamber a circle.
holds 3200 gallons, what is the flow rate in gpm?

10
Rectangle – A four-sided figure with
four right angles.

6. A clearwell has a detention time of 2 hours. What is the flow rate in gpm if the
clearwell holds 8000 gallons?

7. A rectangular settling basin has a weir length of 10 feet. What is the weir over-
flow rate when the flow is 80,000 gpd?

Finding Perimeter/Circumference
Units
The perimeter is the total distance or length around an object, like a parcel of land, a
building, or a box. Circumference9 is the distance around a circle. Distance is a lin-
ear measurement, and therefore the standard units for linear measurements are used.
Typical samples would be inches, feet, miles, etc.

Formula for a Rectangle

The perimeter of a rectangle10 is obtained by adding the lengths of the four sides.
13-26 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

Formula for a Circle

The circumference of a circle is found by multiplying pi (π) times the diameter11.

C=πxD

Where:
11
Diameter – The distance across a C = Circumference π = Greek letter pi
circle. A straight line passing through D = Diameter π = 3.1416
the center of a circle.

Perimeter/Circumference
Square or Rectangle Circle
Perimeter = L1 + L2 + L3 + L4 Circumference = πD

Example – Rectangle
Find the perimeter of the following rectangle:

P = 10' + 4' + 10' + 4' = 28'

 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-27

Practice Problems – Perimeter and Circumference

1. Find the perimeter or circumference of the following items:

12
Cross-sectional Area – The area at
right angles to the length of a pipe or
basin.

13
Radius – A line from the center of a
circle or sphere to the circumference
of the circle or surface of the sphere.

Finding Area
Units
Area is an expression of the square unit measurement of the surface of an item or a
parcel of land. The area on top of a sedimentation basin is called the surface area.
The area of the end of a pipe is called the cross-sectional area12. Area is usually
expressed in squared terms such as square inches (in2) or square feet (ft2). Land may
also be expressed in terms of sections (1 square mile) or acres (43,560 ft2) or in the
metric system as hectares (10,000m2).

Formula for a Rectangle

The area of a rectangle is found by multiplying the length times the width.

Where:
L = length W = width

Formula for a Circle

The surface area of a circle is determined by multiplying pi times the radius squared
(r2).

Where:
A = area π = Greek letter pi
r = radius13 of a circle π = 3.1416
Radius is one-half of the diameter
13-28 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

Area
Rectangle or Square Circle
A=LxW A = π r2 or .785D2

Example – Rectangle
Find the area of the following rectangle:

A = 4' x 10' = 40 ft2

This is the same as saying that 40 individual pieces of paper one foot by one foot could be
placed on this surface.

Example – Circle
Find the surface area of the following circle with a radius of 5 ft:

A = π x r2 A = .785 x D2
A = π x 52 A = .785 x 102
t
fee

Or
A = π x 25 ft2 A = .785 x 10 x 10
5f
10

ee A = 78.5 ft2 A = 78.5 ft2

t
 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-29

Practice Problems – Area

1. Find the area of the following items:

Finding the Volume

Units
Volume14 is expressed in cubic units, such as cubic inches (in3), cubic feet (ft3), acre Volume – The amount of space oc-
14

cupied by or contained in an object.

feet (1 Acre foot = 43,560 ft3), etc. Measured by the number of cubes,
each with an edge 1 unit long that can
be contained in the object.
Formula for Rectangular Object
The volume of a rectangular object is obtained by multiplying the length times the
width times the depth or height.

Where: L = length W = width

V=LxWxD
D = depth or H = height

Formula for a Cylinder

The volume of a cylinder15 (such as a piece of pipe or a tank) is equal to its height
Cylinder – A solid or hollow figure,
times pi times the radius of the cylinder squared. The length (L) and height (H) of a
15

traced out when a rectangle rotates

cylinder are the same dimension. using one of its sides as the axis of
the rotation.

V = H x π r2 Where: π = 3.1416
or V = H x .785 D2 r = radius of the cylinder
H = height or length of the cylinder
13-30 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

Volume
Rectangle or Square
V=LxWxD

Cylinder
V = H x π r2 or V = H x .785 D2

H
 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-31

Example – Volume

Find the volume in cubic feet of the sedimentation basin below:

V=LxWxD
V = 20 ft x 8 ft x 9 ft
V = 1,440 ft3

Example – Cylinder
Find the volume of a tank 20 feet in diameter and 15 feet tall.

Volume = H x π r2 or Volume = H x .785 D2

The radius of a circle is one-half the diameter. Since the diameter is 20 feet, the radius is 10
feet.

V = 15 ft x π (10 ft)2 V = 15 ft x .785 x 202

V = 15 ft x π x 100 ft2 Or V = 15 ft x .785 x 20 x 20
V = 4,712 ft3 V = 4,712 ft3

Practice Problems – Volume

1. Find the volume of the following:
A. A 3-inch pipe 200 feet long. (Hint, change the diameter of the pipe from
inches to feet by dividing by 12.)
B. A fuel tank 4 feet in diameter and 10 feet long.
C. A chlorine barrel that is 20 inches in diameter and 42 inches tall.
D. A trench 2.5 feet wide, 6 feet deep, and 60 feet long.
13-32 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

Working with Percent

Definition
Percent means parts of 100 parts. The symbol for percent is %. We use percent to
describe portions of the whole. For instance, if a tank is 1/2 full, we say that it con-
tains 50% of the original solution. We also use percent to describe the portion of a
budget spent or a project completed. For example, “There is only 25% of the bud-
geted amount remaining.” “The water line project is 80% complete.”

How Expressed
Percentage is expressed as a whole number with a % sign after it, except when it is
used in a calculation. In a calculation, percent is expressed as a decimal. The decimal
is obtained by dividing the percent by 100. For instance, 11% is expressed as the
decimal 0.11, since 11% is equal to 11/100. This decimal is obtained by dividing 11
by 100.

Finding Percentage
To determine what percentage a part is of the whole, divide the part by the whole.

Example 1 – Percent

There are 80 water meters to read, Jim has finished 24 of them. What percentage of the
meters have been read?

24 ÷ 80 = 0.30

The 0.30 is converted to percent by multiplying the answer by 100.

0.30 x 100 = 30%

Thus 30% of the 80 meters have been read.

Finding the Whole

To determine the whole when the part and its percentage is given, divide the part by
the percentage.
 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-33

Example 2 – Percent

How much 65% calcium hypochlorite is required to obtain 7 pounds of pure chlorine? The
part is the 7 pounds, which is 65% of the whole.

1. Convert the percentage to a decimal by dividing by 100.

65% ÷ 100 = 0.65
2. Divide the part by the decimal equivalent of the percentage.
7lbs ÷ 0.65 = 10.769 – rounding 10.8 lbs.

Changing Decimals to Percent

To change the percent obtained above to the decimal equivalent, divide the percent by
100.

Example – Changing Decimals to Percent

Change 30% to a decimal.

30% ÷ 100 = 0.30 (0.30 is the decimal equivalent of 30%.)

Percentage of a Number
To find the percentage of a number, multiply the number by the decimal equivalent
of the percentage given in the problem.

Example – Percentage

What is 28% of 286?

1. Change the 28% to a decimal equivalent.
28% ÷ 100 = 0.28
2. Multiply 286 x 0.28 = 80
28% of 286 is 80. 80 is 28% of 286.

Increase a Value by a Percent

To increase a value by a percent, add the decimal equivalent of the percent to “1,”
and multiply it times the number.
13-34 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

Example – Increasing a Value by a Percent

A filter bed will expand 25% during backwash. If the filter bed is 36 inches deep, how deep
will it be during backwash?
1. Change the percent to a decimal.
25% ÷100 = 0.25
2. Add the whole number 1 to this value.
1 + 0.25 = 1.25
3. Multiply times the value.
36 in x 1.25 = 45 inches

Percentage Concentrations
The concentration of chemicals, such as fluoride and hypochlorites, is commonly
expressed as a percentage.

Example – Percentage Concentrations

A chlorine solution was made to have a 4% concentration. It is often desirable to determine

this concentration in mg/L. This is relatively simple: the 4% is four percent of a million.

To find the concentration in mg/L when it is expressed in percent, do the following:

1. Change the percent to a decimal.
4% ÷ 100 = 0.04
2. Multiply times a million.
0.04 x 1,000,000 = 40,000 mg/L

We get the million because a liter of water weighs 1,000,000 mg. 1 mg in 1 liter is 1 part in a
million parts (ppm). 1% = 10,000 mg/L.

Practice Problems – Percentage

A. 25% of the chlorine in a 30-gallon vat has been used. How many gallons are
remaining in the vat?

B. The annual public works budget is $147,450. If 75% of the budget should be
spent by the end of September, how many dollars are to be spent? How many
dollars will be remaining?

C. A 75 pound container of calcium hypochlorite has a purity of 67%. What is

the total weight of the calcium hypochlorite?
 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-35

D. 3/4 is the same as what percentage?

E. A 2% chlorine solution is what concentration in mg/L?

F. A water plant produces 84,000 gallons per day. 7,560 gallons are used to
backwash the filter. What percentage of water is used to backwash?

16
Demand – When related to use, the
G. The average day winter demand16 of a community is 14,500 gallons. If the amount of water used in a period of
summer demand is estimated to be 72% greater than the winter, what is the time. The term is in reference to the
estimated summer demand? “demand” put onto the system to
meet the need of customers.

Pump Efficiency
Horsepower
There are three types of horsepower associated with a pumping installation:
• Electrical Horsepower (EHp) – The horsepower that is purchased from the
power company.
• Brake Horsepower (BHp) – The horsepower that is the output of the electric
motor. This is the input horsepower to the pump.
• Water Horsepower (WHp) – The horsepower that is the output of the pump.

Process – Pump or Motor

To determine the efficiency of a pump or motor, divide the output horsepower by the
input horsepower. Then multiply the result by 100 to change the decimal into per-
cent.

Output Horsepower
x 100 = % efficiency
Input Horsepower

Process – When % is Given

If the efficiency of each unit is known and you wish to determine the efficiency of
the entire pump station, then merely multiply the decimal equivalency of the two
percentages together.

Efficiency of Motor x Efficiency of Pump = Station %

13-36 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

Example 1 – Pump Efficiency

It has been determined that the water horsepower of a pump is 5 Hp and the brake horse-
power output of the motor is 7.2 Hp. What is the efficiency of the motor?

5 WHp
x 100 = 69.4%
7.2 BHp

Example 2 – Pump Efficiency

If a motor is 90% efficient and the output is 7.5 BHp, what is the electrical horsepower
requirement?

7.5 BHp
= 8.3 EHp
0.90

Example 3 – Well Efficiency

If a pump is 70% efficient and the motor is 90% efficient, what is the efficiency of the well?

1. Change the efficiency into decimals by dividing each by 100.

70% 90%
= 0.70, = 0.90
100 100

2. Multiply the two values.

0.70 x 0.90 = 0.63

3. Multiply the value by 100 to convert the decimal to a percentage.

0.63 x 100 = 63%

Practice Problems – Efficiency

A. The water horsepower of a pump is 10 Hp, and the brake horsepower output of
the motor is 15.4 Hp. What is the efficiency of the pump?

B. The water horsepower of a pump is 25 Hp, and the brake horsepower output of
the motor is 48 Hp. What is the efficiency of the pump?

C. The efficiency of a well pump is determined to be 75%. The efficiency of the

motor is estimated at 94%. What is the efficiency of the well?

D. If a motor is 85% efficient and the output of the motor is determined to be 10

BHp, what is the electrical horsepower requirement of the motor?
 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-37

E. The water horsepower of a well with a submersible pump has been calculated at
8.2 WHp. The output of the electric motor is measured as 10.3 BHp. What is the
efficiency of the pump?

Making Conversions
Use
Conversions are a process of changing the units of a number in order to make the
number usable in a specific instance. Common conversions in water works include
MGD (Million gallons per day) – A
the following:
17

unit of flow and a unit of volume.

• gpm to cfs 18
Head – The measure of the pres-
• Million gallons to acre feet sure of water expressed as height of
water in feet: 1 psi = 2.31 feet of head.
• Cubic feet to acre feet
• Cubic feet of water to weight
• Cubic feet of water to gallons
• Gallons of water to weight
• gpm to MGD17
• psi to feet of head18

Working with Formulas

To use a formula, you must change the units of the data given to meet the require-
ments of the formula.

Example – Formulas

The formula for finding velocity19 in a pipe is V = Q ÷ A, where Q is the flow in cubic feet Velocity – The speed at which water
19

moves, expressed in feet per second.

per second. We most often measure flow in gallons per minute. To use this formula, we must
often convert the flow from gpm to cfs.

What Is a Conversion?
A conversion is a number that is used to multiply or divide into another number in
order to change the units of the number.

Known Conversions
In most instances, the conversion factor cannot be derived. It must be known. There-
fore, tables such as the one below are used to find the common conversions.

Committing to Memory
Most operators memorize some standard conversions. This happens as a result of us-
ing the conversions, not as a result of attempting to memorize them.
13-38 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

Some Common Conversions

Linear Measurements Weight

1 inch = 2.54 cm 1 ft3 of water = 62.4 lbs
1 foot = 30.5 cm 1 gal = 8.34 lbs
1 meter = 100 cm = 3.281 feet = 39.4 inches 1 1 lb = 453.6 grams
acre = 43,560 ft2 1 kg = 1000 g = 2.2 lbs
1 yard = 3 feet 1 % = 10,000 mg/L
1 pound = 16 oz dry wt
1 ft3 = 62.4 lbs
Volume Pressure
1 gal = 3.78 liters 1 ft of head = 0.433 psi
1 ft3 = 7.48 gal 1 psi = 2.31 ft of head
1 L = 1000 mL
1 gal = 16 cups

Flow
1 cfs = 448 gpm
1gpm = 1440 gpd

Selecting a Conversion
The key to selecting which conversion to use is to look at the units. If you wish to
convert cubic feet of water to pounds, then you need a conversion that has both of
these units (1 ft3 of water = 62.4 lbs).

Complex Process
The process of converting units can be highly complex and require several steps.
A working understanding of the processes used requires a basic understanding of
algebra. Because this is outside of the scope of this material, a process that does not
require the understanding of algebra is described below. This process works only if
there is an existing conversion and only a single conversion is required.

Straight Line Conversion

The technique described below is for working with straight line conversions. A
straight line conversion is one that is direct: gpm to cfs, gal to liters, gallons to
pounds, etc.

Process
The best way to describe this process is with an example.
 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-39

Example – Straight Line Conversion

Convert 865 gpm to cfs.

1. Place the known value on the paper with the units as a fraction and with 1 as the denomi-
nator to that fraction.
2. Place a multiplication sign (x) after the units.
3. Place a straight line after the x.
4. Follow the straight line with an equal sign (=).

gpm
865 x
1

5. Ask the following question, “What units do I want to get rid of?”

gpm ?
865 x =
1 gpm

6. Place this unit under the straight line. In this case, we want to get rid of the gpm.
7. Ask yourself, “What units do we want when we get done?”
8. Place this unit above the straight line. The original question ask that we convert gpm to
cfs. So cfs is what we want when we get done.
9. Find a conversion that goes between these two units. From the conversion table, we find
the following conversion:
1 cfs = 448 gpm
10. Place the conversion next to the proper units above or below the line. In our example,
the conversion was 448 gpm, so the 448 goes below the line next to its proper units.

gpm 1 cfs
865 x =
1 448 gpm

11. Solve the problem. The information above could be rewritten into a fraction.

865 gpm x 1 cfs 865 gpm x 1 cfs

cfs = = = 1.92 cfs
1 x 448 gpm 448 gpm

Practice Problems – Conversion

1. Convert the following:

A. 750 ft3 of water to gallons

B. 50 gallons of water to pounds

C. 560 gpm to cfs

D. 4 lbs to ounces
13-40 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

E. 128 ft3 of water to weight in pounds

F. 340 in2 to ft2

G. 3.4 cfs to gpm

H. H. 65 ft3 to yd3

I. 3,000 gallons to ft3

J. 250,000 gallons to MG

K. 75 gpm to MGD

L. 8 inches to feet

M. 2.4 MGD to cfs

N. 2.4 MGD to gpm

O. 65 pints to gallons

P. 2.5 ft2 to square inches

Q. 7 yards to feet

R. 36,000 gpd to gpm

S. 125 gpm to gph

 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-41

Temperature Conversion
Two Scales
There are two scales used to report temperature: the English scale of Fahrenheit and
the metric scale of Celsius. There are two classic equations used to convert between
these two scales:

°C = 5/9 (°F - 32°)

°F = (9/5 X °C) + 32°

Confusion
Typically, these two formulas provide more confusion than clarity. The following is
our attempt to share a method that we find helpful in making these conversions.

The Scales
To understand how to make these conversions, start with comparing the two scales.
With the Fahrenheit scale, water freezes at 32° and boils at 212°. On the Celsius
scale, water freezes at 0° and boils at 100°.

Difference of 32°
We can see that if we want to go from Fahrenheit to Celsius we must start by sub-
tracting 32°. To go from Celsius to Fahrenheit, we must add 32°.

Size of the Division

The difference between 32° and 212° is 180°. This is the difference between water
freezing and boiling on the Fahrenheit scale. The difference between freezing and
boiling on the Celsius scale is 100°. Therefore, we can see that each 1° change in the
Celsius scale is the same as a 1.8° change in the Fahrenheit scale.

Changing Scales
As a result, to change from Celsius to Fahrenheit, we must multiply the result by 1.8.
To change from Fahrenheit to Celsius we must divide by 1.8.

Final Confusion
The most confusing part is to determine if you should adjust for the 32° first or adjust
for the size of the scale first. Here are the rules:

Rule 1 – To change °F to °C - subtract 32° then divide by 1.8.

Rule 2 – To change °C to °F - multiply by 1.8 and add 32°.

Conclusion
We now have two new formulas:
°F - 32°
°C =
1.8
°F = °C X 1.8 + 32°
A Third Choice
Several textbooks show a third method of making this conversion. This is a three-step
method:

Step 1 – Add 40° to the existing value.

Step 2 – Multiply by 1.8 if going to °F and divide by 1.8 if going to °C.
Step 3 – Subtract 40°.
13-42 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

Example – Temperature Conversion

Change 212°F to °C.

1. 212°F + 40° = 252°F
2. 252°F ÷ 1.8 = 140 °
3. 140° - 40° = 100°C

Your Choice
It makes little difference which technique you use. Select
the one that fits your style and proceed.

Practice Problems – Temperature Conversion

A. Change 70 °F to °C

B. Change 140 °F to °C

C. Change 20 °C to °F

D. Change 85 °C to °F

E. Change 4 °C to °F

Calculating Pressure and Head

Definition
Pressure is the weight per unit area. Typical pressure units are pounds per square inch
(lbs/in2 – psi) and pounds per square foot (lbs/ft2). The pressure on the bottom of a
container is not related to the volume of the container or the size of the bottom. The
pressure depends on the height of the fluid in the container. (For more information,
see the Hydraulics section of Chapter 2.)

Pressure and Head

The height of the fluid in a container is referred to as head. Head is a direct measure-
ment in feet and is directly related to pressure.

Relationship Between Feet and Head

Weight of Water
Water weighs 62.4 pounds per cubic foot.

The surface of any one side of the cube contains 144 square inches (12" x 12" = 144
in2). Therefore, the cube contains 144 columns of water one foot tall and one inch
square.
 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-43

The weight of each of these pieces can be determined by dividing the weight of the
water in the cube by the number of square inches.

62.4 lbs
Weight = = 0.433 lbs/in2
144 in2

or 0.433 psi

Since this is the weight of one column of water one foot tall, the true expression
would be 0.433 pounds per square inch per foot of head or 0.433 psi/ft.
What formula do you want here?

Conversion
We now have a conversion between feet of head and psi.

1 foot of head = 0.433 psi

While it can be calculated from the relationship above, it is also desirable to know the
relationship between pressure and feet of head. In other words, 1 psi represents how
many feet of head. This is determined by dividing 1 by 0.433 psi.

1 ft
foot of head = = 2.31 ft/psi
0.433 psi

In other words, if a pressure gauge were reading 10 psi, we know that the height of
the water necessary to represent this pressure would be 10 psi x 2.31 ft/psi = 23.1 ft.
Both Conversions
1 ft = 0.433 psi
1 psi = 2.31 feet

Which Conversion to Use

Many operators find having two conversions for the same thing is confusing. They
agree that it is best to memorize one and stay with it. The most accurate conversion is
the 1 ft = 0.433 psi. This is the conversion used in this text.
13-44 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

Example – Conversion

To convert 40 psi to feet of head, use the standard conversion technique described earlier.

psi ft
40 x = 92.4 feet
1 0.433 psi

Convert 40 feet to psi.

ft 0.433 psi
40 x = 17.3 psi
1 1 ft

Another Way
As you can see, if you are attempting to convert psi to feet, you divide by 0.433, and
if you are attempting to convert feet to psi, you multiply by 0.433. It can become
confusing about when to divide and when to multiply. The above process can be most
helpful in making that determination. However, there is another way. Notice that the
relationship between psi and feet is almost two to one. It takes slightly more than
two feet to make one psi. Therefore, when looking at a problem where the data is in
pressure and you want it in feet, we can see that the answer will be at least twice as
large as the number we are starting with. For example, if the pressure were 20 psi,
we know that the head is over 40 feet. Therefore, we must divide by 0.433 to obtain
the correct answer.

Practice Problems – Pressure and Head

1. Make the following conversions:
A. Convert a pressure of 45 psi to feet of head.

B. Convert 12 psi to feet of head.

C. Convert 85 psi to feet of head.

D. It is 112 feet in elevation between the top of the reservoir and the watering
point. What will the static pressure be at the watering point?

E. A reservoir is 20 feet deep. What will the pressure be at the bottom of the
reservoir?
 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-45

Determining Flow
Units
Flow is expressed in the English system of measurements using many terms. The
most common flow terms include the following:
• gpm – Gallons per minute
• cfs – Cubic feet per second
• gpd – Gallons per day
• MGD – Million gallons per day

Conversions
Flow rates can be converted to different units using the conversion process describe
above. The most common flow conversions are 1 cfs = 448 gpm and 1 gpm = 1440
gpd.

Gallons per Day (gpd) to MGD

To convert gallons per day to MGD, divide the gpd by 1,000,000.

Example – Conversion of gdp to MGD

Convert 125,000 gallons to MGD.

125,000 gpd
= 0.125 MGD
1,000,000

Convert 2,300,000 gpd to MGD.

2,300,000 gpd
= 0.2.3 MGD
1,000,000

Conversion of MGD to gpm

There are many instances where the design or plant information is given in MGD,
and we wish to have the flow in gpm. This conversion is accomplished in two steps:
1. Convert to gpd by multiplying by 1,000,000.
2. Convert to gpm by dividing by the number of minutes in a day (1440 min/
day).
13-46 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

Example – Conversion of MGD to gpm

Convert 0.125 MGD to gpm.

1. Convert the flow in MGD to gpd.

0.125 MGD x 1,000,000 = 125,000 gpd

2. Convert to gpm by dividing by the number of minutes in a day (24 hrs per day x 60 min
per hour) 1440 min/day.

125,000 gpd
= 86.6 or 87 gpm
1,440 min/day

Convert gpd to gpm

The process of converting gpd to gpm is shown in the example above. The process is
to divide the flow in gpd by the number of minutes in a day (1440 min/day).

Conversion of gpm to cfs

The conversion from gpm to cfs is shown in the examples in the above section on
conversions. The conversion is 1 cfs = 448 gpm.

Determining Flow Equation

Flow in a pipeline, channel, or stream is found using the equation:

Q=VxA
Where
Q = cubic feet per second (cfs)
V = velocity in feet per second (ft/sec)
A = area in square feet (ft2)

Example – Determining Flow

Find the flow in cfs in a 6 -inch line, if the velocity is 2 feet per second.
1. Determine the cross-sectional area of the line in square feet. Start by converting the
diameter of the pipe to inches.

The diameter is 6 inches: therefore, the radius is 3 inches. 3 inches is 3/12 of a foot or
0.25 feet.

2. Now find the area in square feet.

A = π x r2 A = 0.785 x D2
A = π x (0.25 ft)2 A = 0.785 x 0.52
Or
A = π x 0.0625 ft 2
A = 0.785 x .05 x.05
A = 0.196 ft 2
A = 0.196 ft2

3. Now find the flow.

Q=VxA
Q = 2 ft/sec x 0.196 ft2
Q = 0.3927 cfs or 0.4 cfs
 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-47

Practice Problems – Flow

A. Find the flow in MGD when the flow is 34,000 gpd.

B. Find the flow in gpm when the total flow for the day is 65,000 gpd.

C. Find the flow in gpm when the flow is 1.3 cfs.

D. Find the flow in gpm when the flow is 0.25 cfs.

E. Find the flow in a 4-inch pipe when the velocity is 1.5 feet per second.

Calculating Detention Time
Detention time is the amount of time that a fluid stays in a container.

Units
Detention time is expressed in units of time. The most common are seconds, minutes,
hours, and days.

Calculations
The simplest way to calculate the detention time is to divide the volume of the con-
tainer by the flow rate into the container. The theoretical detention time of a container
is the same as the amount of time it would take to fill the container if it were empty.

Volume Units
The most common volume units used are gallons. However, on occasion cubic feet
may also be used.

Time Units
The time units will be in whatever units are used to express the flow. For instance, if
the flow is in gpm, then the detention time will be in minutes. If the flow is in gpd,
then the detention time will be in days. If in the final result the detention time is in the
wrong time units, then simply convert to the appropriate units.

Example – Detention Time

The reservoir for the village is 85,000 gallons. The well will produce 55 gpm. What is the
detention time in the tank in hours?

85,000 gal 1,545 min

DT = = 1,545 min or = 25.8 hrs
55 gpm 60 min/hr
13-48 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

Practice Problems – Detention Time

A. How long will it take to fill a 50-gallon hypochlorite tank if the flow is 5
gpm?

B. Find the detention time in a 45,000 gallon reservoir if the flow rate is 85 gpm.

C. If the fuel consumption to the boiler is 35 gallons per day, how many days
will the 500 gallon tank last?

D. The sedimentation basin of a water plant contains 5,775 gallons. What is the
detention time if the flow is 175 gpm?
Ratio and Proportion
What is a Ratio?
A ratio is a relationship between two numbers. A ratio can be written using a colon
(1:2, 5:9, 20:60) or a fraction (1/2, 5/9, or 20/60).

What Is a Proportion?
A proportion exists when the relationship between one ratio is the same as the rela-
tionship between a second ratio.

How Is This Determined?

To determine if two ratios are proportional, the two are cross-multiplied. If the an-
swers are equal, then they are proportional.

Example 1 – Ratio and Proportion

Determine if 3/9 is proportional to 6/18.

9 x 6 = 54 and 3 x 18 = 54; therefore, the two ratios are proportional.

Example 2 – Ratio and Proportion

Determine if 5/9 and 6/20 are proportional.

9 x 6 =54 and 5 x 20 = 100; therefore, the two are not proportional.

 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-49

So Now What?
This process is an introduction into the practical use of ratios and proportions used
to solve common problems. To use this process, we need to discuss one more major
step and then provide some basic rules. The first step is what to do when one part of a
ratio is unknown.

The Unknown
To solve for an unknown portion of a ratio, follow these steps:

Step 1 – Set up the ratios in a proportion format. Place an “X” in the ratio for the un-
known value. Notice that we have set the two ratios up as a proportion with the colon
(:) between them.

2 X
:
15 50
Step 2 – Cross-multiply keeping all numbers as numerators. (We are multiplying
both sides of the equestion by the denominators over 1.)

(15) (X) = (2) (50)

Step 3 – To get the X on the left side of the equation, divide both sides by 15.

(2) (50)
X=
15

Step 4 – Solve for X.

X = 6.67

Practical Application
Proportion problems deal with larger and smaller values of the same units. For in-
stance, a common proportion problem might be the following:

If it takes 5 pounds of calcium hypochlorite to give the correct dosage in a 35 gallon

tank, then how many pounds will it take to make 12 gallons?

Rule 1 – Set up the proportion with the same types of units on one side of the colon.
Using our example above, pounds would go on one side and gallons on the other.

Rule 2 – The numerators must contain the same size of units (either larger or small
units), and the denominator must contain the same size units (either larger or small-
er). For instance:

Smaller Value Smaller Value

:
Larger Value Larger Value

or

Larger Value Larger Value

:
Smaller Value Smaller Value
13-50 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

Rule 3 – Place an “X” in the unknown value, and solve for “X.”

Hint
Using our example above, you can set up a verbal relationship. For instance, 5
pounds is to 35 gallons as X pounds is to 12 gallons. To place these in the equation,
start in the upper left with the 5 pounds. The “is to” represents the equal sign. For
instance:

5 lbs 35 gal
:
X 12 gal

(X) (35 gal) = (5 lbs) (12 gal)

(5 lbs) (12 gal)

X= = 1.7 lbs
35 gal

Example 3 – Ratio and Proportion

If one chlorine cylinder is used in 20 days, how many will be used in 100 days?

Step 1 – Set up the proportion.

1 cylinder is to 20 days as X cylinders is to 100 days.

1 cylinder 20 days
:
X 100 days

Step 2 – Cross-multiply.

(X cylinders) (20 days) = (1 cylinder) ( 100 days)

Step 3 – Rearrange the equation to get “X” on the left by its self; divide both sides by 20
days.

(1 cylinder) (100 days)

X cylinders =
20 days

Step 4 – Solve for X cylinders.

X = 5 cylinders

Practice Problems – Ratio and Proportion

A. It takes 6 gallons of chlorine solution to obtain a proper residual when the
flow is 45,000 gpd. How many gallons will it take when the flow is 62,000
gpd?

B. A motor is rated at 41 amps average draw per leg at 30Hp. What is the actual
Hp when the draw is 36 amps?
 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-51

C. If it takes 2 operators 4.5 days to clean an aeration basin, how long will it take
three operators to do the same job?

D. If it takes 20 minutes to pump a wet well down with one pump pumping at
125 gpm, then how long will it take if a 200 gpm pump is used?

E. It takes 3 hours to clean 400 feet of collection system using a sewer ball. How
long will it take to clean 250 feet?

F. It takes 14 cups of HTH to make a 12% solution, and each cup holds 300
grams. How many cups will it take to make a 5% solution?

Pounds Formula
Use
One of the most common formulas used by water and wastewater operators is the
pounds formula. This formula is used to determine the loading on the plant and its
various process units; the loading on the receiving water; and the amount of chemi-
cals needed for a specific function, such as disinfection. The formula can also be
used to determine the amount of mixed liquor in the aeration basin and the amount of
sludge to be disposed of in the landfill.

Basic Assumption
The formula assumes that all of the material found in water (TSS, BOD, MLSS,
Chlorine, etc.) weighs the same as water, that is, 8.34 pounds per gallon.

The Formula
The basic pounds formula is

Lbs = Flow, MG x 8.34 x Conc, mg/L

Where
Lbs = pounds
MG = Flow or volume in millions of gallons
Conc = concentration or dosage in mg/L

Process
The process of using the pounds formula to determine pounds of a substance in water
is relatively simple. Just plug the values into the appropriate slots and multiply.
However, there are two items that can cause some confusion: flows of less than one
million gallons and concentrations in ppm.
13-52 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

Flow
Flow and volume are often expressed in gallons per day, gallons per minute and mil-
lions of gallons per day. Regardless of how they are expressed, they must be convert-
ed to MG in order for them to be placed in this formula. When the flow is in gallons
or million gallons per day (MGD), the pounds must be expressed in lbs/day.

Flow or Volume in gpd

When a flow or volume is expressed in gallons, it must be converted to MGD by di-
viding it by 1,000,000. For instance, a flow of 120,000 gpd is 0.12 MGD, and a flow
of 40,000 gpd is 0.04 MGD.

Flow or Volume in gpm

When a flow or volume is expressed in gpm, it must be first converted to gpd by
multiplying by the number of minutes per day (1440) and then divided by 1,000,000
to get MGD.

Example 1 – Flow

The flow is 250 gpm. What is the flow in MGD?

250 gpm X 1440 min/day = 360,000 gpd

360,000 gpd ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.36 MGD

PPM
PPM or ppm is an abbreviation for parts per million. Parts per million is the same
as mg/L (milligrams per liter). While they mean the same, mg/L is the preferred and
more accepted unit.

Example 2 –Flow

A water treatment plant feeds alum at a dosage of 26 mg/L. The flow is 2.5 MGD. How
many pounds of alum are used each day?

lbs/day = MGD x 8.34, lbs/gal x Conc, mg/L

lbs/day = 2.5 MGD x 8.34 lbs/gal x 26 mg/L
lbs/day = 542 pounds/day

Practice Problems – Pounds Formula

A. How many pounds of 100% gas chlorine are needed to disinfect a flow of
85,000 gpd at 12 mg/L?

B. The suspended solids in a stream are measured at 360 mg/L. The stream flow
is estimated to be 3.2 MGD. How many pounds of solids are carried by the
stream each day?
 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-53

C. The backwash water of a treatment plant contains 320 mg/L of solids. 4,000
gallons of water are used for backwash. How many pounds of solids are de-
posited in the backwash lagoon with each backwash?

D. A 400,000-gallon storage tank is to be disinfected with 50 mg/L of chlorine.

How many pounds of gas chlorine would it take to disinfect this tank?

E. How many pounds of calcium hypochlorite at 67% is needed to disinfect

125,000 gallon per day flow with a dosage of 8 mg/L?

Metric System (SI)

Description
The system of units and measures that is commonly called the metric system is
more correctly titled the SI (or System International). This is the system that is used
throughout most of the world, except the United States. The metric system is a base
10 system. This base makes it very easy to convert between various units. While the
system has not gained widespread acceptance in the US, it is widely accepted in most
of the world, and it is highly desirable that the operator be familiar with the basic
components of the system.

Base Units
The following are the base units of this system.

Quantity Unit Symbol

Length meter m
Mass gram g
Time second s
Temperature Kelvin K
Volume liter L

Description of the Units

Length
The basic unit of measurement of length is the meter. A meter is approximately 3 feet
in length (3.281 ft).

Mass
Mass in the metric system is used as a comparison with pounds in the English system.
The base unit is the gram. There are approximately 454 grams in a pound.

Time
The time base of seconds in the metric system is the same as the time base in the
English system.
13-54 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

Temperature
The basic unit of temperature in the metric system is the Kelvin unit. However, Cel-
sius is the unit that is most commonly associated with this system. One degree Kelvin
is the same size as one degree Celsius. The major difference is in the starting point
(zero). In the Kelvin thermometer, 0°K is equal to -273.15 °C.

Metric Prefixes
English
When a number becomes too large to handle easily, we convert it by dividing it by a
value and call it something else. For instance, when we have too many feet, we divide
by 3 and call the result yards, or we divide by 5,280 and call the result miles. Seldom
are the divisions even numbers, and they change with each set of units. Notice that
yards are feet divided by 3, but miles are feet divided by 5,280. This makes it difficult
to remember how to make the proper conversion.

Metric
In the metric system, there are standard prefixes to numbers that have been divided in
order to reduce their size. In addition, the divisions are always in multiples of 10. The
following is a listing of the basic metric prefixes:

Mathematical
Prefix Symbol
Value
giga G 1,000,000,000
mega M 1,000,000
kilo k 1,000
hecto* h 100
deka* da 10
Base none 1
deci* d 0.1
centi* c 0.01
milli m 0.001
micro μ 0.000,001
nano n 0.000,000,0001

* Under normal circumstances these prefixes are sel-

dom used and should, if possible, be avoided.
 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-55

Metric Abbreviations
Limitations
The following is a listing of common abbreviations used in math problems in the
water and wastewater field. With a few exceptions, this listing is limited to those
abbreviations that are associated with the SI or metric system units of measurement.
Abbreviations associated with the English system of measurements are found at the
beginning of this lesson on metric units.

Unit Symbol Unit Symbol

year A
newton N
gram g
pascal Pa
hour h
second s
hectare ha
watt w
joule j
milliliter mL
kilogram kg
kilowatt KW
kilometer km
liter L
meter m
milligram mg
minute min
13-56 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

Metric to English Conversions

Area

From To Multiply by to get

square feet square meters ft2 0.0929 m2
square inches square meters in2 6.4516 x 10-4 m2
acre hectare ac 0.4047 ha
square meter square feet m2 10.76 ft2
hectare acre ha 2.471 ac

Energy - Work

From To Multiply by to get

kilowatt-hour joules kwh 3.6 x 106 j
horsepower-hour joules Hph 2.6845 x 106 j

Flow Rate

From To Multiply by to get

cubic feet per second meters per second cfs 0.028317 m3/s
gallons per minute liters per second gpm 0.06309 L/s
liters/second gallons per minute L 15.85 gpm

Force

From To Multiply by to get

pounds Newtons lbs 4.4482 N

Length

From To Multiply by to get

inch meters in 0.0254 m
inch centimeters in 2.54 cm
foot meters ft 0.3048 m
mile meters mi 1609.3 m
mile kilometers mi 1609 km
meter foot m 3.281 ft
kilometer mile km 0.6214 mi

Mass

From To Multiply by to get

ounce kilogram oz 0.02835 kg
pound kilogram lb 0.45359 kg
pound gram lb 453.6 g
liter of water kilogram L 1 kg
kilogram pounds kg 2.205 lb
 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-57

Metric to English Conversions

Power

From To Multiply by to get

horsepower watts Hp 746 w
Joules/second watts J/s 1 w

Pressure

From To Multiply by to get

pounds /square inch pascal psi 6895 Pa
pounds /square inch kilopascal psi 6.9 kPa
pounds /square inch newtons /square meter psi 6895 N/m2
kilopascal pounds/square inch kPa 0.145 psi

Velocity

From To Multiply by to get

foot/second meter/second ft/s 0.3048 m/s
miles/hour meter/second mph 0.44704 m/s
kilometers/hour meter/second km/hr 0.27778 m/s

Volume

From To Multiply by to get

acre-foot cubic meters ac-ft 1233.5 m3
cubic foot cubic meters ft3 0.028317 m3
gallon (U.S.) cubic meters gal 3.7854 x 10-3 m3
gallon (U.S.) liters gal 3.78 L
gallon (Imperial) cubic meters gal(I) 4.5459 x10-3 m3
liter cubic meters L 1000 m3
yard cubic meters yd 0.76455 m3
cubic meters gallons m3 264.2 gal
cubic meters cubic feet m3 35.31 ft3
cubic meters yards m3 1.308 yd

Metric Conversions
Two Types
Like the English system, there are two types of conversions: reducing or enlarging a
value within the same base and converting between bases.

Conversions in the Same Base

Prefix Is the Key
The key to making conversions within the same base lies in understanding the prefix-
es and their associated values. For instance, the prefix kilo indicates 1000; therefore,
a kilogram is 1000 grams, and a kilometer is 1000 meters.
13-58 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

Linear Conversions
The base unit of linear measurement is the meter. The common divisions of the meter
are the following:

Kilometer = 1000 meters

Centimeter = 1/100 of a meter or there are 100 centimeters in a meter.
Millimeter = 1/1000 of a meter or there are 1000 millimeters in a meter.

Example 1 – Conversion

Convert 4500 meters to kilometers.

Step 1 – Divide the number of meters by 1000 (kilo).

4,500 meters
= 4.5 kilometers
1,000 meters/kilometers

Example 2 – Conversion

Convert 4.6 meters to centimeters.

Step 1 – Multiply meters times 100 (centi).

4.6 meters x 100 cm = 460 cm

Volume Conversions
The most common volume conversion is from liters to milliliters. Since milli is the
prefix for 0.001, liters can be converted to milliliters by multiplying times 1000.
Likewise, milliliters can be converted to liters by dividing by 1000.

1L = 1000 mL

Example 3 – Conversion

Convert 2,400 mL to liters.

Step 1 – Divide the number of milliliters by 1000.

2,400 mL
= 2.4 L
1,000 mL/L

Example 4 – Conversion

Convert 0.35 L to milliliters.

Step 1 – Multiply the number of liters times 1000.

0.35 L X 1000 mL/L = 350 mL

 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-59

Mass Conversion
The two most common mass conversions are between kilograms and grams and
between milligrams and grams. Since kilo is 1000 grams, it can be converted to kilo-
grams by dividing by 1000. Since milli is 1000, grams can be converted to milligrams
by multiplying by 1000.

Example 5 – Conversion

Convert 2,600 mg to grams.

Step 1 – Divide the 2,600 mg by 1,000.

2,600 g
= 2.6 g
1,000 mg/g

Example 6 – Conversion

Convert 1,345,000 g to kilograms.

Step 1 – Divide 1,345,000 g by 1,000.

1,345,000 g
= 1345 kg
1,000 g/kg

Conversion to Another Base

Key
The common conversion made between basic units is between mass and volume.
Volume in the metric system is expressed as liters, cubic meters, or cubic centimeters.
The relationship between mass and volume is the following:

1g =1ml =1cc, (one gram is equal to 1 milliliter is equal to 1 cubic centime-

ter)

Other Relationships
1 cubic meter (m3) = 1000 liters
1kg = 1 L

Cubic Measurements
It is common practice to convert liters to cubic meters when the volume exceeds 1000
liters.
13-60 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

Practice Problems - Answers

Example 7 – Conversion

Convert 500 kilograms of water to liters.

Since kilograms and liters are the same base, the conversion is a simple matter of changing
the units. 500 kg = 500 L

Example 8 – Conversion

Convert 3,600 L to cubic meters.

Step 1 – Divide the liters by 1000.

3,600 L
= 3.6 m3
1,000 L/m3

Practice Problems – Metric Conversion

A. Convert 4.2 kg to g.

B. Convert 0.5 kg to g.

C. Convert 4600 g to kg.

D. Convert 3.4 km to m.

E. Convert 0.5 km to m.

F. Convert 10,000 m to km.

 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-61

Practice Problem Answers – Fractions

1. Reduce the following to their simplest terms.
A. 1/2 Both were divided by 2
B. 2/3 Both were divided by 6
C. 3/4 Is in its simplest terms
D. 3/4 Both were divided by 2
E. 3/4 Both were divided by 8
F. 1/2 Both were divided by 9
G. 5/9 Both were divided by 3

Practice Problem Answers – Rounding

1. Round the following to the nearest hundredths:
A. 2.4568 = 2.46
B. 27.2534 = 27.25
C. 128.2111 = 128.21
D. 364.8762 = 364.88
E. 354.777777 = 354.78
F. 34.666666 = 34.67
G. 67. 33333 = 67.33

1. Round the following answers off to the most significant digit:

A. 26.34 x 124.34567 = 3,275.26495 = 3,275.26
B. 25.1 + 26.43 = 51.53 = 51.5
C. 128.456 – 121.4 = 7.056 = 7.1
D. 23.5 ft x 34.25 ft = 804.875 ft2 = 804.9 ft2
E. 12,457.92 x 3 = 37,373.76 = 37,374

Practice Problem Answer – Averages

1. The total is 2.4. There are 9 numbers in the set. Therefore 2.4 ÷ 9 = 0.2667,
rounding to 0.3.

Practice Problem Answers – Formulas

1. Find the diameter of a settling basin that has a circumference of 126 feet.

C = πD

126 ft = πD

126 ft
D= = 40 ft
�
13-62 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

2. Find the diameter of a pipe that has a circumference of 12 9/16”.

12 9/16” = 12.56”

C=πD

12.56 in = π D

12.56 in
D= = 4 in
�

3. Find the diameter of a settling basin that has a surface area of 113 ft2.

A = π r2

113 ft2 = π r2
2
r = 113 ft = 5.997 or 6 ft
π

6 ft x 2 = 12 ft diameter

4. Find the diameter of a storage tank that has a surface area of 314 ft2.

A = π r2

314 ft2 = π r2
2
r = 113 ft = 9.997 or 10 ft
π

D = 10 ft x 2 = 20 ft

5. The detention time in a chlorine contact chamber is 42 minutes. If the chamber

holds 3200 gallons, what is the flow rate in gpm?

Volume
DT =
Flow

3200 gal 3200 gal

42 min = = flow, gpm =
flow, gpm 42 min

flow = 76 gpm
 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-63

6. A clearwell has a detention time of 2 hours. What is the flow rate in gpm if the
clarifier holds 8000 gallons?

Volume
DT =
Flow

8000 gal 8000 gal

120 min = = flow, gpm =
flow, gpm 120 min

flow, gpm = 67 gpm

7. A rectangular settling basin has a weir length of 10 feet. What is the weir over-
flow rate when the flow is 80,000 gpd?

Flow rate in gpd

WO =
Weir length in feet

80,000 gpd
WO = = 8,000 gpd/ft
10 ft

Practice Problem Answers – Perimeter/Circumference

1. Find the perimeter or circumference of the following items:
A. = π x 14 inches = 44 inches
B. 6 ft + 9 ft + 6 ft + 9 ft = 30 ft
C. 42 ft + 20 ft + 42 ft + 20 ft = 124 ft
D. π x 28 feet = 88 feet

Practice Problem Answers – Area

1. Find the area of the following items:
A. Diameter is 14 inches. Therefore, the radius, being 1/2 of the diameter, is 7
inches.
A = π x (7 in)2
A = π x 49 in2
A = 154 in2

B. A = L x W
A = 9 ft x 6 ft = 54 ft2

C. A = L x W
A = 42 ft x 20 ft
A = 840 ft2

D. The diameter is 28 feet. The radius is one-half of the diameter; therefore, the
radius is 14 feet.
A = π x r2
A = π x (14 feet)2
A = π x 196 ft2
A = 616 ft2
13-64 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

Practice Problem Answers – Volume

1. Find the volume of the following:
A. 3-inch pipe 200 feet long

Hint: change the diameter of the pipe from inches to feet by dividing by 12.

1. Change diameter to feet 3 ÷ 12 = 0.25 ft.

2. Find the radius by dividing the diameter by 2.

0.25 ft ÷ 2 = 0.125 ft

3. Find the volume.

V = L x π r2
V = 200 ft x π (0.125ft)2
V = 200 ft x π x 0.01563 ft2
V = 9.8 ft3

B. Find the volume of a fuel tank 4 feet in diameter and 10 feet long.

1. Find the radius of the tank. The radius is one-half of the diameter.
4 ft ÷ 2 = 2 ft

2. Find the volume.

V = L x π r2
V = 10 ft x π (2 ft)2
V = 10 ft x π x 4 ft2
V = 125.7 ft3
 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-65

C. Find the volume of a chlorine barrel that is 20 inches in diameter and 42

inches tall.

1. Find the radius of the tank. The radius is one-half of the diameter.
20 inches ÷ 2 = 10 inches

2. Find the volume.

V = H x π r2
V = 42 in x π (10 in)2
V = 42 in x π x 100 in2
V = 13,195 in3

D. Find the volume of a trench 2.5 feet wide, 6 feet deep, and 60 feet long.

V=LxWxD
V = 60 ft x 2.5 ft x 6 ft
V = 900 ft3
13-66 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

Practice Problem Answers – Percentage

A. 25% of the chlorine in a 30 gallon vat has been used. How many gallons are
remaining in the vat?
1. Find the percentage of chlorine remaining.
100% – 25% = 75%

2. Change the percent to a decimal.

75% ÷ 100 = 0.75

3. Multiply the percent as a decimal times the tank volume.

0.75 x 30 gal = 22.5 gal

B. The annual public works budget is $147,450.00. If 75% of the budget should be
spent by the end of September, how many dollars are to be spent? How much is
remaining?
1. Change the percentage to a decimal.
75% ÷ 100 = 0.75

2. Multiply the budget amount by the percent to be used.

$147,450.00 x 0.75 = $110,587.50 to be spent

3. Find what will be remaining.

$147,450.00 – 110,587.50 = $36,862.50

C. There are 50 pounds of pure chlorine in a container of 67% calcium hypochlorite.

What is the total weight of the container?
1. Change the percent to a decimal.
67% ÷ 100 = 0.67

2. Divide the weight by the percentage.

50 lbs
= 74.6 lbs
0.67

D. 3/4 is the same as what percentage?

1. Change the fraction into a decimal.
3
= 0.75
4

2. Convert to a percentage.
0.75 x 100 = 75%

E. A 2% chlorine solution is what concentration in mg/L?

1. Change the percentage to a decimal.
2% ÷ 100 = 0.02

2. Multiply times one million.

0.02 x 1,000,000 = 20,000 mg/L
 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-67

F. A water plant produces 84,000 gallons per day. 7,560 gallons are used to back-
wash the filter. What percentage of water is used to backwash?
1. Divide the part by the whole.
7,560 gal
= 0.09
84,000 gal

2. Change the value to a percentage.

0.09 X 100 = 9%

G. The average day winter demand of a community is 14,500 gallons. If the sum-
mer demand is estimated to be 72% greater than the winter, what is the estimated
summer demand?
1. Change the percent to a decimal.
72% ÷ 100 = 0.72

2. Add this value to 1.

1 + 0.72 = 1.72

3. Multiply the demand times this value.

14,500 gal x 1.72 = 24,940 gal

Practice Problem Answers – Efficiency

A. The water horsepower of a pump is 10 Hp and the brake horsepower output of
the motor is 15.4 Hp. What is the efficiency of the motor?
10 BHp
x 100 = 64.94 or 65%
15.4 EHp

B. The water horsepower of a pump is 25 Hp and the brake horsepower output of

the motor is 48 Hp. What is the efficiency of the motor?
25 BHp
x 100 = 52%
48 EHp

C. The efficiency of a well pump is determined to be 75%. The efficiency of the mo-
tor is estimated at 94%. What is the efficiency of the well?
0.75 X 0.94 = 0.705 X 100 = 70.5%

D. If a motor is 85% efficient and the output of the motor is determined to be 10

BHp, what is the electrical horsepower requirement of the motor?
10 BHp
= 11.8 EHp
0.85
13-68 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

E. The water horsepower of a well with a submersible pump has been calculated at
8.2 WHp. The Output of the electric motor is measured as 10.3 BHp. What is the
efficiency of the pump?
82 WHp
x 100 = 79.6%
10.3 BHp

Practice Problem Answers – Conversion

1. Convert the following:

A. 750 ft3 of water to gallons

ft3 ?
750 x =
1 ft3

ft3 gal
750 x =
1 ft3

ft3 7.48 gal

750 x = 5,610 gal
1 ft3

B. 50 gallons to pounds
gal ?
50 x =
1 gal

gal lbs
50 x =
1 gal

gal 8.34 lbs

50 x = 417 lbs
1 gal

C. 560 gpm to cfs

gpm ?
560 x =
1 gpm

gpm cfs
560 x =
1 gpm

gpm 1 cfs
560 x = 1.25 cfs
1 448 gpm
 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-69

D. 4 lbs to ounces
lbs ?
4 x =
1 lbs

lbs oz
4 x =
1 lbs

lbs 16 oz
4 x = 64 oz
1 lbs

E. 128 ft3 of water to weight in pounds

ft3 ?
128 x =
1 ft3

ft3 lbs
128 x =
1 ft3

ft3 62.4 lbs

128 x = 7,987 lbs
1 ft3

G. 3.4 cfs to gpm

cfs ?
340 x =
1 cfs

cfs gpm
340 x =
1 cfs

cfs 448 gpm

340 x = 1,523 gpm
1 1 cfs

H. 65 ft3 to yd3
ft3 1 yd3
65 x = 2.4 yd3
1 27 ft3

I. 3,000 gallons to ft3

gal 1 ft3
3,000 x = 401 ft3
1 7.48 gal

J. 250,000 gallons to MG
gal 1 MG
250,000 x = 0.25 MG
1 1,000,000 gal

K. 75 gpm to MGD
75 gpm x 1440 min/day = 108,000 gpd
gpd 1 MGD
108,000 x = 0.108 MGD
1 1,000,000 gpd
13-70 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

L. 8 inches to feet
in 1 ft
8 x = 0.667 ft
1 12 in

M. 2.4 MGD to cfs

MGD 1,000,000 gpd
2.4 x = 2,400,000 gpd
1 1 MGD

gal 1 day
2,400,000 x = 1,667 gpm
day 1,440 min

gpm 1cfs
1,667 x = 3.7 cfs
1 448 gpm

N. 2.4 MGD to gpm

MGD 694.5 gpm
2.4 x = 1,668.8 cfs
1 1 MGD

O. 65 pints to gallons
pint 1 gal
65 x = 8.125 gal
1 8 pint

P. 2.5 ft2 to square inches

ft2 144 in2
2.5 x = 360 in2
1 1 ft2

Q. 7 yards to feet
yd 3 ft
7 x = 21 ft
1 1 yd

R. 36,000 gpd to gpm

gpd gpm
36,000 x = 25 gpm
1 1,440 gpd

S. 125 gpm to gph

125 gpm x 60 min/hr = 7,500 gph

Practice Problem Answers – Temperature Conversion

A. Change 70° F to °C
70° F - 32°
°C = = 21° C
1.8
 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-71

B. Change 140° F to °C
140° F - 32°
°C = = 60° C
1.8

C. Change 20°C to °F
°F = °C x 1.8 + 32°
°F = 20° C x 1.8 + 32°
°F = 68° F

D. Change 85 °C to °F
°F = °C x 1.8 + 32°
°F = 85° C x 1.8 + 32°
°F = 185° F

E. Change 4 °C to °F
°F = °C x 1.8 + 32°
°F = 4° C x 1.8 + 32°
°F = 39°F

Practice Problem Answers – Pressure and Head

1. Make the following conversions:
A. Convert a pressure of 45 psi to feet of head.
psi ft
45 x = 103.9 feet
1 0.433 psi

B. Convert 12 psi to feet.

psi ft
12 x = 27.7 feet
1 0.433 psi

C. Convert 85 psi to feet.

psi ft
85 x = 196.3 feet
1 0.433 psi

D. It is 112 feet in elevation between the top of the reservoir and the watering
point. What will the static pressure be at the watering point?
ft 0.433 psi
112 x = 48.5 feet
1 1 ft
13-72 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

E. A reservoir is 20 feet deep. What will the pressure be at the bottom of the
reservoir?
ft 0.433 psi
20 x = 8.7 feet
1 1 ft

Practice Problem Answers – Flow

A. Find the flow in MGD when the flow is 34,000 gpd.
34,000 gpd
= 0.034 MGD
1,000,000

B. Find the flow in gpm when the total flow for the day is 65,000 gpd.
65,000 gpd
= 45 gpm
1,440 min/day

C. Find the flow in gpm when the flow is 1.3 cfs.

cfs 448 gpm
1.3 x = 582 gpm
1 1 cfs

D. Find the flow in gpm when the flow is 0.25 cfs.

cfs 448 gpm
0.25 x = 112 gpm
1 1 cfs

E. Find the flow in a 4-inch pipe when the velocity is 1.5 feet per second.
The diameter of the pipe is 4 inches. Therefore, the radius is 2 inches. Convert the
2 inches to feet.

2
= 0.6667 ft
12

A = π x r2
A = π x (0.167 ft)2
A = π x 0.028 ft2
A = 0.09 ft2

Q=VxA
Q = 1.5 ft/sec x 0.09 ft2
Q = 0.14 ft3/sec (cfs)
 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-73

Practice Problem Answers – Detention Time

A. How long will it take to fill a 50 gallon hypochlorite tank if the flow is 5 gpm?
50 gal
= 10 min
5 gal/min

B. Find the detention time in a 45,000 gallon reservoir if the flow rate is 85 gpm.
45,000 gal 529 min
DT = = 529 min or = 8.8 hrs
85 gal/min 60 min/hr

C. If the fuel consumption to the boiler is 35 gallons per day. How many days will
the 500 gallon tank last.
500 gal
Days = = 14.3 days
35 gal/day

D. The sedimentation basin on a water plant contains 5,775 gallons. What is the
detention time if the flow is 175 gpm.
5,775 gal
DT = = 33 min
175 gal/min

Practice Problem Answers – Ratio and Proportion

A. It takes 6 gallons of chlorine solution to obtain a proper residual when the flow is
45,000 gpd. How many gallons will it take when the flow is 62,000 gpd?
6 gallons 45,000 gpd
:
X gallons 62,000 gpd

(X gallons) (45,000 gpd) = (6 gallons) (62,000 gpd)

(6 gal) (62,000 gpd)
X gal = = 8.3 gal
45,000 gpd

B. A motor is rated at 41 amps average draw per leg at 30 Hp. What is the actual Hp
when the draw is 36 amps?
41 amps 30 Hp
:
36 amps X Hp

(41 amps) (X Hp) = (36 amps) (30 Hp)

(36 amps) (30 Hp)

X Hp = = 26.3 Hp
41 amps
13-74 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

C. It it takes 2 operators 4.5 days to clean an aeration basin, how long will it take
three operators to do the same job?
2 operators X days
:
3 operators 4.5 days

(2 operators) (X days) = (3 operators) (4.5 days)

(2 operators) (4.5 days)
X days = = 3 days
3 operators

D. If it takes 20 minutes to pump a wet well down with one pump pumping at 125
gpm, then how long will it take if a 200 gpm pump is used?
20 min 200 gpm
:
X min 125 gpm

(X min) (200 gpm) = (20 min) (125 gpm)

(20 min) (125 gpm)

X min = = 12.5 min
200 gpm

E. It takes 3 hours to clean 400 feet of collection system using a sewer ball. How
long will it take to clean 250 feet?
3 hrs 400 ft
:
X hrs 250 ft

(X hrs) (400 ft) = (3 hrs) (250 ft)

(3 hrs) (250
ft) = 1.9
X hrs =
hrs
400 ft

F. It takes 14 cups of HTH to make a 12% solution. Each cup holds 300 grams,
how many cups will it take to make a 5% solution?
14 cups 12%
:
X cups 5%

(X cups) (12%) = (14 cups) (5%)

(14 cups) (5%)

X cups = = 5.8 cups
12%
 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-75

Practice Problem Answers – Pounds Formula

A. How many pounds of 100% gas chlorine are needed to disinfect a flow of 85,000
gpd at 12 mg/L?

lbs = 0.085 MGD x 8.34 lbs/gal x 12 mg/L

lbs = 8.5 pounds

B. The suspended solids in a stream are measured at 360 mg/L. The stream flow is
estimated to be 3.2 MGD. How many pounds of solids are carried by the stream
each day?

lbs = 3.2 MGD x 8.34 lbs/gal x 360 mg/L

lbs = 9,607 pounds

C. The backwash water of a treatment plant contains 320 mg/L. 4,000 gals of water
are used for backwash. How many pounds of solids are deposited in the back-
wash lagoon with each backwash?

lbs = 0.004 MGD x 8.34 lbs/gal x 320 mg/L

lbs = 10.7 pounds

D. A 400,000 gallon storage tank is to be disinfected with 50 mg/L of chlorine. How

many pounds of gas chlorine would it take to disinfect this tank?

lbs = 0.4 MG x 8.34 lbs/gal x 50 mg/L

lbs = 166.8 pounds

E. How many pounds of calcium hypochlorite at 67% is needed to disinfect

125,000 gallon per day flow with a dosage of 8 mg/L?
13-76 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

Abbreviations and Common Conversions

For 100% chlorine

lbs = 0.125 MGD x 8.34 lbs/gal x 8 mg/L

lbs = 8.34 pounds of 100%

This is the part of the whole.

Part
Percent = X 100
Whole

8.34 lbs
67% = X 100
Whole

8.34 lbs
Whole = X 100 = 12.45 pounds
67%

Practice Problem Answers – Metric Conversion

A. Convert 4.2 Kg to g

4.2 kg x 1000 g/Kg = 4,200 g

B. Convert 0.5 Kg to g

0.5 Kg x 1000 g/Kg = 500 g

C. Convert 4600 g to Kg

4600 g
= 4.6 kg
1000 g/Kg

D. Convert 3.4 Km to m

3.4 Km x 1000 m/Km = 3,400 m

E. Convert 0.5 Km to m

0.5 Km x 1000 m/Km = 500 m

F. Convert 10,000 m to Km
 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-77

10,000 m
= 10 Km
1000 m/Km

Limitations
The following is a listing of common abbreviations used in math problems in the
water/wastewater field. With a few exceptions, this listing is limited to those abbre-
viations associated with the English units of measurement. Abbreviations associated
with the SI (metric) system of measurements are found in the section of this lesson on
metric units.

Abbreviations

Ac acre hr hour
ac-ft acre-feet Hp horsepower
Af acre-feet in inch
amp ampere in2 square inches
BHp Brake horsepower in3 cubic inches
°C degrees Celsius kw Kilowatt
cfm cubic feet per minute kwh Kilowatt-hour
cfs cubic feet per second lb pound
cu-ft cubic feet (ft3) M Million
cu-in cubic inch MGD million gallons per day
EHp electrical horsepower mg/L milligrams per liter
°F degrees Fahrenheit min minute
ft feet or foot psi pounds per square inch
ft2 square feet ppm parts per million
ft-lb/min foot pounds per minute sq ft square feet (ft2)
gal gallon W watt
gpd gallons per day WHp Water horsepower
gpcpd gallons per capita per yd3 cubic yard
day
gpm gallons per minute

Some Common Conversions

Area Weight

1 acre = 43,560 ft2 1 ft3 of water = 62.4 lbs

1 ft2 = 144 in2 1 gal = 8.34 lbs
1 lb = 453.6 grams
kg = 1000 g = 2.2 lbs
1% = 10,000 mg/L

Linear Measurements

1" = 2.54 cm
1' = 30.5 cm
1 yard = 3 feet
1 meter = 100 cm = 3.281 feet = 3.94 inches
13-78 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

Pressure Flow

1 ft of head = 0.433 psi 1 cfs = 448 gpm

1 psi = 2.31 ft of head 1 cfs = 0.6463 MGD
1 MGD = 694.5 gpm

Volume

1 gal = 3.78 liters

1 ft3 = 7.48 gal
1 ft3 = 62.4 lbs
1 gal = 8.34 lbs
1 Liter = 1000 mL
1 acre foot = 43,560 cubic feet
1 gal = 8 pint
1 gal = 16 cups
1 pint = 2 cups
1 pound = 16 oz dry wt
1 yd3= 27 ft3
1 gpm = 1440 gpd

Waterworks Math Quiz

1. What is the average of the following set of numbers: 0.5, 0.3, 0.6, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4,
0.5, 0.4?
A. 0.3
B. 0.4
C. 0.5
D. 0.6

2. A clearwell has a detention time of 4 hours. What is the flow rate in gpm if the
clearwell holds 6000 gallons?
A. 25 gpm
B. 20 gpm
C. 50 gpm
D. 1500 gpm

3. A chlorine barrel is 26 inches in diameter and 40 inches tall. What is the volume
of the tank?
A. 5.9 ft3
B. 14.7 ft3
C. 187 ft3
D. 12.3 ft3

4. A water plant produces 96,000 per day, of which 7,200 are used to backwash the
filter. What percentage of water is used to backwash?
A. 8.5 %
B. 8.3 %
C. 7.5 %
D. 8.0 %
 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-79

5. The water horsepower of a pump is 20 Hp, and the brake horsepower output of the
motor is 45 Hp. What is the efficiency of the pump?
A. 40 %
B. 44 %
C. 53 %
D. 38 %

6. How many cfs is 600 gpm?

A. 1.3 cfs
B. 1.1 cfs
C. 1.0 cfs
D. 0.9 cfs

7. How many pounds does 100 gallons of water weigh?

A. 628 lbs
B. 525 lbs
C. 748 lbs
D. 834 lbs

8. How many degrees Fahrenheit is 23 degrees Celsius?

A. 71 °F
B. 73 °F
C. 68 °F
D. 67 °F

9. How many feet of head are necessary for a pressure gauge to read 75 psi?
A. 173 ft
B. 32 ft
C. 45 ft
D. 150 ft

10. The sedimentation basin of a water plant contains 6,000 gallons. What is the deten
tion time if the flow is 150 gpm?
A. 60 minutes
B. 50 minutes
C. 45 minutes
D. 40 minutes

11. If it takes 20 minutes to pump a wet well down with one pump at a rate of 125 gpm,
how long will it take if the pump operates at a rate of 175 gpm?
A. 35 minutes
B. 32 minutes
C. 28 minutes
D. 15 minutes
13-80 Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics

12. How many pounds per day of 100% gas chlorine are needed to disinfect a
flow of 75,000 gpd at 15 mg/L?
A. 9.4 lbs
B. 8.4 lbs
C. 10.3 lbs
D. 7.0 lbs

13. A 500,000 gallon storage tank is to be disinfected with 50 mg/L chlorine.

How many pounds of gas chlorine will it take to disinfect this tank?
A. 187 lbs
B. 209 lbs
C. 198 lbs
D. 202 lbs

14. A pipe has a circumference of 11 ¾ inches. What is the diameter of this pipe?
A. 5.1 inches
B. 4.2 inches
C. 2.8 inches
D. 3.7 inches

15. How many square inches are in 3.0 ft2?

A. 432 in2
B. 36 in2
C. 144 in2
D. 88 in2
Chapter 13 Waterworks Math – The Basics 13-81