Students should be able to:

1. Describe the process of the hydrologic cycle including evaporation, condensation, precipitation, transpiration, and aquifer recharge.

2. Describe water in its three states of matter, the structure of the water molecule and relate it to the ability of water to dissolve substances, cohesion characteristics, and capillary action. 

3. Understand and be able to discuss the various processes of contamination of well water and aquifers of the United States and California. 

4. Describe proper well construction practices.  Know what well head protection is and what constitutes a wellhead protection program.

5. Discuss the Federal Clean Water Act, its importance and how drinking water is monitored under the Safe Drinking water Act. 

6. Know and discuss the Federal and State agencies that provide oversight of water resources.

7. Define "use" as it applies to Water Quality Standards and special water resource classifications and how they relate to the level of planning required for resource protection.

8. Discuss coliform bacteria and explain why they are used as indicator organisms in drinking water or recreational water that might be ingested.

9. Discuss what causes lead contamination in drinking water and what can be done to decrease it.

10. Discuss potential agricultural and urban impacts upon reservoirs, streams, rivers, lakes, and groundwater. 

11. Describe how aquatic life (fish, insects, and plants) can be used to determine the water quality condition of a water body.

12. Understand the ecology of wetlands such as marshes, bays, estuaries, lagoons, etc.

13. Discuss the major viral, bacterial, and protozal pollutants of water bodies, such as, chriptosporidum, giardia, etc. 

14. Understand the processes of primary, secondary, and tertiary water treatment plants.

15. Know and understand the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, that defines the role of environmental impact or assessment statements, and reports (Environmental Impact Statement and Report or Environmental Analysis) as they relate to national water resources."

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