Currently, water utilities face challenges in recruiting, training, and retaining employees. These challenges are exacerbated with roughly one-third of the water sector workforce eligible to retire in the next 10 years. Employment in a water utility provides individuals with a rewarding and stable career.
Watch this video to learn more about the exciting career opportunities as a licensed water operator:
The “Introduction to Becoming a Public Water System Operator” is a 17.5-hour course designed to introduce individuals to the field of operating a public water system. It will assist individuals with little or no previous drinking water experience in preparing for the Grade 1 Treatment and Distribution Water Operator Examinations, as well as the Very Small System (VSS) Water Operator Examination. The course is taught over a 5-week period with each class meeting once per week for 3 ½ hours each week. Topics covered include: responsibilities of public water systems and public water system operators; basic math & chemistry; overview of state and federal drinking water regulations; basic water treatment processes; water sampling requirements and techniques; overview of distribution system components (e.g. pipes, valves, pumps, tanks and water meters); cross connection control and water operator safety.
Attendees attending all 5 weeks of this course will be awarded 15.0 TCHs (Training Contact Hours).
Dates: May 5, 12, June 2, 9, 16 (no class May 19 or 26)
Days: Mondays
Time: 7:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Cost: Grant Funded
Modality: Virtual on Zoom
Instructor: Dan LaPrade, Training Coordinator MWWA
AGENDA:
Week #1
Water Operators & PWS Responsibilities
Basic Math & Chemistry
Week #2
Regulations
Week #3
Basic Water Treatment
Week #4
Distribution System Components
Cross Connection Control
Week #5
Safety & Security
Tips for Taking the Water Operator License Exam
Practice Water Operator License Exam
Student Testimonials
"Very well organized. Great instructor."
"Very helpful would recommend anyone to take this course"
"It gave me the confidence to take the State Grade 1 Treatment and Distribution exams"
"I had a lot of questions regarding the state licensing exam. This course provided the answers that I couldn't find prior to taking this class."
"The instructor is very knowledgeable. Handouts are very good. Instructor takes time to answer questions and go over material."
"Great course and I would highly recommend to anyone"
"The teacher was a pleasure to be around and a great teacher. Allowed time for questions and provided real life experience to back up the material"