Water & Wastewater Systems in the News

Flushable wipes and Iran: Water treatment facility adds cyberattacks to worry list (NPR)
Chris Hughes from the Town of Cavendish talks about participating in a new cybersecurity program.

Vermont’s drought is straining communities and leading residents to suffer (VT Digger)
Water systems in Berlin, Montpelier, Plainfield, and Lunenburg have issued water conservation notices.

When their spring failed, a Northfield family turned to a town spigot. Then it was shut off. (VT Digger)
Note: this article suggests residents can get drinking water from a roadside spring. The Vermont Health Department says, “Roadside springs are not considered a safe drinking water source as they are not protected from contamination.” 

Rutland crews remove mega root cluster from stormwater pipe (WCAX)
A mesmerizing video of tree roots being removed from a sewer pipe in Rutland went viral earlier this month.

Legacy Distribution Certification Classes

By July 1, 2029, many public water systems will be required to have a certified distribution operator. For more information, see the Vermont Water Supply Rule starting on page 79.

Current water treatment operators can earn a Legacy Distribution Certification without taking the distribution exam by attending a free, one-day class offered by NEWWA. This training is available to operators who have passed a Vermont treatment exam (Class 2, 3, or 4) and have at least 1.5 years of experience working at an eligible water system by 7/1/2029.

PLEASE NOTE: Legacy Distribution Certifications are non-transferable. If you begin working at a different water system after receiving this legacy certification, you will need to take and pass the distribution class exam to be licensed at the new system.

Click here for more information about Legacy Distribution Certification.

Click here to register for the currently scheduled classes. (Search for “Vermont Legacy Distribution Operator Certification.” More classes will be scheduled in additional locations.)

Current conditions from Drought.gov

Drought Resources

15 public water systems have reported drought impacts. If your system is experiencing anything from low yields to water conservation notices to no water, please report it using the VT DEC Drought Reporter.   

Resources for water systems:
List of Bulk Water Haulers
List of Well Drillers
Water Conservation Notice Template

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