Water Operator Math Course: Day 3
2025-04-18 08:30 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Vermont Rural Water Association, 20 Susie Wilson Rd, Essex Junction, VT, 05452, United States
Description
This class will cover advanced math concepts, including:

Surface loading rate calculation
Filtration rate problems
Calculations for wells
Hardness problems
Flow and velocity problems
Detention problems
Lime dosage problems
Solution feed rate problems
Percent solution and mixture problems
Log removal and CT problems

Textbook
The following book is required for all students:
Math for Water Treatment Operators (American Water Works Association) – $89
Books will be distributed at the beginning of class.
Credit
5 TCH (Water)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Additional Classes
This is the third in a series of three classes. You are not required to take all three.
Water Operator Math Course: Day 1 on Friday, April 4 – Register Here
Water Operator Math Course: Day 2 on Friday, April 11 – Register Here

Protective Coatings and Manhole Rehabilitation
2025-04-23 09:00 - 11:15 | Zoom, Zoom
Description

This training will cover protective coatings as well as inflow and infiltration solutions to extend the service life of water and wastewater infrastructure. During the first hour, participants will learn about proper surface preparation, coating selection based on substrate and chemical resistance, and strategies to prevent premature corrosion in steel and concrete structures. It will walk through a clarifier project at a wastewater treatment plant, a manhole rehabilitation project, and a potable water storage tank project as well.
The second hour (which is only being offered for wastewater credit) will address identifying and correcting inflow and infiltration (I&I issues), including manhole rehabilitation techniques such as repairing mortars and epoxy linings to protect against hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) gas deterioration. Real-world case studies, industry standards, and cost-saving methods will be discussed to help operators improve system efficiency and longevity.
Please note that the first hour of this training will cover protective coatings and is applicable to both water and wastewater. The second half will review manhole rehabilitation which is applicable to mainly just wastewater operators.
Credit
1 TCH for Water
2 TCH for Wastewater
Instructor
Rick Goyette (Sherwin Williams Protective & Marine Division)
Proctor
Allison Smith (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Advanced WW Series: Microbiology of Anaerobic Digesters
2025-04-24 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
This class provides an overview of the bacteria and methanogens involved in methanogenesis. The overview includes hydrolysis, fermentation, acetogenesis, and methane production. We will review start up, recovery from inhibition and toxicity, acceptable operational conditions, and monitoring requirements. The monitoring requirements include not only digester sludge but also digester feed sludge. Attention is placed upon specific monitoring requirements for biogas analysis; ORP; temperature and pH; % VSS; minor and critical nutrients; and digester decant. A checklist of analytical tests for identifying an unstable anaerobic digester is provided.
Credit
3 TCH (Wastewater)
Instructor
Michael Gerardi (Michael Gerardi & Associates, LLC)
Proctor
Elijah Lemieux (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Advanced Wastewater Treatment Series
This class is part of the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Series. Classes in this series are intended for experienced wastewater operators. It is recommended that you have attended the Basic Wastewater Course, passed a wastewater certification exam, and/or worked a number of years at a wastewater treatment facility before taking these advanced classes.
These classes are designed for operators who are looking to enhance their understanding of wastewater treatment; preparing for a Grade 3, 4, or 5 wastewater exam; or seeking a management position at a wastewater treatment facility. There is no formal enrollment in the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Series—just sign up for each class you want to take. These classes will have “Advanced WW Series” in the title. Find more information here.

TNC Operations
2025-04-25 09:00 - 12:30, 2025-05-22 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
This course is designed for Transient Non-Community (TNC) Water System Operators. No matter what your experience as a water system operator, this course will help you better manage your system. The course will review the following topics: disinfecting your water system (UV and chlorine), sampling procedure and sampling schedules, sanitary survey review, common water system deficiencies, rules and regulations (current and upcoming rules), discussion of seasonal operations, basic site investigations.
For Class 1B operators, this course will fulfill the requirement to obtain 3 continuing education credits prior to renewal of your certification.
Credit
3 TCH (Water)
Instructor
Meredith Maskell (VT Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division)
Proctor
Tim Russo (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Class 3 Exam Preparation
2025-04-28 08:30 - 13:00 | F.W. Webb, 80 Park Avenue, Williston, VT, United States
Description
This course is designed as a short review for the Class 3 water operator certification exam. We will review test-taking skills, exam questions, math problems, and general water system operations. You will have the chance to take a practice exam and go over the answers.
Credit
4 TCH (Water)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Class 4 Exam Preparation
2025-04-29 08:30 - 13:00 | National Life Complex, Dewey Building, 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT, 05602, United States
Description
This course is designed as a short review for the Class 4 water operator certification exam. We will review test-taking skills, exam questions, math problems, and general water system operations. You will have the chance to take a practice exam and go over the answers.
Credit
4 TCH (Water)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Distribution Exam Preparation
2025-04-30 08:30 - 13:00 | National Life Complex, Dewey Building, 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT, 05602, United States
Description
This course is designed as a short review for the Vermont Water Distribution exam. We will review test-taking skills, exam questions, math problems, and general water system operations. You will have the chance to take a practice exam and go over the answers.
Credit
4 TCH (Water)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Wastewater Microbiology: A Monitoring Program for Operators
2025-04-30 09:00 - 15:00 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
Learn the role of bacteria, protozoa and metazoa in the treatment process along with the conditions that allow them to do their best work of removing nutrients from wastewater. Topics will include microbiota identification, development of a wastewater microbiology monitoring program, how to foster system conditions that favor the growth of phosphorus-accumulating microorganisms (PAOs), and how to troubleshoot existing treatment system problems.
Credit
5 TCH (Wastewater)
Instructor
Toni Glymph
Proctor
Elijah Lemieux (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Cost
Member – $72
Non-member – $144

Issuing a Boil Water Notice
2025-05-01 09:00 - 12:30 | F.W. Webb, 80 Park Avenue, Williston, VT, United States
Description
Issuing a Boil Water notice can be a complicated process, but could prevent negative health impacts to your water system’s consumers. It is important to be prepared in advance of an emergency by knowing when and how to issue a Boil Water notice—or even a Do Not Drink order.
This class will look at the reasons to issue a Boil Water notice, the procedures to determine if a notice is needed, and ways to make sure all affected consumers are notified.
This class encourages discussion from participants.
Credit
3 TCH (Water)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Water System Sampling
2025-05-02 09:00 - 12:30 | Vermont Rural Water Association, 20 Susie Wilson Rd, Essex Junction, VT, 05452, United States
Description
Sampling is a requirement under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This class will discuss the parameters that are sampled, the health effects of contaminants, maximum contaminant levels (MCLs), and how to collect each sample the proper way. Attendees will gain a more comprehensive understanding of the sampling that they do and why they are doing it.
Credit
3 TCH (Water)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Cost
Member – $24
Non-member – $48

Wastewater Operator’s Guide to NPDES Permits and Facility Inspections
2025-05-06 08:00 - 11:30 | National Life Complex, Dewey Building, 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT, 05602, United States
Description
This class will cover frequently asked questions about permits, how to review your renewed permit and fact sheet, a brief summary of permit changes based on EPA’s 2021 review of the program and the Vermont Water Quality Standards updated in 2022, and common questions/issues with the nForm. We will also go over the state process for inspecting wastewater treatment facilities, pump stations, and collection systems. Learn how to be prepared for an inspection, including paperwork that you will need to have available.
Credit
3 TCH (Wastewater)
Instructor
Wastewater Management Program staff
Proctor
Elijah Lemieux (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Water Treatment: Chlorination
2025-05-13 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
Both continuous chlorination and shock chlorination are integral parts of water treatment. Water systems operators should understand both of these concepts to ensure that public health is protected. This class will cover the following topics:

Chlorine chemistry
Breakpoint chlorination and how to achieve it
Sodium hypochlorite feed equipment and how to avoid feed pump malfunctions
Contamination events that warrant shock chlorination
Proper shock chlorination procedures
Shock chlorination of water storage tanks and distribution piping
Proper dechlorination methods and equipment

Credit
3 TCH (Water)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Proctor
Allison Smith (Vermont Rural Water Association)

2025 Conference
2025-05-15 08:00 - 15:00 | Lake Morey Resort, 82 Clubhouse Rd, Fairlee, VT, United States
Vermont Rural Water’s 2025 Conference will include a trade show, luncheon, and trainings. Click here to view the full schedule.
Cost
$85 Member
$130 Non-member
Training Classes
Earn 3.5 TCH (water/wastewater) if you attend a class during each session. The first classes begin at 8:30 am. Class descriptions can be found in the conference schedule here.
Class Topics:

SCADA Overview, Troubleshooting, & Resiliency (Tom Allen, LCS Controls)
Peristaltic Pumps 101 (Kevin Moran, Stenner Pumps)
Ice Pigging: Advanced Pipe Cleaning Technology (Paul Treloar, American Pipeline Solutions and Dean Rheume, Town of Middlebury)
Security and Resilience: Champlain Water District’s Partnership with CISA (Joe Duncan, Champlain Water District)
Drinking Water Regulatory Updates (Ben Montross, DWGPD)
Wastewater Regulatory Updates (Heather Collins, Michelle Kolb, and Garrett Walsh, Wastewater Management Program)

Additional Activities
Vermont Drinking Water Week will be hosting the 2025 Water Taste Test during the conference. To participate, submit an entry form by May 1 and deliver one gallon of water to the Taste Test table in the lobby by 9 am on May 15.
Taste Test Rules
Entry Form (PDF)
Entry Form (Word doc)
There will be a Golf Tournament on Wednesday, May 14. Learn more and register here.
To exhibit in the Trade Show, click here.
To Sponsor the conference, click here.
Sponsored by:

Pump School
2025-05-20 08:00 - 15:00 | Franklin Event Center, 1 Scale Ave, Suite 92, Rutland, VT, 05701, United States
This course is being organized and offered by Champlin Associates for FREE. Lunch is also generously being provided for participants.
Description
This three-part class will introduce submersible pump components, pump curves, and diagnosing pump failures using a systems approach. Topics include:

Basics of pumps and systems
Pump curves—how to read them and why you would want to
Optimizing pump selection
Systems-oriented approaches to failure analysis

Credit
6 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Instructor
Nick Terranova (HOMA Pump Technology)
Proctor
Allison Smith (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Cross Connection Control
2025-05-20 09:00 - 12:30 | Waterbury Municipal Center, Community Room, 28 N Main St, Waterbury, VT, 05676, United States
Description
Cross connections in public water systems can cause adverse health effects to consumers if a control program is not in place. High-risk businesses such as car washes, hospitals, manufacturing facilities, funeral parlors, and veterinarian clinics may pose hazards to a water system if they do have adequate backflow prevention.
This course will discuss the process of identifying high-risk hazards and choosing the appropriate backflow prevention device based on the level of risk.
Credit
3 TCH (Water)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Operation and Maintenance of Distribution Systems
2025-05-21 09:00 - 12:30 | Lyndon Public Safety Facility, 316 Main St, Lyndonville, VT, 05851, United States
Description
Groundwater system operators have many tasks to accomplish to operate and maintain their water systems. We will review administrative tasks such as sampling and monitoring, consumer confidence reports, chemical monitoring waivers, source protection, operation and maintenance manuals, monthly operating reports, operator certification and sanitary surveys.
Operation and maintenance of groundwater sources is a very important part of providing safe drinking water to consumers. Ensuring sustainability by performing drawdown tests on groundwater wells will help you to know how sustainable your groundwater source is. Operating your disinfection system and understanding the chlorination process is key to providing safe water that consumers find palatable.
Water distribution systems can often be a contamination vulnerability. Maintenance items such as flushing, valve exercising, and hydrant maintenance are of the utmost importance.
Credit
3 TCH (Water)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Personal Protective Equipment, Ladder, and Electrical Safety
2025-05-27 09:00 - 12:30 | National Life Complex, Dewey Building, 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT, 05602, United States
Description
This class will cover several safety considerations for water and wastewater personnel. First, we will look at new and improved personal protective equipment (PPE). Falls are the second highest cause of workplace fatality across the nation, so we will discuss ladder safety at home and in the workplace. Water and wastewater operators work on and around electrical equipment at their facilities. This class focuses on the electrical safety measures that should be in place at your facility.
Credit
3 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Cost
$24 Member
$48 Non-member
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Operation and Maintenance of Distribution Systems
2025-05-29 09:00 - 12:30 | Brattleboro Fire Department, 103 Elliot St, Brattleboro, VT, 05301, United States

Advanced WW Series: Real Control of the Activated Sludge Process
2025-05-29 09:00 - 15:00 | National Life Complex, Dewey Building, 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT, 05602, United States
Description
This class will discuss the science and math behind the three principles guiding the control of the activated sludge process: (1) give the mixed liquor just the air it needs, where it needs it, when it needs it; (2) identify and maintain the minimum SRT TARGET that meets the effluent ammonia requirement and gives the best sludge quality; and (3) maintain the lowest RAS flow possible without overloading the secondary clarifier.
Credit
5 TCH (Wastewater)
Instructor
Eric Wahlberg (Wastewater Technology Trainers)
Proctor
Wayne Graham (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Advanced Wastewater Treatment Series
This class is part of the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Series. Classes in this series are intended for experienced wastewater operators. It is recommended that you have attended the Basic Wastewater Course, passed a wastewater certification exam, and/or worked a number of years at a wastewater treatment facility before taking these advanced classes.
These classes are designed for operators who are looking to enhance their understanding of wastewater treatment; preparing for a Grade 3, 4, or 5 wastewater exam; or seeking a management position at a wastewater treatment facility. There is no formal enrollment in the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Series—just sign up for each class you want to take. These classes will have “Advanced WW Series” in the title. Find more information here.

Lake Champlain Live
2025-05-29 13:00 - 15:00 | Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory, 3 College Street, Burlington, VT, United States
Class Description
Join us aboard the University of Vermont’s new state-of-the-art research vessel the R/V Marcelle Melosira for a hands-on glimpse into the science of Lake Champlain. This training will engage attendees in learning about the current condition of our state’s largest receiving water, as well as how our work in the water and wastewater industry impacts aquatic ecosystems. While aboard the research vessel, attendees will be guided by Watershed Educators as they learn about the unique properties of the lake and gather data that assists researchers in understanding the dynamic nature of the lake. We will learn about ongoing research, gain experience with science on the lake, and deepen our understanding of the interaction between the many physical, biological, chemical, and cultural variables that contribute to the health of the lake and its watershed.
Class Credit
2 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Location
The Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory is located on the back side of the ECHO Center on the waterfront. Attendees will be responsible for finding their own parking in Burlington. Paid parking is available at the city-owned parking lot across from the ECHO Center on a first-come-first-served basis.
Important Notes
This training takes place on the water and will be subject to cancellation if weather conditions are deemed unsafe. In the event of a cancellation up to the time of departure, we will contact you via the phone number and e-mail address you registered with.
Please wear close-toed shoes and appropriate clothing to be away from shore for the duration of the training. Closed-toed shoes are required to board the vessel. Bring sunscreen, water, and anything else you may need for the trip. The R/V Marcelle Melosira does have a bathroom and sheltered cabin.
Instructors
Lake Champlain Sea Grant Watershed Instructors
Proctor
Brad Roy (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Advanced WW Series: Principles of Nitrogen Removal
2025-06-04 08:00 - 15:00 | National Life Complex, Dewey Building, 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT, 05602, United States
Description
This class will cover an introduction to nitrogen removal techniques and practices. It will include discussions of the forms and sources of nitrogen in wastewater, nitrogen analyses for process control, the biology of nitrification and denitrification, the Anamox process (anaerobic ammonia oxidation), process control schemes for nitrogen removal including cyclical aeration, and troubleshooting nitrogen treatment problems.
Credit
6 TCH (Wastewater)
Instructor
Paul Olander
Proctor
Elijah Lemieux (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Advanced Wastewater Treatment Series
This class is part of the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Series. Classes in this series are intended for experienced wastewater operators. It is recommended that you have attended the Basic Wastewater Course, passed a wastewater certification exam, and/or worked a number of years at a wastewater treatment facility before taking these advanced classes.
These classes are designed for operators who are looking to enhance their understanding of wastewater treatment; preparing for a Grade 3, 4, or 5 wastewater exam; or seeking a management position at a wastewater treatment facility. There is no formal enrollment in the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Series—just sign up for each class you want to take. These classes will have “Advanced WW Series” in the title. Find more information here.

Optimize Your Water and Wastewater Pump Stations
2025-06-10 08:00 - 11:30 | Lyndon Public Safety Facility, 316 Main St, Lyndonville, VT, 05851, United States
Description
Proper planning will prepare you for breakdowns and the unexpected. In this training, you will learn how to effectively maintain and operate pump stations. We will cover basic hydraulic principles of centrifugal pumps and learn to detect, troubleshoot, and make repairs for the most common problems. Electrical components and failures will be covered in detail. This is a great review for certification exams.
Credit
3 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Instructor
John Benham (Pump Systems Inc.)
Proctor
Wayne Graham (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Understanding Your Motor Control Panels
2025-06-11 08:00 - 12:30 | Lyndon Public Safety Facility, 316 Main St, Lyndonville, VT, 05851, United States
Description
Water and wastewater operators, while not electricians, need to understand the critical components of motor control panels and know how to troubleshoot problems. You will have the opportunity to practice these skills at a control panel workstation. Electrical theory, formulas and safety will be covered in detail, making this course a great review for certification exams. Please bring your voltage/amp meter if you have one.
Credit
4 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Instructor
John Benham (Pump Systems Inc.)
Proctor
Wayne Graham (Vermont Rural Water Association)

What to Expect at a VOSHA Inspection
2025-06-12 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
Be prepared for your next Vermont Occupational and Health Administration (VOSHA) inspection. Miriam Owens, compliance assistance specialist at VOSHA, will detail common deficiencies found at worksites and how to correct them.
Credit
3 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Cost
$24 Member
$48 Non-member
Instructor
Miriam Owens (Vermont Occupational and Health Administration)
Proctor
Elijah Lemieux (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Leadership in Safety
2025-06-17 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
In this session, participants will receive an overview of the importance of leadership’s involvement in safety and how to engage your employees in creating a culture where safety is a top priority for everyone in the organization. Being a leader in safety is more than just compliance; it’s creating an environment where safety is forefront by:

Developing a Safety Vision and Mission: Articulate a clear and compelling safety vision that aligns with the organizational goals.
Engaging Employees at All levels: Encourage employee involvement in safety programs.
Investing in Training and Development: Continuous training is essential for meeting the latest safety standards and practices.
Fostering a Culture of Accountability: Ensure that everyone in the organization understands their role in maintaining safety.
Conducting Regular Audits and Inspections: Regularly scheduled audits and inspections can help identify potential risks and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Promoting Open Communication: Create an environment where employees feel comfortable reporting hazards, incidents, and near-misses without fear of retaliation.

Safety is everyone’s responsibility, but it begins with strong, effective leadership that inspires and guides.
Credit
3 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Instructor
Miriam Owens (Vermont Occupational and Health Administration)
Proctor
Elijah Lemieux (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Advanced WW Series: Principles of Phosphorus Removal
2025-06-24 08:00 - 15:00 | National Life Complex, Dewey Building, 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT, 05602, United States
Description
This class will cover an introduction to chemical and biological phosphorus removal techniques and practices. It will include discussions of the forms and sources of phosphorus in wastewater, chemical removal processes, jar testing, biological removal processes, using the ortho-phosphate analysis for process control, experiences in optimizing phosphorus removal coming out of the EPA/DEC optimization grant, and influent phosphorus control.
Credit
6 TCH (Wastewater)
Instructor
Paul Olander
Proctor
Elijah Lemieux (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Advanced Wastewater Treatment Series
This class is part of the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Series. Classes in this series are intended for experienced wastewater operators. It is recommended that you have attended the Basic Wastewater Course, passed a wastewater certification exam, and/or worked a number of years at a wastewater treatment facility before taking these advanced classes.
These classes are designed for operators who are looking to enhance their understanding of wastewater treatment; preparing for a Grade 3, 4, or 5 wastewater exam; or seeking a management position at a wastewater treatment facility. There is no formal enrollment in the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Series—just sign up for each class you want to take. These classes will have “Advanced WW Series” in the title. Find more information here.

Optimize Your Water and Wastewater Pump Stations
2025-06-25 08:30 - 12:00 | Windham Regional Career Center – Cusick Conference Room, 80 Atwood St, Brattleboro, VT, 05301, United States

Understanding Your Motor Control Panels
2025-06-26 08:30 - 13:00 | Windham Regional Career Center – Cusick Conference Room, 80 Atwood St, Brattleboro, VT, 05301, United States

Successful Crisis Communications: Lead, PFAS, & Incident Management
2025-06-26 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
This session will show attendees how successfully handle crisis communications before, during, and after major discoveries or incidents, so they can not only protect their utilities’ reputations, but improve them through planned transparency. WaterPIO has assisted clients with PFAS panics, Lead and Copper Rule exceedances, and systemwide infrastructure failures in more than 20 states. This series of presentations will walk attendees through proper crisis communications management of PFAS discoveries, lead inventory findings and exceedances, and significant water and sewer main breaks—all situations that posed long-term threats to customer confidence.
Credit
3 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Instructor
Mike McGill (WaterPIO)
Proctor
Allison Smith (Vermont Rural Water Association)
