Corrosion Control: Alternatives to Phosphorus-Based Treatments
2026-03-19 09:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Essex Police Department, 145 Maple Street, Essex Junction, VT, 05452, United States
Description
This class addresses the complex challenges of managing corrosion, scale, and bacterial growth in drinking water systems. With increasing regulatory demands, utilities often face trade-offs between water quality, chemical usage, and compliance. We will explore innovative approaches to corrosion control that reduce reliance on phosphorus-based treatments, helping utilities meet evolving standards without compromising water quality or increasing phosphorus loads in wastewater influent.
Participants will learn about a novel equilibrium-blended phosphate solution that maintains water chemistry balance, optimizes corrosion control, and minimizes the formation of disinfection byproducts, all while lowering chemical costs. Through a live demonstration, we’ll examine corrosion processes, showcase how distribution system conditions affect treatment decisions, and discuss integrated strategies for improving chlorine stability, reducing lead and copper release, and meeting stringent regulatory limits. This session is ideal for water operators and professionals looking to enhance water quality management with sustainable, effective practices.
Credit
3 TCH (Water)
Treatment Category 2, Distribution Category 2 | Learn more
Instructor
Kevin Sullo (AquaSmart)
Proctor
Allison Smith (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Class 3 Water Certification Exam Preparation Course
2026-03-24 09:00 - 2026-04-23 12:30 | Combined (Zoom & In-Person), Zoom & In-Person
Dates & Locations
Tuesday, March 24 – 9 am to 12:30 pm on Zoom
Thursday, March 26 – 9 am to 12:30 pm on Zoom
Tuesday, March 31 – 9 am to 12:30 pm on Zoom
Thursday, April 2 – 8:30 am to 3:30 pm at Essex Police Department (145 Maple St, Essex Junction)
Thursday, April 9 – 8:30 am to 3:30 pm at Dewey Conference Room (1 National Life Dr, Montpelier)
Tuesday, April 14 – 9 am to 12:30 pm on Zoom
Thursday, April 16 – 9 am to 12:30 pm on Zoom
Tuesday, April 21 – 9 am to 12:30 pm on Zoom
Thursday, April 23 – 8:30 am to 3:30 pm at Hartford Area Technical Center (1 Gifford Rd, White River Junction)
Description
This multi-week course is designed for those training to become a Class 3 water treatment operator. All aspects of water operations are covered to prepare you to take the certification exams. You are expected to attend all class sessions.
Textbooks
The following books are required for all students:
Small Water System Operation and Maintenance (Office of Water Programs, Sacramento State) – $100 – Purchase Here
Water System Operations Water Treatment, Grade 2 (American Water Works Association) – $86 – Purchase Here

This book is recommended:
Water Operator Certification Exam Prep (American Water Works Association) – $106 – Purchase Here
Books can be purchased at https://vtruralwater.org/training/textbooks/. Please purchase books by March 10 to allow time for shipping!
Credit
36 TCH (Water)
Treatment Category 1 & 2, Distribution Category 1 & 2 | Learn more
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Exam
Find information about the Class 3 Certification Exam at https://dec.vermont.gov/water/drinking-water/public-water-system-operator-certification/public-water-system-operator-exams
Additional Classes
Students are encouraged to take Basic Math for Water and Wastewater Operators on March 5. Register here.

TNC Operations
2026-03-25 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)
Treatment Category 1, Distribution Category 1 | Learn more
Instructor
Meredith Maskell (VT Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division)
Proctor
Tim Russo (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Coagulation, Jar Testing, and Chemical Handling
2026-04-07 09:00 - 12:30 | National Life Complex, Dewey Building, 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT, 05602, United States
Description
In this class, participants will receive an overview of coagulation, including concepts like charge neutralization and flocculation. We will review the different types of coagulants and discuss how to choose which coagulant is best suited for your facility. The instructor will also cover chemical handling and storage and chemical delivery. The second half of the class will provide a demonstration of jar testing procedures.
Credit
3 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Water Treatment Category 2, Distribution Category 2 | Learn more
Instructor
Jon-Luc Goodrich and Jake Tietgens (Holland Company)
Proctor
Allison Smith (Vermont Rural Water Association)

State Revolving Funds for Drinking Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater
2026-04-14 09:00 - 12:00 | Association of General Contractors, 1 Graves St, Montpelier, VT, United States
Description
This training will provide an overview of the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funding (CWSRF and DWSRF) financing programs, with a focus on the administrative and financial aspects of these programs. Participants will develop a working knowledge of these SRF programs and learn about eligible borrowers and project types under both the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The session will cover planning, design, and construction loans available through these low-interest and heavily subsidized water infrastructure funding programs, including the role of asset management in project development.
The training will also explain the SRF annual funding cycle, including the development and use of the Intended Use Plans (IUPs) and project priority lists for competitive funding. Attendees will gain an understanding of how to use these Federal funding programs offered by the DEC’s Water Infrastructure Finance Program to fund their community’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater funding needs. An overview of the State’s Pollution Control (PC) Grant program will be provided. Additionally, the course will outline the eligibility requirements, necessary documentations and approvals required for a complete loan application.
Credit
2.5 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Water Treatment Category 1, Distribution Category 2 | Learn more
Instructors
Tom Brown, Amy Galford, Sarah Bayer, Katie Parrish (DEC Water Investment Division)
Proctor
Liz Royer (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Small Systems Class 2 Water Treatment Course
2026-04-14 09:00 - 2026-04-23 13:30 | Hybrid (Zoom & Essex), 20 Susie Wilson Rd, Essex Junction, VT, 05452, United States
Description
This course is designed for those who will be taking the Vermont Class 2 Water Operator Certification Exam. The four-session class provides an overview of how to operate a small public water system using groundwater as a source. Topics include the Safe Drinking Water Act requirements, source water sampling, well construction, source protection, water storage, distribution, hydraulics, cross-connections, safety, disinfection, treatment, and relevant math.
This class is not designed for the operators of Transient Non-Community Systems (TNCs).
Credit
16 TCH (Water)
Treatment Category 1 & 2, Distribution Category 1 & 2 | Learn more
Textbook
Introduction to Small Water Systems is recommended for this class. You can purchase it here for $60. Please purchase by April 6 to receive it by the first day of class.
Dates
Tuesday, April 14
Thursday, April 16
Wednesday, April 22
Thursday, April 23
9 am to 1:30 pm each day
Hybrid
Each session will be held in-person at our office in Essex and on Zoom. For each session, you will receive a Zoom link by email the day before class. Click here for more information about webinar trainings.
In-person address:
20 Susie Wilson Rd, Suite B
Essex Junction, VT 05452
Please park in lower lot, behind building. Handicap parking is available in upper lot by entrance.
Instructor
Tim Russo (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Exam
Those seeking a Class 2 water operator certification after completing this course are encouraged to sign up early to take an exam. There are two options:

Paper exams will be offered on Friday, May 1 in Montpelier and Rutland. The registration deadline is April 3. Register at https://dec.vermont.gov/water/drinking-water/public-water-system-operator-certification/public-water-system-operator-exams
Computer-based exams are offered by appointment in South Burlington and some PSI testing centers in other states. Learn more about computer exams here.

PFAS & Water Supply Rule
2026-04-21 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
Members of the Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division will be going over recent changes to the Vermont Water Supply Rule involving the regulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that go into effect on January 1, 2026. This will include discussion on changes to sampling requirements, the new MCLs, and how systems achieve and maintain compliance with the regulation.
Credit
3 TCH (Water)
Treatment Category 1, Distribution Category 1 | Learn more
Instructor
Ben Montross & DWGPD staff
Proctor
Tim Russo (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Additional Sessions
Thursday, June 4 – Register Here
Wednesday, July 22 – Register Here
Tuesday, August 4 – Register Here

Wastewater Operator’s Guide to NPDES Permits and Facility Inspections
2026-04-22 08:30 - 12:00 | 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
Michelle Kovarie and John Merrifield, and Wastewater Management Program staff
Proctor
Elijah Lemieux (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Wastewater Microbiology: A Monitoring Program for Operators
2026-04-23 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)

First Aid, CPR, AED
2026-04-23 13:00 - 16:30 | Lyndon Public Safety Facility, 316 Main St, Lyndonville, VT, 05851, United States
Description
This American Heart Association Heartsaver® First Aid Adult & Child CPR AED course is designed for individuals with little or no medical training who need a course completion card for job or regulatory requirements, such as OSHA, or for those who simply want to be prepared to respond in an emergency.
Tailored to water and wastewater operators, the comprehensive Heartsaver® Total course meets regulatory standards. Topics include scene assessment and safety, medical and injury emergencies, environmental emergencies, adult and child CPR, AED use, and relief from choking, with the option to include infant CPR. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a two-year American Heart Association certification card.
Credit
3 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Water Treatment Category 3, Distribution Category 1 | Learn more
Instructor
Tamara McLaughlin (VT Safety Net)
Proctor
Allison Smith (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Class 3 Practice Exam
2026-04-28 08:30 - 13:00 | Vermont Rural Water Association, 20 Susie Wilson Rd, Essex Junction, VT, 05452, 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)
Treatment Category 3, Distribution Category 3 | Learn more
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Class 4 Practice Exam
2026-04-29 08:30 - 13:00 | Vermont Rural Water Association, 20 Susie Wilson Rd, Essex Junction, VT, 05452, 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)
Treatment Category 3, Distribution Category 3 | Learn more
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Distribution Practice Exam
2026-04-30 08:30 - 13:00 | Vermont Rural Water Association, 20 Susie Wilson Rd, Essex Junction, VT, 05452, 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)
Treatment Category 3, Distribution Category 3 | Learn more
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

First Aid, CPR, AED
2026-05-05 09:00 - 12:30 | Courtyard Williston, 177 Hurricane Ln, Williston, VT, United States

Operation and Maintenance of Groundwater Systems
2026-05-07 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
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)
Treatment Category 2, Distribution Category 2 | Learn more
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

2026 Conference
2026-05-14 08:00 - 15:00 | Lake Morey Resort, 82 Clubhouse Rd, Fairlee, VT, United States
Vermont Rural Water’s 2026 Conference will include a trade show, luncheon, and trainings (earn up to 3.5 TCH for water and/or wastewater). The conference schedule will be released later this spring. Class Topics:

SCADA – EOS Research
Crisis Communications – Water PIO
HDPE Infrastructure – FW Webb
Metering Technology – EJP
Drinking Water Regulatory Updates – DWGPD
Wastewater Regulatory Updates – Wastewater Management Program
Drought Response & Emergency Response – VEM & DEC
Cyber Threats – CISA & FBI

Cost
$90 Member
$140 Non-member
Additional Activities
Vermont Drinking Water Week will be hosting the 2026 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 14.
Taste Test Rules
Entry Form (PDF)
Entry Form (Word doc)
There will be a Golf Tournament on Wednesday, May 13. Learn more and register here.
There will be a friendly Cornhole Tournament starting at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, May 13. No registration is required, just join us down by the lake!
To exhibit in the Trade Show, click here.
To sponsor the conference, click here.
Sponsored by:

Personal Protective Equipment, Ladder, and Electrical Safety
2026-05-19 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
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)
Water Treatment Category 3, Distribution Category 1 | Learn more
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Operation and Maintenance of Distribution Systems
2026-05-20 09:00 - 12:30, 2026-06-25 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
Water distribution systems require preventative maintenance to reduce the risk of equipment failure and provide safe drinking water to consumers. This class will discuss some of the maintenance basics, including valve exercising, flushing, pipe replacement, pipe rehabilitation, and storage tank inspection and cleaning.
Credit
3 TCH (Water)
Treatment Category 2, Distribution Category 2 | Learn more
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Water Treatment: Filtration Processes
2026-05-26 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
Water filtration is one of the most important treatment processes for the removal of contaminants from drinking water. Groundwater and surface water treatment facilities may use filtration processes for the removal of pathogens, iron and manganese, PFAS, radionuclides, as well as taste and odor control. In this class, we will look at how filters work and how they should be operated and maintained.
Credit
3 TCH (Water)
Treatment Category 2, Distribution Category 2 | Learn more
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Permit Required Confined Space Entry
2026-05-27 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
Water and wastewater facilities contain many confined spaces which can be dangerous to operators. We will discuss common confined spaces in water and wastewater facilities and the difference between a confined space and a permit-required confined space. This class will build awareness about the safety hazards of a confined space such as atmospheric hazards (hydrogen sulfide, methane); mechanical hazards; and blood-borne pathogens that are a concern for wastewater collection system workers. You will learn about the proper protective equipment, procedures for entry into a permit-required confined space, the need for a rescue plan, and how to rescue a co-worker if the situation arises. OSHA CFR 1910.146
Credit
3 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Water Treatment Category 3, Distribution Category 1 | Learn more
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Model Sewer Use Ordinance (SUO) and Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Guidance
2026-05-27 09:00 - 12:30 | Vermont Rural Water Association, 20 Susie Wilson Rd, Essex Junction, VT, 05452, United States
Description
This will be a two-part class that reviews Sewer Use Ordinances (SUO) and Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG). The first part of this training will address Sewer Use Ordinances (SUO) by discussing the format and requirements that should be included in a strong SUO and providing example conditions and language to consider when updating your ordinance. Randy Bean has developed a model SUO that wastewater systems and municipalities can use as a template for developing their own ordinance. This template will be shared during class.
The second part of the training will present information on Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG). This will include information on best management practices for FOG control, sizing of interceptors, the generation of FOG by various users, inspections and maintenance of interceptors, and methods to control the discharge of FOG into your collection system.
Credit
3 TCH (Wastewater)
Instructor
Randy Bean
Proctor
Wayne Graham (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Trench and Excavation Safety
2026-05-28 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
Water and wastewater operators face dangerous situations when excavating trenches to repair water and sewer lines. Trench collapses happen without warning and cause severe injuries or death. Open trenches and pipe repairs include many other hazards such as water accumulation, other buried utilities, surface encumbrances, and traffic. This course focuses on OSHA 1926 and the safe procedure for operators to follow when working in or around a trench or excavation.
Credit
3 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Water Treatment Category 3, Distribution Category 1 | Learn more
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Wastewater Lift Stations from an Operator's Perspective
2026-06-02 09:00 - 12:30 | National Life Complex, Dewey Building, 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT, 05602, United States
Description
This comprehensive class was developed from many years of hands-on station experience and is designed for anyone who is tasked with operating, managing, or owning wastewater lift stations. This class will cover a range of topics from a functional perspective, including: what is a lift station, proper operation/maintenance, best practices, operational basics, troubleshooting, and upgrading. Examples of standard operating procedures will be provided. This is a guided, structured presentation intended to pass on the knowledge of seasoned operators to our newer operators and managers. Come ready to participate and share your challenges and successes!
Credit
3 TCH (Wastewater)
Instructor
Rick Chaput (Vergennes WWTF)
Proctor
Wayne Graham (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Preventing Heat Illness in the Workplace
2026-06-03 09:00 - 11:15 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
In this session, participants will learn what heat illness is, risk factors, and simple safety practices to prevent heat illness. Different types of heat-related illnesses will be reviewed. The class will also examine the responsibility and tools that employers have to keep employees safe from heat illness.
Credit
2 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Water Treatment Category 3, Distribution Category 1 | Learn more
Instructor
Miriam Owens (Vermont Occupational and Health Administration)
Proctor
Elijah Lemieux (Vermont Rural Water Association)

PFAS & Water Supply Rule
2026-06-04 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
Members of the Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division will be going over recent changes to the Vermont Water Supply Rule involving the regulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that go into effect on January 1, 2026. This will include discussion on changes to sampling requirements, the new MCLs, and how systems achieve and maintain compliance with the regulation.
Credit
3 TCH (Water)
Treatment Category 1, Distribution Category 1 | Learn more
Instructor
Ben Montross and Janelle Wilbur (VT Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division)
Proctor
Tim Russo (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Additional Sessions
Wednesday, July 22 – Register Here
Tuesday, August 4 – Register Here

Issuing a Boil Water Notice
2026-06-16 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
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)
Treatment Category 1, Distribution Category 1 | Learn more
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Hands-On Pipe Repair Training
2026-06-17 10:00 - 14:00 | EJ Prescott – South Burlington, 1235 Airport Pkwy, South Burlington, VT, 05403, United States
Description
This training will cover all types of repairs from using repair clamps, couplings, mechanical joint fittings, joint restraints, and saddles. The instructor will go over different types of breaks, leak location, proper ways to outside diameter pipe, and torque recommendations. This class will include hands-on demonstrations or installation of each. EJP will be graciously providing lunch for attendees.
Credit
3.5 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Water Treatment Category 2, Distribution Category 1 & 2 | Learn more
Instructor
Chris Rogers (EJ Prescott)
Proctor
Wayne Graham & Elijah Lemieux (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Safety: Water and Wastewater Facility Flooding
2026-06-18 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
Water and wastewater facilities face an increasing threat of flood events in Vermont. Flooding can cause major damage to facilities and assets and pose a safety hazard to all involved.
Knowing the safety hazards that may be present during flooding events and having a solid emergency response plan are key to reducing the risk of injury and fatalities. This class will map out preparations that water and wastewater facility operators can take to be better prepared for future flooding events.
Credit
3 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Water Treatment Category 3, Distribution Category 1 | Learn more
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Water Treatment: Coagulation
2026-06-24 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
Surface water may contain constituents such as pathogenic microorganisms, natural organic matter, and sometimes chemicals. Surface water may also have taste and odor issues. The coagulation process is an important part of removing these constituents. Enhanced coagulation in any surface water treatment facility should be a top priority. pH and alkalinity play an important role in the chemistry of coagulation as well as the flash mix. Enhanced coagulation optimizes pH and coagulant dosages to remove as much natural organic matter as possible.
Credit
3 TCH (Water)
Treatment Category 2, Distribution Category 2 | Learn more
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)
