Water Distribution Essentials
2026-01-08 09:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | F.W. Webb – Williston, 80 Park Avenue, Williston, VT, United States
Description
Join Troy Ebbighausen from F.W. Webb for a comprehensive 3-hour training designed for water operators and distribution personnel. This session will cover practical, day-to-day skills and safety essentials for working in the field.
Topics include:

Mega Lugs—Learn the differences between types for various pipes and proper installation techniques.
Repair Clamps—Understand the role of clamps in water main repair, including correct torque specifications.
HDPE Service Lines—Best practices for making secure and lasting connections with a live demo on HDPE electro fusion.
Daily Operations—Field-proven tips for improving efficiency and performance in water distribution tasks.

This training will equip attendees with practical knowledge and reinforce safe, effective methods for maintaining and repairing water distribution systems.
Credit
3 TCH (Water)
Instructor
Troy Ebbighausen & John Bonnette (F.W. Webb)
Proctor
Allison Smith (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Small, High-Strength Dischargers
2026-01-14 09:00 - 12:15 | Vermont Rural Water Association, 20 Susie Wilson Rd, Essex Junction, VT, 05452, United States
Description
This class will discuss issues with small, high-strength wastewater dischargers—which do not need Pretreatment Discharge Permits from the Agency of Natural Resources—and their potential impacts on wastewater treatment facilities. The class will provide information on pollutants discharged from these businesses, how these discharges are typically controlled and their potential impacts on the wastewater treatment facilities. You will receive detailed guidance on how to inspect and sample these dischargers. We will discuss how to reduce their impacts, tips to help these businesses to control their discharges, and how to coordinate with the Agency if the discharge becomes problematic.
Credit
3 TCH (Wastewater)
Instructor
Randy Bean
Proctor
Wayne Graham (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Coagulation, Jar Testing, and Chemical Handling
2026-01-15 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)
Instructor
Jon-Luc Goodrich and Jake Tietgens (Holland Company)
Proctor
Allison Smith (Vermont Rural Water Association)
CLASS CANCELLED

Leadership in Safety
2026-01-21 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)

Protecting Source Water in Forested Watersheds
2026-01-22 09:00 - 13:30 | Vermont State University – Johnson, Bentley Hall, 337 College Hill Rd, Johnson, VT, 05656, United States
Description
Forests offer numerous benefits to source water quality for drinking water systems. However, a unique set of challenges may arise for water system personnel trying to manage and mitigate potential sources of contamination (PSOC) found in forested Source Protection Areas. This training will focus on two of the most common potential sources of contamination and disruption to systems located in rural, forested watersheds: logging and beavers.
Join Vermont Rural Water’s source water specialist, along with staff from the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation and Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife to learn more about Vermont’s land use history and how modern forest and wildlife management practices can help mitigate threats to drinking water quality, and how to implement them at your water system.
Credit
4 TCH (Water)
Instructors
Tyler Brown (Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department)
Silas Rainville (Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation)
Will Ebby and Laura Ranker (Vermont Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division)
Brad Roy (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Proctor
Tim Russo (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Location
Bentley Hall, room 207. View campus map.

TNC Operations
2026-01-26 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)
Date Change
This class had previously been schedule for Tuesday, January 27. Instead it will be held on Monday, January 26.

Water & Wastewater System Maintenance
2026-01-28 08:30 - 15:30 | Manchester Town Hall, 40 Jeff Williams Way, Manchester Center, VT, 05255, United States
Description
This course provides a practical overview of routine maintenance and troubleshooting essentials for drinking water and wastewater systems. Participants will learn best practices for inspecting and maintaining storage tanks, including structural and sanitary considerations. The class will also cover pump operation and upkeep, meter technologies and accuracy checks, and proven methods for identifying and repairing leaks in the distribution system. Operators will gain knowledge to improve system performance, extend the life of critical assets, and reduce unaccounted-for water loss. This training is designed to support operators of all experience levels.
In the afternoon, you can choose between two breakout sessions:

Meters and Leak Detection (water credit only)
Advanced Chemical Feed Pumps (water and wastewater credit)

Credit
6 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Instructor
Sam Cavallaro (Ti-SALES)
Proctor
Allison Smith (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Traffic Control Certification
2026-02-03 09:00 - 13:30 | Vermont Rural Water Association, 20 Susie Wilson Rd, Essex Junction, VT, 05452, United States
Description
This course will provide flaggers with the basic knowledge, information, and awareness to perform their jobs safely. After the lesson, attendees will be given a written certification exam. Those who successfully complete the course and pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher will receive a certificate to perform as a qualified flagger.
Credit
4 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Instructor
Tim Russo (Vermont Rural Water Association)
CLASS FULL
This class will be offered again on March 11 in Brattleboro – Register here

Updating Your Source Protection Plan
2026-02-05 09:00 - 12:30 | National Life Complex, Davis Buildling, 1 National Life Dr, Montpelier, VT, 05602, United States
Class Description
Join staff from the State of Vermont Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division and Vermont Rural Water Association to learn the why and how of developing a Source Protection Plan and plan updates. This training focuses on developing the basic plan components required under the VT Water Supply Rule and the tools and resources available to help prepare your water system’s Source Protection Plan or Source Protection Plan Update. An introduction to the ANR Natural Resources Atlas mapping tool and the Department of Environmental Conservation Searchable Databases are provided. Participants are shown how to use the ANR NR Atlas to create maps for use in the plan document and for landowner notifications as well as performing a search for records related to potential sources of contamination and well completion reports.
Class Credit
3 TCH (Water)
Instructor
Laura Ranker (VT Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division)
Brad Roy (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Proctor
Tim Russo (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Location
The class will be located on the second floor of the Davis Building in the Catamount Conference Room (D215).

Source Protection Plan and Guidance Doc
2026-02-10 09:00 - 12:30 | National Life Complex, Davis Buildling, 1 National Life Dr, Montpelier, VT, 05602, United States
Class Description
Join staff from the State of Vermont Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division and Vermont Rural Water Association to take a deeper dive into the identification and assessment of actual and potential sources of contamination that can pose a risk to your drinking water source(s). Learn about a variety of strategies and actions that the water system and others can implement to protect the water source(s) using real case studies and examples from active water systems. Learn how to create a Potential Sources of Contamination Source Protection Area Map using the ANR Natural Resources Atlas mapping tool for inclusion in the water system’s Source Protection Plan or Plan Update.
Class Credit
3 TCH (Water)
Instructor
Laura Ranker (VT Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division)
Brad Roy (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Proctor
Tim Russo (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Location
The class will be located on the fourth floor of the Davis Building in the Orange Conference Room (D413).

PFAS & Water Supply Rule
2026-02-12 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)
Instructor
Ben Montross & DWGPD staff
Proctor
Tim Russo (Vermont Rural Water Association)
CLASS FULL
This class will be offered again on the following dates:
March 10 – Waitlist
April 21 – Register here

Corrosion Control
2026-02-18 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
This training will focus on distribution system corrosion and methods to combat it. Topics covered include: what is corrosion and what causes it, why some waters are more corrosive than others, problems caused by corrosion, lead and copper rules, and using phosphates and pH adjustment to combat corrosion.
Credit
3 TCH (Water)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Issuing a Boil Water Notice
2026-02-20 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)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

TNC Operations
2026-02-20 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)

Water Treatment: Chemical Addition
2026-02-24 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
When water treatment involves the addition of chemicals to drinking water, there are follow-up procedures to ensure proper dosage and effectiveness of the chemicals. This class will discuss the addition of sodium hypochlorite, soda ash, sodium hydroxide, orthophosphates, coagulants, and coagulant aids.
Credit
3 TCH (Water)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Safety: Water and Wastewater Facility Flooding
2026-02-26 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)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

HazCom Compliance and Respiratory Protection
2026-03-04 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
Keep yourself and coworkers safe by gaining an understanding of the Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) and respiratory protection safety standards from Vermont OSHA.
Credit
3 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Water Treatment Category 3, Distribution Category 1 | Learn more
Cost
$24 Member
$48 Non-member
Instructor
Miriam Owens (Vermont Occupational and Health Administration)
Proctor
Elijah Lemieux (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Basic Math for Water and Wastewater Operators
2026-03-05 08:30 - 14:30 | National Life Complex, Dewey Building, 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT, 05602, United States
Description
This course covers basic math concepts that operators use frequently in their work and are most likely to appear on water and wastewater certification exams. These include conversions, perimeter, area, volume, PSI, elevation head, and detention time. If time permits, we will also cover flow and chemical dosage.
Are we selling the same book for $40?This course covers basic math concepts that operators use frequently in their work and are most likely to appear on water and wastewater certification exams. These include conversions, perimeter, area, volume, PSI, elevation head, and detention time. If time permits, we will also cover flow and chemical dosage.
Textbook
Math Handbook for Water System Operators by Bob Larsen is required for all students. You can purchase this book along with your registration for $40. Books will be distributed at the beginning of class.
Credit
5 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Water Treatment Category 3, Distribution Category 3 | Learn more
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

PFAS & Water Supply Rule
2026-03-10 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)
CLASS FULL
This class will also be offered on April 21. Register here.

Class 4 Water Certification Exam Preparation Course
2026-03-10 09:00 - 2026-04-23 12:30 | Combined (Zoom & In-Person), Zoom & In-Person
Dates & Locations
Tuesday, March 10 – 9 am to 12:30 pm on Zoom
Thursday, March 12 – 9 am to 12:30 pm on Zoom
Tuesday, March 17 – 9 am to 12:30 pm on Zoom
Thursday, March 19 – 9 am to 12:30 pm on Zoom
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 4 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:
Water Treatment Plant Operation, Volume 1 (Office of Water Programs, Sacramento State) – $100
Water System Operations Water Treatment, Grade 2 (American Water Works Association) – $86
This book is recommended:
Water Operator Certification Exam Prep (American Water Works Association) – $106
Click the links above to purchase each book. Please purchase by February 24 to allow time for shipping.
Credit
48 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 4 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.

Traffic Control Certification
2026-03-11 09:00 - 13:30 | Brattleboro Fire Department, 103 Elliot St, Brattleboro, VT, 05301, United States
Description
This course will provide flaggers with the basic knowledge, information, and awareness to perform their jobs safely. After the lesson, attendees will be given a written certification exam. Those who successfully complete the course and pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher will receive a certificate to perform as a qualified flagger.
Credit
4 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Water Treatment Category 3, Distribution Category 1 | Learn more
Instructor
Tim Russo (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Basic Wastewater Course
2026-03-12 08:00 - 2026-04-30 15:00 | Chester Public Safety Building, 130 Pleasant St, Chester, VT, 05143, United States
Dates & Locations
Thursday, March 12
Thursday, March 19
Tuesday, March 24 – 9 am to 12: 15 pm on Zoom
Thursday, March 26
Thursday, April 2
Tuesday, April 7 – 9 am to 12: 15 pm on Zoom
Thursday, April 9
Thursday, April 16
Thursday, April 23 – 9 am to 3 pm on Zoom
Thursday, April 30
8 am to 3 pm unless otherwise noted
Description
This course will prepare attendees to take the Grades 1, 2, or 3 Domestic Wastewater certification exams, and is a great primer for those taking higher grade exams. Attendees will learn the basic concepts of wastewater treatment from collection system to final disposal of effluents and solids.
The course will be taught by Elijah Lemieux and Wayne Graham from the Vermont Rural Water Association, along with guest presenters to provide expertise on specific topics.
Textbook
The course is based on Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants (Volume 1, 8th edition) by the Office of Water Programs. All students are required to have a copy of this book. You can purchase it for $100 when you register.
Credit
53 TCH – Wastewater
Cost
$850 (with textbook)
$750 (no textbook)
Register early! The maximum class size is 20.

Advanced WW Series: Understanding Digester Operations
2026-03-16 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
The objectives of this class are to:

Provide a general background necessary to understand how anaerobic digesters work.
Present routine operational techniques and monitoring parameters for process control.
Understand how to solve digester operational problems and how to identify potential problems.

Credit
3 TCH (Wastewater)
Instructor
Toni Glymph
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.

Model Sewer Use Ordinance (SUO) and Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Guidance
2026-03-18 09:00 - 12:30 | Association of General Contractors, 1 Graves St, Montpelier, VT, 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)

Distribution Certification Exam Preparation Course
2026-03-18 09:00 - 2026-04-24 12:30 | Combined (Zoom & Essex), 20 Susie Wilson Rd, Suite B, Essex Junction, VT, 05452, United States
Dates & Locations
Wednesday, March 18 – 9 am to 12:30 pm on Zoom
Friday, March 20 – 9 am to 12:30 pm on Zoom
Wednesday, March 25 – 8:30 am to 3:30 pm at Vermont Rural Water Association (20 Susie Wilson Rd, Suite B, Essex Junction)
Wednesday, April 1 – 9 am to 12:30 pm on Zoom
Friday, April 3 – 9 am to 12:30 pm on Zoom
Wednesday, April 8 – 8:30 am to 3:3 at Vermont Rural Water Association (20 Susie Wilson Rd, Suite B, Essex Junction)
Thursday, April 16 – 9 am to 12:30 pm on Zoom
Friday, April 17 – 9 am to 12:30 pm on Zoom
Friday, April 24 – 8:30 am to 3:3 at Vermont Rural Water Association (20 Susie Wilson Rd, Suite B, Essex Junction)
Description
This multi-week course is designed for those preparing to take the Distribution (Class D) Certification Exam. Topics will include all aspects of distribution systems, as well as hydraulics, water chemistry, water mathematics, and sampling procedures. You are expected to attend all class sessions.
Textbooks
The following books are required for all students:
Water Distribution System Operation and Maintenance (Office of Water Programs, Sacramento State) – $100
Water System Operations Water Distribution, Grades 1 & 2 (American Water Works Association) – $96
This book is recommended:
Water Operator Certification Exam Prep (American Water Works Association) – $106
Click the links above to purchase books. Please purchase by March 4.
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 Distribution 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.

Corrosion Control: Alternatives to Phosphorus-Based Treatments
2026-03-19 09:00 - 12:30 | 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)
