Class 4 Water Treatment Course
2025-02-12 09:00 - 2025-04-10 12:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom, Zoom
Dates (please note some of these have been changed from what was originally scheduled!)
Wednesday, February 12 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Friday, February 14 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Wednesday, February 19 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Friday, February 21 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Wednesday, March 12 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Tuesday, March 18 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Friday, March 21 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Tuesday, March 25 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Friday, March 28 – 8 am to 11:30 am and 12 pm to 3:30 pm
Tuesday, April 1 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Thursday, April 3 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Tuesday, April 8 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Thursday, April 10 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Monday, April 14 – 8 am to 11:30 am and 12 pm to 3:30 pm
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 – 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 February 5 to allow time for shipping!
Credit
48 TCH (Water)
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
The following classes are recommended for all students:
Water Operator Math Course: Day 1 on Thursday, March 6 – Register Here
Water Operator Math Course: Day 2 on Thursday, March 20 – Register Here
Water Operator Math Course: Day 3 on Thursday, March 27 – Register Here

Water System Administration
2025-02-18 09:00 - 12:30
Description
Water system administration can sometimes be very overwhelming. This class will cover the following topics to help equip you with the skills and information needed to successfully run a water system:

Asset management
Preventative maintenance
Monthly operating reports
Monitoring schedule
Monitoring waivers
Sampling
Sanitary surveys
Source protection plans
Operation and maintenance manuals
Maintenance records
Public notification
Boil water orders
Operator certification
Consumer Confidence Reports
Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division’s website

Credit
3 TCH (Water)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Cost
Member: $24
Non-member: $48

TNC Operations
2025-02-25 09:00 - 12:30, 2025-04-25 09:00 - 12:30, 2025-05-22 09:00 - 12:30, 2025-11-20 09:00 - 12:30, 2026-02-20 09:00 - 12:30
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)

Advanced WW Series: BOD, ORP, and Sludge Production
2025-02-25 08:30 - 12:00
Description
This class examines substrate (BOD), degradation (metabolism) of substrate, the form of degradation of substrate that is occurring using oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), and the growth of bacterial cells (sludge production). The class discusses the quantity (amount) and quality (type) of substrate that enter the treatment process and their fate as either degradation to non-polluting and less polluting wastes, transformation to new bacterial cells, removal of colloids and particulate material, and pass-through as effluent BOD. The five basis bacterial pathways to BOD degradation and their consequences are presented. These pathways include the use of free molecular oxygen, nitrate, sulfate, organic molecules (mixed acid fermentation), and methane production. The occurrence of any pathway in the degradation of substrate and its consequences to the treatment process can be detected by specific analytical measurements including the use of ORP and therefore used for process control and troubleshooting purposes. A significant consequence of the degradation of BOD is bacterial growth (sludge production) and operation measures to reduce sludge production are 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.

Class 3 Water Treatment Course
2025-03-03 09:00 - 2025-04-10 12:30
Dates (please note some of these have been changed from what was originally scheduled!)
Wednesday, March 12 – 9 am to 12:30 pm each day
Tuesday, March 18 – 9 am to 12:30 pm each day
Friday, March 21 – 9 am to 12:30 pm each day
Tuesday, March 25 – 9 am to 12:30 pm each day
Friday, March 28 – 8 am to 11:30 am and 12 pm to 3:30 pm
Tuesday, April 1 – 9 am to 12:30 pm each day
Thursday, April 3 – 9 am to 12:30 pm each day
Tuesday, April 8 – 9 am to 12:30 pm each day
Thursday, April 10 – 9 am to 12:30 pm each day
Monday, April 14 – 8 am to 11:30 am and 12 pm to 3:30 pm
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 February 24 to allow time for shipping!
Credit
36 TCH (Water)
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
The following classes are recommended for all students:
Water Operator Math Course: Day 1 on Thursday, March 6 or Friday, April 4
Water Operator Math Course: Day 2 on Thursday, March 20 or Friday, April 11
Water Operator Math Course: Day 3 on Thursday, March 27 or Friday, April 18

Water Distribution Course
2025-03-05 09:00 - 2025-04-15 12:30
Dates (please note some of these have been changed from what was originally scheduled!)
Wednesday, March 12 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Monday, March 17 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Wednesday, March 19 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Monday, March 24 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Wednesday, March 26 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Thursday, March 27 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Monday, March 31 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Wednesday, April 2 – 8 am to 11:30 am and 12 pm to 3:30 pm
Wednesday, April 9 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Tuesday, April 15 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Thursday, April 17 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
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 – Purchase Here
Water System Operations Water Distribution, Grades 1 & 2 (American Water Works Association) – $96 – 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 February 24 to allow time for shipping!
Credit
36 TCH (Water)
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
The following classes are recommended for all students:
Water Operator Math Course: Day 1 on Thursday, March 6 or Friday, April 4
Water Operator Math Course: Day 2 on Thursday, March 20 or Friday, April 11
Water Operator Math Course: Day 3 on Thursday, March 27 or Friday, April 18

Protective Coatings and Manhole Rehabilitation
2025-04-23 09:00 - 11:15
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
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.

Water Treatment: Chlorination
2025-05-13 09:00 - 12:30
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)

Leadership in Safety
2025-06-17 09:00 - 12:30, 2026-01-21 09:00 - 12:30
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)

Successful Crisis Communications: Lead, PFAS, & Incident Management
2025-06-26 09:00 - 12:30
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)

Polymer Master Class & Corrosion Control
2025-09-09 09:00 - 12:30
Description
This two-part class is designed to provide drinking water and wastewater operators with a deeper understanding of polymers and corrosion control. The first section focuses on optimizing polymer use—not just by price per pound, but by evaluating compatibility with specific sludge characteristics, dewatering equipment, and application methods. Operators will learn how to calculate appropriate concentrations and dilution rates for their facility, with interactive elements to encourage critical thinking and engagement. The second section covers the fundamentals and benefits of corrosion control, including strategies for protecting copper, lead, and iron pipes, addressing manganese and tuberculation issues, and optimizing testing and chemical dosing. Participants will gain practical knowledge to proactively detect and prevent system failures, improving water quality and saving on long-term costs.
Credit
3 TCH (Wastewater)
2 TCH (Water)
Instructor
Ryan Peebles (Clean Waters, Inc.)
Proctor
Tim Russo (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Regulatory Communications and Recordkeeping for Small Water Systems
2025-10-09 09:00 - 12:30
Description
This class will discuss communications with the State and recordkeeping for small water systems. The first part is a guide to routine correspondence with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), including what to expect, what to do, and who to call. The second part will cover recordkeeping, including what papers to keep in your file, where and how to find them, and the valuable information they have for your knowledge.
Credit
3 TCH (Water)
Instructor
Ashleigh Belrose (VT Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division)
Proctor
Tim Russo (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Wastewater Microbiology: A Monitoring Program for Operators
2025-10-15 09:00 - 15:00
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)

TNC Operations
2025-10-30 09:00 - 12:30
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)
POSTPONED
This class has been rescheduled to November 20. Find information and register here. (If you were previously registered for October 30, your registration was automatically transferred to November 20.)

Water Treatment: Coagulation
2025-11-12 09:00 - 12:30
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)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Corrosion Control
2025-11-13 09:00 - 12:30, 2026-02-18 09:00 - 12:30
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)

Personal Protective Equipment, Ladder, and Electrical Safety
2025-11-18 09:00 - 12:30
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 also work on and around electrical equipment at their facilities. This class discusses the electrical safety measures that should be in place at your facility.
Credit
3 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Water Treatment: Filtration Processes
2025-11-19 09:00 - 12:30
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)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Permit Required Confined Space Entry
2025-11-21 09:00 - 12:30
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)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Issuing a Boil Water Notice
2025-12-09 09:00 - 12:30, 2026-02-20 09:00 - 12:30
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)

Cross Connection Control
2025-12-10 09:00 - 12:30
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)

TNC Operations
2026-01-26 09:00 - 12:30
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.
