Issuing a Boil Water Notice
2025-12-09 09:00 - 12:30, 2026-02-20 09:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | 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)

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

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)

TNC Operations
2026-01-27 09:00 - 12:30, 2026-02-20 09:00 - 12:30, 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)
Instructor
Meredith Maskell (VT Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division)
Proctor
Tim Russo (Vermont Rural Water Association)

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)

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)
Instructor
Miriam Owens (Vermont Occupational and Health Administration)
Proctor
Elijah Lemieux (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)
Instructor
Ben Montross & DWGPD staff
Proctor
Tim Russo (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Class 4 Water Treatment 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)
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.

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.

Class 3 Water Treatment 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)
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.
