Vermont Rural Water Association

PFAS & Water Supply Rule
2026-06-04 09:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | 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

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)

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)

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)

Source Water Protection: Developing a Source Protection Plan or Update
2026-05-27 09:30 - 15:00 | Norwich Public Safety Building, 10 Hazen Street, Norwich, VT, 05055, United States
Class Description
Join staff from the State of Vermont Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division (DWGPD) and Vermont Rural Water 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, identify landowners within the Source Protection Area, and identify and perform a search for records related to potential sources of contamination and well completion reports.
Water systems are encouraged to take the opportunity to interact and ask questions directly of the Source Water Protection Specialists on the development of their specific source protection plan or plan update.
Important Notes

Attendees are strongly encouraged to bring a laptop computer, power cord, access to their current source protection plan, and any pertinent water system documents with them. Power and WiFi will be available. Links to various databases and resources will be provided for use during the workshop session.
A 30-minute lunch break will be provided and two 15-minute breaks. Light refreshments will be provided during breaks. A light lunch will be provided such as pizza. Individuals are welcome to bring their own snacks, lunch, and drinks.
Carpooling is encouraged as parking is limited.

Class Credit
4.5 TCH (Water)
Treatment Category 2, Distribution Category 3 | Learn more
Instructors
Laura Ranker and Will Ebby (VT Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division)
Proctor
Brad Roy (Vermont Rural Water Association)
CLASS CANCELLED
This class will be offered again on September 29 in Swanton, VT. Register here.

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)

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)

Wastewater Exam
2026-05-26 12:45 - 16:00 | Vermont Rural Water Association, 20 Susie Wilson Rd, Essex Junction, VT, 05452, United States
Licensing exams for all levels of Vermont domestic and industrial (dairy, metal, paper) pollution abatement facility operators. The exam will be administered on a laptop.
Registration closes on May 11. Refunds will not be given for cancellations within two weeks of the exam date. No-shows will be charged the full fee.
You do not need to get approval from the Office of Professional Regulations (OPR) before testing.
What to expect:

Please arrive by 12:45 pm. The exam will start promptly at 1 pm.
You will be provided with a laptop, mouse, calculator, ABC formula sheet, scratch paper, pencil, and earplugs. You may bring your own calculator as long as it is silent and non-programmable without alphabetic keypads or printing capabilities.
Bring a government-issued ID that shows your name and photograph.
You will not be allowed to have personal items with you during the exam. Coats, hats, and bags should be left in your vehicle or a designated spot outside of the exam room. You will be given a bag to store your cellphone, wallet, and keys during the exam. Cellphones/pagers must be silenced or powered off.
Eating, drinking, or smoking is not permitted in the exam room.
You may take a break whenever you wish, but you will not be allowed additional time to make up for time lost during breaks. During breaks, you are permitted to leave the exam room to use the bathroom. However, you are not permitted to leave the building (including for smoking). Each break cannot exceed 10 minutes.
Results will be emailed to the email address you provide when you register. By registering for this exam, you consent to have your results shared with Office of Professional Regulation (OPR), the Wastewater Management Program, and Vermont Rural Water.

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)

Wastewater Exam
2026-05-26 08:45 - 12:00 | Vermont Rural Water Association, 20 Susie Wilson Rd, Essex Junction, VT, 05452, United States
Licensing exams for all levels of Vermont domestic and industrial (dairy, metal, paper) pollution abatement facility operators. The exam will be administered on a laptop.
Registration closes on May 11. Refunds will not be given for cancellations within two weeks of the exam date. No-shows will be charged the full fee.
You do not need to get approval from the Office of Professional Regulations (OPR) before testing.
What to expect:

Please arrive by 8:45 am. The exam will start promptly at 9 am.
You will be provided with a laptop, mouse, calculator, ABC formula sheet, scratch paper, pencil, and earplugs. You may bring your own calculator as long as it is silent and non-programmable without alphabetic keypads or printing capabilities.
Bring a government-issued ID that shows your name and photograph.
You will not be allowed to have personal items with you during the exam. Coats, hats, and bags should be left in your vehicle or a designated spot outside of the exam room. You will be given a bag to store your cellphone, wallet, and keys during the exam. Cellphones/pagers must be silenced or powered off.
Eating, drinking, or smoking is not permitted in the exam room.
You may take a break whenever you wish, but you will not be allowed additional time to make up for time lost during breaks. During breaks, you are permitted to leave the exam room to use the bathroom. However, you are not permitted to leave the building (including for smoking). Each break cannot exceed 10 minutes.
Results will be emailed to the email address you provide when you register. By registering for this exam, you consent to have your results shared with Office of Professional Regulation (OPR), the Wastewater Management Program, and Vermont Rural Water.

Operation and Maintenance of Distribution Systems
2026-05-20 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)

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)

Trade Show Vendor
2026-05-14 08:00 - 15:00 | Lake Morey Resort, 82 Clubhouse Rd, Fairlee, VT, United States
The trade show is a popular part of Vermont Rural Water’s Annual Conference. Attendees include water/wastewater operators, municipal staff, board members, state regulators, vendors, and others connected with the water/wastewater industry. Conference sessions are interspersed throughout the day with plenty of breaks to encourage trips into the exhibit hall.
DetailsExhibit spaces are 8′ x 5′ with a 6’ table, 2 chairs, electricity, and wifi. You can set up your exhibit on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 13 from 1–5 pm or the morning of Thursday, May 14 from 6–8 am. You have the option to raffle a giveaway item at your booth. Raffle winners will be drawn at 2:45 pm on Thursday. Please do not clean up your exhibit until 3 pm.
ScheduleThe conference will include a trade show, luncheon, and trainings (earn up to 3.5 TCH for water and/or wastewater). A tentative schedule is available here.
CostSustaining Associate Member – Free booth, $90 per personAssociate Member – $630 booth, $90 per personNon-member – $840 booth, $105 per personYou will need to register attendee(s) in addition to purchasing booth space.
Cancellation Policy

Full refund if cancelled by 5 pm on May 1
50% refund on booth fee and full refund on attendee fees if cancelled by 5 pm on May 8
No refunds after May 8

Hotel RoomsLake Morey Resort is offering two options for exhibitors on the night of Wednesday, May 13:
Full Resort Package – $$334* single occupancy or $235* per person for double occupancyIncludes dinner on May 13, breakfast on May 14, and use of all resort amenities, including the pool and golf course (Vermont Rural Water’s golf tournament fees are extra, though there is a discount for players staying overnight at the Full Package rate). A full list of all amenities is available at www.lakemoreyresort.com.
Hotel Room Only – $189* per room, single or double occupancySpecial exhibitor-only rate. Does NOT include dinner on May 13, breakfast on May 14, or a discount on the golf tournament.
*The above rates are subject to 20% service charge and 9% Vermont Rooms and Meals Tax.
For Reservations: Call the resort directly at 800-423-1211 and mention Vermont Rural Water. Please make your reservation by April 10.
Add-onsSponsor the conference — Register hereParticipate in the golf tournament on May 13 — Register hereNew this year! There will be a friendly Cornhole Tournament on Wednesday, May 13. No registration is required, just come to the golf pro shop (179 Clubhouse Rd) at 1 pm. There is a $5 entry fee per player (cash or check).

Sponsored by:

Booth Spaces Sold Out!
All booth spaces are currently sold out. You can join the waitlist below and we will contact you if a space becomes available. Attendee registration is still open (scroll down).
Waitlist

Company/Organization *Name *Email Address *Phone

Submit

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). A tentative schedule is available here.
Class Topics:

SCADA Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank – EOS Research
Crisis Communications – Water PIO
Choosing & Maintaining HDPE Infrastructure – FW Webb
Metering Technology to Solve Non-Revenue Water – EJP
Drinking Water Regulatory Updates – DWGPD
Wastewater Regulatory Updates – Wastewater Management Program
Drought Response & Emergency Response – VEM & DEC
Combating Cyber Threats – FBI & VIC

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.
New this year! There will be a friendly Cornhole Tournament starting at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, May 13. No registration is required, just come to the golf pro shop (179 Clubhouse Rd) at 1 pm. There is a $5 entry fee per player (cash or check).
To exhibit in the Trade Show, click here.
To sponsor the conference, click here.
Sponsored by:

2026 Golf Tournament
2026-05-13 12:30 - 17:00 | Lake Morey Country Club, 179 Clubhouse Rd, Fairlee, VT, United States
The tournament is a four-person scramble with a shotgun start at 12:30. You can form your own foursome team or register individually and we will match you with others.
Cost
For those staying overnight at Lake Morey Resort under the Full Package Rate, the tournament fee is $90. If you are not staying overnight (or staying under the discounted vendor rate), the tournament fee is $125.
Sponsored by:

2026 Conference Sponsorship
2026-05-13 12:00 - 2026-05-14 15:00 | Lake Morey Resort, 82 Clubhouse Rd, Fairlee, VT, United States
Your sponsorship helps keep the conference affordable for attendees and supports the work of Vermont Rural Water. Sponsorships are first-come, first-served, so don’t wait to reserve the level you want!
Bronze Sponsor – $150

Sign posted on the golf course announcing your sponsorship of a Golf Tournament tee box
Advertisement (2.5″ x 3.5″) in the conference program
Sponsorship acknowledgment on the conference schedule

Silver Sponsor – $550

All benefits of Bronze Sponsorship
Logo on conference page of our website
Logo on sign posted by snack table
Logo on sign posted at entrance to the trade show

Gold Sponsor – $1,000

All benefits of Silver Sponsorship
Logo on conference email announcements
Logo on sign posted in the dining room announcing your sponsorship of the luncheon
Sponsorship announcement during the luncheon
One-page flyer (provided by you) in all attendee packets

Please send your logo and program ad to kboyk@vtruralwater.org as soon as possible.
Sponsorship registrations close on April 27.
Sponsored by:

Wastewater Exam
2026-05-07 12:45 - 16:00 | Chester Public Safety Building, 130 Pleasant St, Chester, VT, 05143, United States
Licensing exams for all levels of Vermont domestic and industrial (dairy, metal, paper) pollution abatement facility operators. The exam will be administered on a laptop.
Registration closes on April 21. Refunds will not be given for cancellations within two weeks of the exam date. No-shows will be charged the full fee.
You do not need to get approval from the Office of Professional Regulations (OPR) before testing.
What to expect:

Please arrive by 12:45 pm. The exam will start promptly at 1 pm.
You will be provided with a laptop, mouse, calculator, ABC formula sheet, scratch paper, pencil, and earplugs. You may bring your own calculator as long as it is silent and non-programmable without alphabetic keypads or printing capabilities.
Bring a government-issued ID that shows your name and photograph.
You will not be allowed to have personal items with you during the exam. Coats, hats, and bags should be left in your vehicle or a designated spot outside of the exam room. You will be given a bag to store your cellphone, wallet, and keys during the exam. Cellphones/pagers must be silenced or powered off.
Eating, drinking, or smoking is not permitted in the exam room.
You may take a break whenever you wish, but you will not be allowed additional time to make up for time lost during breaks. During breaks, you are permitted to leave the exam room to use the bathroom. However, you are not permitted to leave the building (including for smoking). Each break cannot exceed 10 minutes.
Results will be emailed to the email address you provide when you register. By registering for this exam, you consent to have your results shared with Office of Professional Regulation (OPR), the Wastewater Management Program, and Vermont Rural Water.

Web-based testing at Vermont Rural Water’s office.

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)

Wastewater Exam
2026-05-07 08:45 - 12:00 | Chester Public Safety Building, 130 Pleasant St, Chester, VT, 05143, United States
Licensing exams for all levels of Vermont domestic and industrial (dairy, metal, paper) pollution abatement facility operators. The exam will be administered on a laptop.
Registration closes on April 21. Refunds will not be given for cancellations within two weeks of the exam date. No-shows will be charged the full fee.
You do not need to get approval from the Office of Professional Regulations (OPR) before testing.
What to expect:

Please arrive by 8:45 am. The exam will start promptly at 9 am.
You will be provided with a laptop, mouse, calculator, ABC formula sheet, scratch paper, pencil, and earplugs. You may bring your own calculator as long as it is silent and non-programmable without alphabetic keypads or printing capabilities.
Bring a government-issued ID that shows your name and photograph.
You will not be allowed to have personal items with you during the exam. Coats, hats, and bags should be left in your vehicle or a designated spot outside of the exam room. You will be given a bag to store your cellphone, wallet, and keys during the exam. Cellphones/pagers must be silenced or powered off.
Eating, drinking, or smoking is not permitted in the exam room.
You may take a break whenever you wish, but you will not be allowed additional time to make up for time lost during breaks. During breaks, you are permitted to leave the exam room to use the bathroom. However, you are not permitted to leave the building (including for smoking). Each break cannot exceed 10 minutes.
Results will be emailed to the email address you provide when you register. By registering for this exam, you consent to have your results shared with Office of Professional Regulation (OPR), the Wastewater Management Program, and Vermont Rural Water.

Web-based testing at Vermont Rural Water’s office.

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

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)

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)

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)

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 CANCELLED
This class will be offered again on May 5 in Williston. Register here: https://vtruralwater.org/event/first-aid-may5/

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)

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)

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

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.

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)

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)
