Vermont Rural Water Association

State Revolving Funds for Clean Water
2026-09-09 09:00 - 11:15 (America/New_York) | Zoom, Zoom
Description
This training will provide an overview of the Clean Water State Revolving Funding (CWSRF) financing programs, with a focus on the administrative and financial aspects of these program. Participants will develop a working knowledge of the CWSRF program and learn about eligible borrowers and project types. The session will cover planning, design, and construction loans available through this low-interest and heavily subsidized water infrastructure funding program, 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 this Federal funding program offered by the DEC’s Water Infrastructure Finance Program to fund their community’s wastewater funding needs. An overview of the State’s Pollution Control (PC) Grant program will also be provided. Additionally, the course will outline the eligibility requirements, necessary documentations and approvals required for a complete loan application.
Credit
2 TCH (Wastewater)
Instructors
Tom Brown (DEC Water Investment Division)
Proctor
Liz Royer (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Advanced SCADA, Remote Monitoring, and Cybersecurity
2026-09-10 08:00 - 12:30 | Franklin Events Center, 1 Scale Ave, Rutland, VT, 05701, United States
Class Description
This technical course explores the architecture, deployment, and strategic safeguarding of modern Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. Participants will learn about and understand the foundational principles of SCADA technology to identify applications where automated data collection shines. The course highlights the operational frameworks where monitoring systems excel, with segmented cyber security protocols to protect remote telemetry networks. Attendees will evaluate real-world use cases, data transmission methods, hardware, and strategies to optimize utility management. By the conclusion of this class, students will possess the framework needed to securely select, deploy, and maintain resilient remote monitoring solutions tailored to municipal and industrial demands. This training will also have access to Mission’s mobile training unit, an RV outfitted to provide hands-on demonstrations and training for the cloud-based 123SCADA platform and remote terminal units (RTUs).
Refreshments and lunch will generously be provided by Champlin Associates.
Class Credit
3 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Treatment Category 1, Distribution Category 2 | Learn more
Instructors
Dave Crawford & Chip Crawford (Champlin Associates)
Proctor
Forest Anderson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Basic Wastewater Course
2026-09-22 08:00 - 2026-11-04 15:00 | Association of General Contractors, 1 Graves St, Montpelier, VT, United States
Dates & Locations
Tuesday, September 22
Tuesday, September 29
Tuesday, October 6
Thursday, October 8 – 9 am to 3 pm on Zoom
Tuesday, October 13
Thursday, October 15 – 9 am to 12:30 pm on Zoom
Tuesday, October 20
Tuesday, October 27
Thursday, October 29 – 9 am to 12:30 pm on Zoom
Wednesday, November 4
8 am to 3 pm at Association of General Contractors in Montpelier 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
$905 (with textbook)
$805 (no textbook)
Register early! The maximum class size is 20.

Discharges from Breweries and Food Industries to Your WWTF
2026-09-24 08:30 - 13:00 | Association of General Contractors, 1 Graves St, Montpelier, VT, United States
Description
Breweries and specialty food industries are popular in Vermont, but wastewater discharged by these industries to your municipal wastewater treatment facility can have significant impacts on system efficacy and operational costs. This class will provide an understanding of the pollutants discharged from these industries, the impacts on your WWTF, and how to work with these industries to reduce their impacts on your facility. You will learn how to assess and limit the impact of these industries before problems occur at your WWTF.
Credit
4 TCH (Wastewater)
Instructor
Randy Bean
Proctor
Wayne Graham (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Class 3 Water Certification Exam Preparation Course
2026-09-24 08:30 - 2026-10-23 15:30 | Multiple Locations, Essex, Hartford, Waterbury, Rutland
Dates & Locations
Thursday, September 24 – Waterbury Municipal Center, Community Room (28 N Main St, Waterbury)
Thursday, October 1 – Hartford Town Office (171 Bridge St, White River Junction)
Wednesday, October 7 – Vermont Rural Water Association (20 Susie Wilson Rd, Suite B, Essex Junction)
Thursday, October 15 – Waterbury Municipal Center, Community Room (28 N Main St, Waterbury)
Wednesday, October 21 – Hartford Town Office (171 Bridge St, White River Junction)
Thursday, October 22 – F.W. Webb (3091 Cold River Rd, Rutland)
Friday, October 23 – on Zoom from 9 am to 12:30 pm
Time
8:30 am to 3:30 pm unless otherwise noted
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
Water System Operations Water Treatment, Grade 2 (American Water Works Association) – $91
This book is recommended:
Water Operator Certification Exam Prep (American Water Works Association) – $111
Click the links above to purchase each book. The deadline to purchase books is September 9. Books will be shipped on September 10.
Credit
39 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 September 25. Register here.

Basic Math for Water and Wastewater Operators
2026-09-25 08:30 - 14:30 | Vermont Rural Water Association, 20 Susie Wilson Rd, Essex Junction, VT, 05452, 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.
Credit
5 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Water Treatment Category 3, Distribution Category 3 | Learn more
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Source Water Protection: Developing a Source Protection Plan or Update
2026-09-29 09:30 - 15:00 | Swanton Village Office, 120 First St, Swanton, VT, 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.

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)
Brad Roy (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Proctor
Tim Russo (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Wastewater Microbiology: A Monitoring Program for Operators
2026-10-08 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)

Basic Math for Water and Wastewater Operators
2026-10-09 08:30 - 14:30 | Hartford Town Office, 171 Bridge St, White River Junction, VT, United States

Small Systems Class 2 Water Treatment Course
2026-10-14 09:00 - 2026-10-23 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 October 5 to receive it by the first day of class.
Dates
Wednesday, October 14
Friday, October 16
Wednesday, October 21
Friday, October 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, November 6 in Montpelier and Rutland. The registration deadline is October 2. 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.

Advanced Math for Water Operators
2026-10-16 08:30 - 14:30 | Hartford Town Office, 171 Bridge St, White River Junction, VT, United States
Description
This math class will advance your knowledge of mathematical calculations that water operators encounter at work and on certification exams. We will review concepts covered in Basic Math and introduce additional concepts like chemical feed rate, filtration rate, and pumping.
Attendees should bring their own calculator. If you are preparing to take a water or wastewater certification exam, know that only non-programmable calculators will be allowed during the exam. Graphing calculators and smartphones will not be allowed.
Credit
5 TCH (Water)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Class 3 Practice Exam
2026-10-27 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 review the answers.
Credit
4 TCH (Water)
Treatment Category 3, Distribution Category 3 | Learn more
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Peristaltic Pumps
2026-10-27 09:00 - 12:30 | Killington Public Safety Building, 800 Killington Road, Killington, VT, 05751, United States
Description
This hands-on training provides water and wastewater operators with practical instruction on the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of chemical feed pumps used in treatment systems. Participants will learn about the Stenner Classic Series Peristaltic Pump, including tube changes, feed rate control maintenance, and basic pump repairs. The course also covers proper application of Stenner pumps and maintenance of suction, discharge, and injector components to maximize system performance.
In the second part, operators will learn the operation, installation, maintenance, and programming of Econ FP and S10P water-paced pumps and water meters for proportional chemical treatment. Participants will practice calculations for sodium hypochlorite dosing in potable water and proper pump programming techniques. Individuals who complete the course will receive a Certified Stenner Technician (CST) certificate.
Credit
3 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Treatment Category 2, Distribution Category 2 | Learn more
Instructor
Kevin Moran (Stenner Pumps)
Proctor
Forest Anderson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Class 4 Practice Exam
2026-10-28 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 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 review the answers.
Credit
4 TCH (Water)
Treatment Category 3, Distribution Category 3 | Learn more
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Distribution Practice Exam
2026-10-29 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 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)

Managing Disinfection Byproducts
2026-11-04 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
The management of Disinfection Byproducts (DBP), including regulated DBPs like TTHMs and HAA5, is a balancing act consisting of effective microbial pathogen inactivation and reducing natural organic matter in treated drinking water.
This training will cover the following topics:

Regulatory Compliance: understanding Stage 1 and Stage 2 disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rules (DBPRs).
DBP Formation Chemistry: how disinfectants like chlorine and chloramines react with naturally occurring organic carbon.
Optimization Strategies: techniques for reducing DBP formation, including enhanced coagulation, changing disinfectant application points, and alternative disinfection methods (UV, ozone).
Distribution Management: managing water age, tank mixing, and flushing programs to control DBP levels in the distribution system.

Credit
3 TCH (Water)
Treatment Category 1, Distribution Category 1 | Learn more
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Developing Your Team Through On-the-Job Training
2026-11-10 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
This class prepares experienced water and wastewater operators, lead hands, supervisors, and maintenance personnel to mentor Operators-in-Training and newly hired staff. Participants learn how to turn technical knowledge and site-specific experience into structured, safe, and effective workplace training. Through discussion, demonstrations, and applied exercises, the class covers coaching methods, clear communication, task breakdown, competency assessment, documentation, and constructive feedback. Emphasis is placed on reinforcing safe work practices, regulatory awareness, consistent operating procedures, and the sound judgment required for reliable facility operation. By the end of the class, participants will be able to plan and deliver on-the-job training that supports learner confidence, job competence, certification progress, and long-term workforce development.
Credit
3 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Water Treatment Category 1, Distribution Category 2 | Learn more
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Water Audits and Leak Detection
2026-11-12 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
This class provides a practical introduction to water loss auditing and leak detection for water distribution systems. Participants will learn which tools to use for calculating non-revenue water losses, including the AWWA Free Water Audit Software, to calculate non-revenue water and assess system performance.
Next, participants will learn about the tools used for leak detection such as acoustic microphones, leak correlators, and acoustic loggers. The course explains acoustic theory, sound propagation, and the effects of pipe material and water pressure on leak noise. Participants will learn how to apply field techniques in performing a comprehensive leak detection survey by pressure logging, sounding at valves and hydrants, and line isolation to locate underground and indoor leaks.
Credit
3 TCH (Water)
Water Treatment Category 2, Distribution Category 2 | Learn more
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Operation of Surface Water Treatment Plants
2026-11-17 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
This course discusses the essential scientific principles, treatment processes, and operational practices used in surface water treatment. Students will learn basic chemistry and water quality parameters such as turbidity, pH and alkalinity.
The EPA’s Surface Water Treatment Rule is the water operator’s guidance for process control and finished water quality. Sampling and reporting are required under the Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Each stage of treatment—from influent screening, grit removal, and raw water pumping through coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, clarification, filtration, and disinfection—will be discussed. The course also reviews dual-media, rapid-sand and slow sand filtration systems as well as chlorine, ultraviolet, and alternative disinfection methods.
Credit
3 TCH (Water)
Water Treatment Category 2, Distribution Category 2 | Learn more
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Environmental Awareness and Workplace Violence
2026-11-19 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
Workplace violence is any act or threat of physical violence that occurs at the work site. It ranges from harassment and verbal abuse to physical assaults and even homicide. There is a potential for workplace violence at treatment plants and when water and wastewater workers are in the field. For example, shutting off customers’ water has provoked gun violence against workers. In the world we live in, environmental awareness is a must. This class will teach how to be more aware of potential threats. We will discuss administrative steps you can take to protect employees such as having a workplace shooter plan and written safety procedures for field work. Training your team to be more aware of the environment may save their lives.
Credit
3 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Water Treatment Category 3, Distribution Category 1 | Learn more
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Small, High-Strength Dischargers
2026-12-02 09:00 - 12:30 | 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)

Safety: Focus Four Hazards
2026-12-08 09:00 - 12:30 | Essex Police Department, 145 Maple Street, Essex Junction, VT, 05452, United States
Description
This class introduces water resource workers to OSHA’s Focus Four Hazards: falls, struck-by incidents, electrocution, and caught in/caught between incidents. These are among the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities for construction workers. Through practical examples, participants will learn how to recognize common risks involving elevated work areas, moving or falling objects, electrical sources, machinery, and excavations. The class also covers essential prevention measures, including fall protection systems, safe equipment and vehicle practices, electrical safeguards, lockout/tagout procedures, and trench protective systems. By the end of the class, participants will be better prepared to identify hazards, apply appropriate controls, and support a safer work environment.
Credit
3 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Water Treatment Category 3, Distribution Category 1 | Learn more
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Water Treatment: Microbiology
2026-12-10 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
This class looks at different types of microorganisms found in drinking water sources or that could possibly enter drinking water through water system vulnerabilities. Participants will learn about different types of microorganisms and their health effects. We will look at where microbes come from, how they enter drinking water systems, and how to protect drinking water systems from these microorganisms.
Credit
3 TCH (Water)
Water Treatment Category 1, Distribution Category 1 | Learn more
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Water Treatment: Disinfection
2026-12-15 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
This class provides basic training in drinking water disinfection, focusing on the principles and practices used to destroy or inactivate pathogenic microorganisms and protect public health. Participants will distinguish disinfection from sterilization; examine chemical treatment methods—including chlorine gas, sodium hypochlorite, chloramines, chlorine dioxide, ozone, breakpoint chlorination, and dosing systems—and explore physical alternatives such as ultraviolet radiation. The class also addresses disinfection byproducts, residual management in distribution systems, operational water-quality parameters, regulatory compliance, and safe chemical handling.
Credit
3 TCH (Water)
Water Treatment Category 2, Distribution Category 2 | Learn more
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)
