Vermont Rural Water Association

Issuing a Boil Water Notice
2025-05-01 09:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | F.W. Webb, 80 Park Avenue, Williston, VT, United States
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)

Wastewater Microbiology: A Monitoring Program for Operators
2025-04-30 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)
Cost
Member – $72
Non-member – $144

Distribution Exam Preparation
2025-04-30 08:30 - 13:00 | National Life Complex, Dewey Building, 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT, 05602, 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)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Class 4 Exam Preparation
2025-04-29 08:30 - 13:00 | National Life Complex, Dewey Building, 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT, 05602, 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)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Class 3 Exam Preparation
2025-04-28 08:30 - 13:00 | F.W. Webb, 80 Park Avenue, Williston, VT, 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)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

TNC Operations
2025-04-25 09:00 - 12:30, 2025-02-25 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)

Advanced WW Series: Microbiology of Anaerobic Digesters
2025-04-24 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
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.

Protective Coatings and Manhole Rehabilitation
2025-04-23 09:00 - 11:15 | Zoom, Zoom
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)

Water Operator Math Course: Day 3
2025-04-18 08:30 - 14:30 | Vermont Rural Water Association, 20 Susie Wilson Rd, Essex Junction, VT, 05452, United States
Description
This class will cover advanced math concepts, including:

Surface loading rate calculation
Filtration rate problems
Calculations for wells
Hardness problems
Flow and velocity problems
Detention problems
Lime dosage problems
Solution feed rate problems
Percent solution and mixture problems
Log removal and CT problems

Textbook
The following book is required for all students:
Math for Water Treatment Operators (American Water Works Association) – $89
Books will be distributed at the beginning of class.
Credit
5 TCH (Water)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Additional Classes
This is the third in a series of three classes. You are not required to take all three.
Water Operator Math Course: Day 1 on Friday, April 4 – Register Here
Water Operator Math Course: Day 2 on Friday, April 11 – Register Here

Preventing Heat Illness in the Workplace
2025-04-17 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)
Instructor
Miriam Owens (Vermont Occupational and Health Administration)
Proctor
Allison Smith (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Small Systems Class 2 Water Treatment Course
2025-04-15 09:00 - 2025-04-24 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)
Textbook
Introduction to Small Water Systems is recommended for this class. You can purchase it here for $60. Please purchase by April 7 to receive it by the first day of class.
Dates
Tuesday, April 15, 17, 22, 24
Thursday, April 17
Tuesday, April 22
Thursday, April 24
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 2 in Montpelier and Rutland. The registration deadline is April 4. 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.

Water Operator Math Course: Day 2
2025-04-11 08:30 - 14:30 | Vermont Rural Water Association, 20 Susie Wilson Rd, Essex Junction, VT, 05452, United States
Description
This class will cover intermediate math concepts, including:

Density
Specific gravity of liquids
Flow
Calculations of chlorine dose, demand, and residual
Dosage
Pounds removal
Pump discharge
Pumping
Flow rate
Weir overflow rate

Textbook
The following book is required for all students:
Math for Water Treatment Operators (American Water Works Association) – $89
You can purchase this book along with your registration. Books will be distributed at the beginning of class.
Credit
5 TCH (Water)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Additional Classes
This is the second in a series of three classes. You are not required to take all three.
Water Operator Math Course: Day 1 on Friday, April 4 – Register Here
Water Operator Math Course: Day 3 on Friday, April 18 – Register Here

State Revolving Funds (SRF) for Drinking Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater
2025-04-10 09:00 - 12:00 | Zoom, Zoom
Description

This training will provide a comprehensive overview of the State Revolving Funds (SRF), with a focus on the administrative and financial aspects of these programs. Participants will learn about eligible borrowers and project types under both the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The session will cover planning and design loans available through each program, including the role of asset management in project development.
The training will also explain the annual funding cycle, including the development of the Intended Use Plan (IUP) and priority lists for competitive construction funding. Attendees will gain an understanding of eligibility requirements for lower-cost loan terms and Clean Water (CW) grants. Additionally, the course will outline the necessary documents and approvals required for a complete loan application.
Key administrative topics will include recordkeeping best practices, reimbursement processes, compliance with federal funding requirements, and loan repayment expectations. The session will also discuss the roles and responsibilities of board members, consultants, and operators in planning and implementing SRF-funded projects.
Credit
2.5 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Instructor
Tom Brown, Amy Galford, Sarah Bayer, and Katie Parrish (Vermont Department of Conservation, Water Infrastructure Finance Program)
Proctor
Allison Smith (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Cost
$20 member
$40 non-member

Regulatory Communications and Recordkeeping for Small Water Systems
2025-04-08 09:00 - 12:30 | Hybrid (Zoom & Essex), 20 Susie Wilson Rd, Essex Junction, VT, 05452, United States
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)
Hybrid
This class will be held simultaneously in-person at our office in Essex and on Zoom. 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
Ashliegh Belrose (VT Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division)
Proctor
Tim Russo (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Water Operator Math Course: Day 1
2025-04-04 08:30 - 14:30 | Vermont Rural Water Association, 20 Susie Wilson Rd, Essex Junction, VT, 05452, United States
Description
This class will cover basic math concepts, including:

Conversions, including temperatures and parts per million
Percentages
Averages
Area
Circumference
Volume
Detention time
Pressure

Textbook
The following book is required for all students:
Math for Water Treatment Operators (American Water Works Association) – $89
You can purchase this book along with your registration. Books will be distributed at the beginning of class.
Credit
5 TCH (Water)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Cost
$40 Member
$80 Non-member
$89 Textbook
Additional Classes
This is the first in a series of three classes. You are not required to take all three.
Water Operator Math Course: Day 2 on Friday, April 11 – Register Here
Water Operator Math Course: Day 3 on Friday, April 18 – Register Here

Small, High-Strength Dischargers
2025-03-27 09:00 - 12:30 | National Life Complex, Dewey Building, 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT, 05602, 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)

Water Operator Math Course: Day 3
2025-03-27 08:30 - 14:30 | Vermont Rural Water Association, 20 Susie Wilson Rd, Essex Junction, VT, 05452, United States
Description
This class will cover advanced math concepts, including:

Surface loading rate calculation
Filtration rate problems
Calculations for wells
Hardness problems
Flow and velocity problems
Detention problems
Lime dosage problems
Solution feed rate problems
Percent solution and mixture problems
Log removal and CT problems

Textbook
The following book is required for all students:
Math for Water Treatment Operators (American Water Works Association) – $89
Books will be distributed at the beginning of class.
Credit
5 TCH (Water)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)
CLASS CANCELLED
This class will be offered again on Friday, April 18. Register here.

Basic Wastewater Course
2025-03-26 08:00 - 2025-05-13 15:00 | Chester Public Safety Building, 130 Pleasant St, Chester, VT, 05143, United States
Dates
Wednesday, March 26
Wednesday, April 2
Wednesday, April 9
Wednesday, April 16
Wednesday, April 23
Wednesday, April 30
Wednesday, May 7
Tuesday, May 13
8 am to 3 pm each day
Description
This eight-session 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
48 TCH – Wastewater
Cost
$760 (with textbook)
$660 (no textbook)
Register early! The maximum class size is 20.

TNC Operations
2025-03-25 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)
Class Full
This class will be offered again on the following dates:
April 25 – Register Here
May 29 – Register here

Water Operator Math Course: Day 2
2025-03-20 08:30 - 14:30 | Vermont Rural Water Association, 20 Susie Wilson Rd, Essex Junction, VT, 05452, United States
Description
This class will cover intermediate math concepts, including:

Density
Specific gravity of liquids
Flow
Calculations of chlorine dose, demand, and residual
Dosage
Pounds removal
Pump discharge
Pumping
Flow rate
Weir overflow rate

Textbook
The following book is required for all students:
Math for Water Treatment Operators (American Water Works Association) – $89
You can purchase this book along with your registration. Books will be distributed at the beginning of class.
Credit
5 TCH (Water)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)
CLASS CANCELLED
This class will be offered again on Friday, April 11. Register here.

Calibration of Weirs, Flumes, and Flow Meters
2025-03-19 09:00 - 12:30 | National Life Complex, Dewey Building, 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT, 05602, United States
Description
This class will cover different types of common flumes and weirs and the various ways of monitoring flows in open channels. We will also look at the calibration of the measuring devices used in open channel flow along with the calibration of flow meters.
Credit
3 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Instructor
Don Martin (Pump Control Solutions, LLC)
Proctor
Allison Smith (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Cost
$24 Member
$48 Non-member

Advanced WW Series: Septage and Toxicity
2025-03-13 08:30 - 12:00 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
This class reviews the composition of septage, its impact upon biological treatment processes including toxicity, and operational measures for the safe handling and treatment of septage. Toxicity and its mode of attack are described, and toxic inorganic and organic wastes and their partitioning in the activated sludge process are presented. Relative quantities of toxic wastes that are needed to cause toxicity are reviewed and discussed with respect to their impact upon cBOD removal, nitrification and methane production. Operational measures for preventing and recovering from a toxic event are addressed. Indicators of an unstable biomass are reviewed.
Credit
3 TCH (Wastewater)
Instructor
Michael Gerardi (Michael Gerardi & Associates, LLC)
Proctor
Elijah Lemieux (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Cost
Member: $36
Non-member: $72
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.

Coagulation, Jar Testing, and Chemical Handling
2025-03-12 09:00 - 12:30 | Windham Regional Career Center – Cusick Conference Room, 80 Atwood St, Brattleboro, VT, 05301, United States
Description
In this class, participants will receive an overview of coagulation, including concepts like charge neutralization and flocculation. We will review the different types of coagulants and discuss how to choose which coagulant is best suited for your facility. The instructor will also cover chemical handling and storage and chemical delivery. The second half of the class will provide a demonstration of jar testing procedures.
Credit
3 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Instructor
Jon-Luc Goodrich (Holland Company)
Proctor
Allison Smith (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Water Operator Math Course: Day 1
2025-03-06 08:30 - 14:30 | Vermont Rural Water Association, 20 Susie Wilson Rd, Essex Junction, VT, 05452, United States
Description
This class will cover basic math concepts, including:

Conversions, including temperatures and parts per million
Percentages
Averages
Area
Circumference
Volume
Detention time
Pressure

Textbook
The following book is required for all students:
Math for Water Treatment Operators (American Water Works Association) – $89
You can purchase this book along with your registration. Books will be distributed at the beginning of class.
Credit
5 TCH (Water)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)
CLASS CANCELLED
This class will be offered again on Friday, April 4. Register here.

Water Distribution Course
2025-03-05 09:00 - 2025-04-15 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
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

Class 3 Water Treatment Course
2025-03-03 09:00 - 2025-04-10 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
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

Advanced WW Series: BOD, ORP, and Sludge Production
2025-02-25 08:30 - 12:00 | Zoom, Zoom
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.

Water System Administration
2025-02-18 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
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

Coagulation, Jar Testing, and Chemical Handling
2025-02-13 09:00 - 12:30 | Brattleboro Fire Department, 103 Elliot St, Brattleboro, VT, 05301, United States
Description
In this class, participants will receive an overview of coagulation, including concepts like charge neutralization and flocculation. We will review the different types of coagulants and discuss how to choose which coagulant is best suited for your facility. The instructor will also cover chemical handling and storage and chemical delivery. The second half of the class will provide a demonstration of jar testing procedures.
Credit
3 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Instructor
Jon-Luc Goodrich (Holland Company)
Proctor
Allison Smith (Vermont Rural Water Association)
CANCELLED
This class has been cancelled due to the weather forecast. Stay tuned for the rescheduled date.
