Vermont Rural Water Association

Water Operator Math Course: Day 2
2025-04-11 08:30 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | 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.

TNC Operations
2025-02-25 09:00 - 12:30, 2025-01-16 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)

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.

Class 4 Water Treatment Course
2025-02-12 09:00 - 2025-04-10 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
Dates (please note some of these have been changed from what was originally scheduled!)
Wednesday, February 12 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Friday, February 14 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Wednesday, February 19 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Friday, February 21 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Wednesday, March 12 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Tuesday, March 18 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Friday, March 21 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Tuesday, March 25 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Friday, March 28 – 8 am to 11:30 am and 12 pm to 3:30 pm
Tuesday, April 1 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Thursday, April 3 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Tuesday, April 8 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Thursday, April 10 – 9 am to 12:30 pm
Monday, April 14 – 8 am to 11:30 am and 12 pm to 3:30 pm
Description
This multi-week course is designed for those training to become a Class 4 water treatment operator. All aspects of water operations are covered to prepare you to take the certification exams. You are expected to attend all class sessions.
Textbooks
The following books are required for all students:
Water Treatment Plant Operation, Volume 1 (Office of Water Programs, Sacramento State) – $100 – Purchase Here
Water System Operations Water Treatment, Grade 2 (American Water Works Association) – $86 – Purchase Here

This book is recommended:
Water Operator Certification Exam Prep (American Water Works Association) – $106 – Purchase Here
Books can be purchased at https://vtruralwater.org/training/textbooks/. Please purchase books by February 5 to allow time for shipping!
Credit
48 TCH (Water)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Exam
Find information about the Class 4 Certification Exam at https://dec.vermont.gov/water/drinking-water/public-water-system-operator-certification/public-water-system-operator-exams
Additional Classes
The following classes are recommended for all students:
Water Operator Math Course: Day 1 on Thursday, March 6 – Register Here
Water Operator Math Course: Day 2 on Thursday, March 20 – Register Here
Water Operator Math Course: Day 3 on Thursday, March 27 – Register Here

Startup, Optimization, and Troubleshooting
2025-02-11 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
This class will provide learners with training related to the installation and startup of individual equipment items used in water and wastewater treatment facilities. The class will also discuss planning and execution of water and wastewater treatment facility startups and facility optimizations. The course will conclude by providing learners with approaches and case studies for troubleshooting water and wastewater treatment equipment and processes.
Credit
3 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Instructors
Barry F. Bickerstaff, P.E. and T.J. Lynch (Hazen and Sawyer)
Proctor
Allison Smith (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Cost
Member: $24
Non-member: $48

Water Treatment: Coagulation
2025-02-04 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
Surface water may contain constituents such as pathogenic microorganisms, natural organic matter, and sometimes chemicals. Surface water may also have taste and odor issues. The coagulation process is an important part of removing these constituents. Enhanced coagulation in any surface water treatment facility should be a top priority. pH and alkalinity play an important role in the chemistry of coagulation as well as the flash mix. Enhanced coagulation optimizes pH and coagulant dosages to remove as much natural organic matter as possible.
Credit
3 TCH (Water)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Protecting Source Water in Forested Watersheds
2025-01-29 09:00 - 12:30 | Vermont Rural Water Association, 20 Susie Wilson Rd, Essex Junction, VT, 05452, United States
Description
Forests offer numerous benefits to source water quality for drinking water systems. However, a unique set of challenges may arise for water system personnel trying to manage and mitigate potential sources of contamination (PSOC) found in forested Source Protection Areas. This training will focus on two of the most common potential sources of contamination and disruption to systems located in rural, forested watersheds: logging and beavers.
Join Vermont Rural Water’s source water specialist, along with staff from the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation and Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife to learn more about Vermont’s land use history and how modern forest and wildlife management practices can help mitigate threats to drinking water quality, and how to implement them at your water system.
Credit
3 TCH (Water)
Instructors
Brad Roy (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Tyler Brown (Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department)
Silas Rainville (Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation)

Water Treatment: Filtration Processes
2025-01-28 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)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Disaster Response Training
2025-01-22 09:00 - 15:30 | Association of General Contractors, 1 Graves St, Montpelier, VT, United States
Description
This training will guide communities in preparing and responding to emergencies, with a focus on safety and resilience for water and wastewater systems. Participants will learn essential skills and information to support their communities in the face of disasters.
Topics will include:

Safety – Learn situational awareness and operator and facility safety fundamentals, including potential hazards such as electrical issues, toxic gases, and structural damage, using recent flood events as real-world examples.
Mutual Aid Networks – Overview of the Vermont WARN mutual aid network and how to effectively partner with local and state emergency management teams.
Emergency Planning and Hazard Mitigation – Strategies for creating or strengthening emergency response plans at both the facility and community levels, with insights from recent disaster responses.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) – Key SOPs for pre- and post-disaster preparedness, including generator maintenance and communication protocols to support smooth operations during critical times.
Funding – USDA funding opportunities available for enhancing system capacity and resilience, especially for mitigating risks from disasters declared in 2022.

By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with practical tools and strategies to enhance the safety and resiliency of their facilities and be better prepared for efficient emergency response and recovery.
Lunch will be provided!
Credit
6 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Instructors
Liz Royer (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Dan Whipple (Integrity Safety Consulting Services, LLC)
Sam Politi (Brook Field Service)
Brandi Thompson (USDA)
Additional Sessions
This class will be offered again on the following dates:
July 15, 2025 at Vermont State University – Randolph
December 11, 2025 at Williston Fire Department

Operation and Maintenance of Groundwater Systems
2025-01-21 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)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Corrosion Control: Alternatives to Phosphorus-Based Treatments
2025-01-16 09:00 - 12:30 | Brattleboro Fire Department, 103 Elliot St, Brattleboro, VT, 05301, United States
Description
This class addresses the complex challenges of managing corrosion, scale, and bacterial growth in drinking water systems. With increasing regulatory demands, utilities often face trade-offs between water quality, chemical usage, and compliance. We will explore innovative approaches to corrosion control that reduce reliance on phosphorus-based treatments, helping utilities meet evolving standards without compromising water quality or increasing phosphorus loads in wastewater influent.
Participants will learn about a novel equilibrium-blended phosphate solution that maintains water chemistry balance, optimizes corrosion control, and minimizes the formation of disinfection byproducts, all while lowering chemical costs. Through a live demonstration, we’ll examine corrosion processes, showcase how distribution system conditions affect treatment decisions, and discuss integrated strategies for improving chlorine stability, reducing lead and copper release, and meeting stringent regulatory limits. This session is ideal for water operators and professionals looking to enhance water quality management with sustainable, effective practices.
Credit
3 TCH (Water)
Instructor
Kevin Sullo (AquaSmart)
Proctor
Allison Smith (Vermont Rural Water Association)

Safety: Water and Wastewater Facility Flooding
2025-01-14 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, Zoom
Description
Water and wastewater facilities face an increasing threat of flood events in Vermont. Flooding can cause major damage to facilities and assets and pose a safety hazard to all involved.
Knowing the safety hazards that may be present during flooding events and having a solid emergency response plan are key to reducing the risk of injury and fatalities. This class will map out preparations that water and wastewater facility operators can take to be better prepared for future flooding events.
Webinar
The Zoom link will be emailed to you the day before class. Please join the Zoom meeting 5-10 minutes before class starts. Click here for more information about Zoom trainings.
Credit
3 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)
Additional Sessions
This class will also be offered on January 7 in Essex, VT. Register here.

OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety Training
2025-01-09 08:30 - 2025-01-10 14:30 | Manchester Town Hall, 40 Jeff Williams Way, Manchester Center, VT, 05255, United States
Description
This course follows the requirements to receive an OSHA 10 General Industry Safety card, issued by OSHA Region 1. The following topics will be taught during this two-day course:

Introduction to OSHA
Walking, working surfaces
Exit routes, emergency action plans, and fire prevention
Electrical safety
Personal protective equipment
Hazard communications
Hazardous materials
Hazardous materials handling
Fall protection
Machine guarding
Ergonomics
Bloodborne pathogens

Dates
Thursday, January 9 and Friday, January 10
8:30 am to 2:30 pm each day
Credit
10 TCH (Water & Wastewater)
Instructor
Paula Jackson (Vermont Rural Water Association)
