**In-person evening Course**

Introduction to Becoming

a Public Water System Operator

For Grades VSS, D1, T1

Wednesdays, Oct. 25 – Nov. 29, 2023

(NO Class on 11/22)

5:30 PM – 9:00 PM

This 17.5-hour course is designed to introduce individuals to the field of operating a public water system. It will assist individuals with little or no previous drinking water experience in preparing for the Grade 1 Treatment and Distribution Water Operator Examinations, as well as the Very Small System (VSS) Water Operator Examination. The course is taught over a 5-week period with each class meeting once per week for 3 ½ hours each week. Topics covered include: responsibilities of public water systems and public water system operators; basic math & chemistry; overview of state and federal drinking water regulations; basic water treatment processes; water sampling requirements and techniques; overview of distribution system components (e.g. pipes, valves, pumps, tanks and water meters); cross connection control and water operator safety.

Currently, water utilities face challenges in recruiting, training, and retaining employees. These challenges are exacerbated with roughly one-third of the water sector workforce eligible to retire in the next 10 years. (USEPA, Water Sector Workforce | US EPA).  Employment in a water utility provides individuals with a rewarding and stable career.  Watch this video to learn more about the exciting career opportunities as a licensed water operator:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMXMxiQ7U6s&t=5s 

Starting Date:  Wednesday,  Oct. 25, 2023 (NO Class on 11/22)

Time:  5:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Location:  Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, Haverhill MA

Instructor: Mark Wetzel

TCHs: 15 

Cost: $475 

•  This course has been approved by the Mass. Board of Certification of Drinking Water Operators.

• You will receive a confirmation email approximately one week before the course to confirm your registration and give you instructions for the class. 

This course is being offered in partnership with Mass Water Works Association (MWWA) and Whittier Regional Vocational High School.  Registrations are made through Mass Water Works Association. Payments should be made to Mass Water Works Association.  If you wish to pay by check, you can select for an invoice to be send and you can remit payment to PO Box 1064, Acton, MA 01720.  If you don’t currently have an account with MWWA, you will have to create an account, but you do NOT have to sign-up for MWWA membership to take this course (to skip the membership question, leave "make a selection" in the drop down menu, and hit "Next").

Register here

Photograph/Video Release Agreement:

Participation in this course constitutes an agreement by the attendee to allow the Massachusetts Water Works Association (MWWA) to use and distribute the participant’s image in any MWWA-related publication or social media site.