Training & Workshop

Creating Operation & Maintenance Plans Date & Time: September 14, 2022 | 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM  Location: University of Merced, Extension Education Building (2145 Wardrobe Ave. Merced, CA 95341) Description: Your only licensed operator has just left town due to a family emergency, and handed you the phone number of a certified operator in the next town. Will the substitute operator know how your system works and what needs to be done on a daily basis to keep it safe and in compliance? A properly prepared Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Plan is one of a water purveyor’s most important documents. The O&M Plan is a “living” document that explains how a public water system is to be operated and maintained on a day-to-day basis to ensure public health, safety, and compliance with applicable regulations. In addition to being an important training tool for new staff, the O&M manual serves as a practical handbook by which a qualified substitute operator can operate and maintain the system in a safe and reliable manner in absence of the system’s primary operator. This is a free training. Participants will learn: The vital elements that comprise an O&M Plan The most important tools needed for […]

Description: There are many responsibilities associated with water systems. Many residents, board members and operators are not aware of the scope of a water system’s fiduciary responsibilities. Improved understanding of the true cost of water and how to ensure water systems are meeting their fiduciary responsibilities are key to ensure water systems remain viable. Participants will learn about basic financial management and rate setting principles all water systems should be aware of and actively implementing. Participants will learn how to establish a rate structure based on the true cost of producing and delivering water. Who should attend: utility general managers, board members, operators, financial analysts for small water systems and small water system customers interested in learning more about the financial responsibilities and decisions small water systems must make to keep the service afloat. Accreditation: 4 California Drinking Water Contact Hours awarded

Description: With limited revenues, aging infrastructure, and regulatory obligations to meet, a comprehensive approach to managing your system is vital. You may not be sure which asset(s) to replace when funds are limited, and need help anticipating costs of future demand. This training will teach you how to: develop an inventory of utility components; identify critical assets for sustained operations; make decisions about how to operate, repair, and replace those assets; and set goals for level of service at a sustainable cost. Trainers: Maureen Kerner, Associate Director; and Ella Ban, Environmental Specialist, Environmental Finance Center at Sacramento State Cost: Complimentary. Continuing Education Units: CEUs will NOT be offered for this training. Who Should Attend: Managers, owners, and operators of water systems serving less than 10,000 people, or wastewater systems with an average daily flow of less than 1 million gallons Decision-makers for water and wastewater utilities, including mayors, finance officers, utility managers, public works directors, city councilors, board members, tribal council members, and clerks Consultants and technical assistance providers serving water and wastewater systems