Events

At a minimum, every public water system regardless of size and complexity requires a certified water distribution operator. In addition, those systems using treatment also must have an operator that holds a water treatment operator certification. The most significant hurdle for many grade 1 and grade 2 operators in passing the operator certification exam, however, is the math portion of the test. Typically, the math section of the certification exam constitutes about 35% of the total exam score so proficiency in math is necessary to pass the test. The math included in the Operator 101, 102, 201 and 202 sessions are based on the expected-range-of-knowledge for the California distribution D1/D2 exams. Operator Math 301 and 302 are targeted to the grade 3/4 level exams. The target learner for these trainings wants (and needs) one specific thing: the ability to accurately calculate operator certification exam math questions. Accordingly, these learning trainings designs focus solely on this need. These trainings are not designed for “contact hours “or participant “entertainment”. These are hands-on trainings with an expectation of continuous participation working and answering math problems throughout the entire session. In the Operator 101 session participants will learn: Water units (ft3 to gal, gal […]

At a minimum, every public water system regardless of size and complexity requires a certified water distribution operator. In addition, those systems using treatment also must have an operator that holds a water treatment operator certification. The most significant hurdle for many grade 1 and grade 2 operators in passing the operator certification exam, however, is the math portion of the test. Typically, the math section of the certification exam constitutes about 35% of the total exam score so proficiency in math is necessary to pass the test. The math included in the Operator 101, 102, 201 and 202 sessions are based on the expected-range-of-knowledge for the California distribution D1/D2 exams. Operator Math 301 and 302 are targeted to the grade 3/4 level exams. The target learner for these trainings wants (and needs) one specific thing: the ability to accurately calculate operator certification exam math questions. Accordingly, these learning trainings designs focus solely on this need. These trainings are not designed for “contact hours “or participant “entertainment”. These are hands-on trainings with an expectation of continuous participation working and answering math problems throughout the entire session. In the Operator 101 session participants will learn: Water units (ft3 to gal, gal […]

*Complete any qualifying financial course and submit proof to CalMutuals, and CalMutuals will reimburse your QuickBooks subscription cost for that year. The purpose of this training is to provide small water systems in California with the tools necessary to plan for financial stability. Many systems lack a basic understanding of using financial statements to make the informed financial decisions necessary to provide for sustainability of the water system. This training will be presented to provide decision makers with working knowledge and emphasize tools/resources available to understand information contained in financial statements about their water enterprise's revenue, expenses, profitability, debt load, and the ability to meet its short-term and long-term financial obligations. Participants will learn to: Identify where on which financial statements to find specific financial information Understand what each financial statement reveals about the financial health of the system Calculate financial indicators and understanding/interpreting these indicators The recommended audience includes board members, general managers, financial managers, and operators.

*Complete any qualifying financial course and submit proof to CalMutuals, and CalMutuals will reimburse your QuickBooks subscription cost for that year. The purpose of this training is to provide small water systems in California with the tools necessary to plan for financial stability. Many systems lack a basic understanding of using financial statements to make the informed financial decisions necessary to provide for sustainability of the water system. This training will be presented to provide decision makers with working knowledge and emphasize tools/resources available to understand information contained in financial statements about their water enterprise's revenue, expenses, profitability, debt load, and the ability to meet its short-term and long-term financial obligations. Participants will learn to: Identify where on which financial statements to find specific financial information Understand what each financial statement reveals about the financial health of the system Calculate financial indicators and understanding/interpreting these indicators The recommended audience includes board members, general managers, financial managers, and operators.

Public water systems are required to provide safe drinking water. Methods for providing safe drinking water vary from system to system, but there are a handful of methods that apply to all systems. This workshop designed for operators and managers will cover the methods used by most water systems to ensure acceptable water quality. This includes water sampling and basic water distribution system maintenance and protection techniques.  Participants will learn: The technique and importance of coliform sampling The importance and methods for unidirectional flushing Disinfection basics Water storage tank cleaning and maintenance Cross-connection prevention   The recommended audience includes water system operators and managers. Board members, council members and water consumers are welcome to attend as a diverse group of participants should generate good feedback and networking regarding the demands of operating and maintaining a public water system.

*Complete any qualifying financial course and submit proof to CalMutuals, and CalMutuals will reimburse your QuickBooks subscription cost for that year. In order to remain viable, all public water systems need to acquire and manage sufficient financial resources to achieve and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements. One primary tool to become and remain viable is developing and maintaining a comprehensive budget. This workshop will show board members, managers and operators how to develop a budget, identify revenues and expenses, methods to balance the budget, and how to review a budget comparison report on a regular basis. Participants will learn: How to prepare a budget How to identify revenue and expenses How to identify fiscal policies to assist in balancing the budget How to review the budget comparison report on a regular basis   The recommended audience includes directors, board members, and managers of mutual water companies. 

As California grapples with the challenges of prolonged droughts, it’s crucial for water utilities to understand the legal requirements and best practices for drought reporting, as well as, communicating with the public. This training will touch on the requirements and deadlines (including but not limited to Water Code Section 10609.61), how to meet those requirements, and how to communicate the results with the public. Participants will learn: How to stay compliant and fulfill drought reporting requirements Data required and tips on collecting related information Best practices for notifying and engaging with the community, media, and local stakeholders How to contribute to proactive drought management efforts   The recommended audience includes board members, managers, operators, and other utility staff.