Monday, August 29, 2022 | 10:00AM - 11:00AM PST Energy is the most significant cost to wastewater systems. This webinar takes a look at how small wastewater systems can reduce their energy costs by adopting energy efficient practices and incorporating renewable energy. An overview of available EPA resources to assess energy usage, create a plan to improve energy efficiency, and find funding is also provided. 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 REGISTER HERE

Operation & Maintenance: Maintaining Distribution System Water Quality Date & Time: August 30, 2022 | 8:30AM-12:30PM  Description: 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 is a free training. Participants will learn:  The techniques and importance of coliform sampling The importance and methods for unidirectional flushing Disinfection basics Water storage tank cleaning and maintenance Cross connection prevention Recommended Audience: Water system operators and managers. Board members, council members and water consumers are also 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. Location: This training will be hosted online on GoToTraining. Registration: You must be registered prior to the date of the close of registration to receive credit. https://www.events.rcac.org/assnfe/Cart.asp?Mode=SAVENEWCRS&mlUtil_EventID=3276&mlUtil_FeeID=3116&PID= Accreditation: 4 California Drinking Water Contact Hours units awarded

Storage & Distribution Date & Time: August 31, 2022 | 10:00AM-12:00PM  Description: This module presents the varying operation of water storage systems and distribution piping. The distribution and storage systems are the unrecognized backbone of any water system. However, due to its inconspicuous nature, problems are seldom realized, and maintenance is seemingly nonexistent. The fact is that most bacteriological contamination takes place in the distribution system. This alone should be enough to warrant prudent maintenance of piping and valves and storage tanks in the system. Through purposeful flushing procedures and adequate planning, system downtime can be minimized and water quality can be improved. This workshop will give participants the information and resources they need to understand proper operation and maintenance of their storage and distribution systems. This is a free training. Participants will learn:  Common components and types of water distribution system piping and storage Maintenance guidelines and programs that reduce long-term expenditures Possible pathways to reduce contamination Inspection and record-keeping procedures that improve water quality Recommended Audience: system operators, new board members and those considering becoming certified operators of a water system. Location: This training will be hosted online on GoToTraining.  Registration: You must be registered prior to the date […]

Storage & Distribution Date & Time: August 31, 2022 | 2:00 - 4:00PM  Description: This module presents the varying operation of water storage systems and distribution piping. The distribution and storage systems are the unrecognized backbone of any water system. However, due to its inconspicuous nature, problems are seldom realized, and maintenance is seemingly nonexistent. The fact is that most bacteriological contamination takes place in the distribution system. This alone should be enough to warrant prudent maintenance of piping and valves and storage tanks in the system. Through purposeful flushing procedures and adequate planning, system downtime can be minimized and water quality can be improved. This workshop will give participants the information and resources they need to understand proper operation and maintenance of their storage and distribution systems. This is a free training. Participants will learn:  Common components and types of water distribution system piping and storage Maintenance guidelines and programs that reduce long-term expenditures Possible pathways to reduce contamination Inspection and record-keeping procedures that improve water quality Recommended Audience: system operators, new board members and those considering becoming certified operators of a water system. Location: This training will be hosted online on GoToTraining.  Registration: You must be registered prior to […]

Description: Disease outbreaks in water systems are rare, but they can and do happen. There are hundreds of known disease-causing organisms that can contaminate water, and new ones being discovered every day. Even 40 years ago, pathogens like Giardia were not believed to be harmful to humans. Participants will learn: Types of disease-causing organisms that are of concern for water systems Regulations addressing contamination How to operate and maintain your water systems to minimize the possibility of microbial contamination Accreditation: 2 California Drinking Water Contact Hours awarded. Contact hours have been approved for the Registered Environmental Health Specialist Program.

Description: Sampling for total coliforms and E. coli in the water system is one of the most important things an operator can do. The new Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR) effective April 2016 affects every public water system. These revisions to the Total Coliform Rule will affect how operators and managers respond to total coliform positives (TC+) and require steps to analyze the integrity of the system as a result of positive samples. Investigation and corrective actions are at the forefront of the RTCR, and knowing how to complete a level 1 assessment can be the difference between compliance and violation. This workshop will focus on reviewing triggers for level 1 and level 2 assessments and who is expected to perform them; how to conduct an assessment with examples and small group exercises. Participants will learn: Learning topics gathered from Trainer New procedures for the month following a TC+ What to do if you have a positive E. coli result When an assessment of system is needed How to complete a level 1 assessment of your system Tips on system inspection/investigation Accreditation: 2 California Drinking Water Contract Hours awarded. Contact hours have been approved for the Registered Environmental Health Specialist […]

The Do the Math 4-Part Series: September 15 | Operator Math 201: Applied Math Problems 10:00AM-12:00PM | Click here to register September 22 | Operator Math 301: Advanced Math Problems 10:00AM-12:00PM | Click here to register Description: 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 first three sessions is based on the expected-range-of-knowledge for the California distribution D1/D2 exams. Operator Math 301 is targeted to the grade 3/4 level exams. The target learner for this training wants (and needs) one specific thing: the ability to accurately calculate operator certification exam math questions. Accordingly, the learning event design focuses solely on this need. This training is not designed for “contact hours “or participant “entertainment”. This is a hands-on training with an expectation […]

Description: A crucial part of any Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is to follow through and complete tasks planned. One of these tasks is the replacement and/or installation of new fire hydrants. This workshop will outline the steps necessary to install wet barrel and dry barrel fire hydrants. This includes the initial planning, the installation itself and steps that may need to be taken upon completion of the installation. Participants will learn: CIP overview Planning for fire hydrant installation Fire hydrant installation Recommended steps to follow upon completion of new hydrant installation Who should attend: water system operators, maintenance staff and managers. Accreditation: 2 California Drinking Water Contact Hours awarded. Contact hours have been approved for the Registered Environmental Health Specialist Program. 

Tuesday, September 13, 2022 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM PST What is involved in providing improvements to a public water system? EFCN staff with project management experience will talk about the major funding sources to finance a capital improvement project and describe the process from initial planning to construction of the improvement. 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 REGISTER HERE

Description: A crucial part of any Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is to follow through and complete tasks planned. One of these tasks is the replacement and/or installation of new fire hydrants. This workshop will outline the steps necessary to install wet barrel and dry barrel fire hydrants. This includes the initial planning, the installation itself and steps that may need to be taken upon completion of the installation. Participants will learn: CIP overview Planning for fire hydrant installation Fire hydrant installation Recommended steps to follow upon completion of new hydrant installation Who should attend: water system operators, maintenance staff and managers. Accreditation: 2 California Drinking Water Contact Hours awarded. Contact hours have been approved for the Registered Environmental Health Specialist Program. 

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

Must Have Financial Policies & Procedures for Small Water Systems Date & Time: September 15, 2022 | 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM Location: University of California Merced, Extension Education Building (2145 Wardrobe Ave. Merced, CA 95341) Description: Your financial policies are the blueprint to building a successful, sustainable water utility. Are yours up-to-date and complete? Polishing your policies can be the cornerstone to providing guidance in decision making, promoting staff efficiency and productivity, and safeguarding assets. The goals of good financial policies and procedures are risk management and to ensure that the utility is consistently operated as a financially sustainable enterprise while providing safe and reliable water, both in the short- and long-term. Decision makers have very important financial responsibilities, including establishing the policy framework governing a utility’s finances. Operators and staff support the board and implement financial management policies on a day-to-day basis and may be instrumental in recommending necessary policies. Comprehensive, well-organized policies should be readily accessible and easy to reference. This is a free training. Participants will learn: Common financial policies for small water systems The benefits of written, up-to-date policies Which policies to create or update at your system How to create a draft policy using […]

Description: 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 first three sessions is based on the expected-range-of-knowledge for the California distribution D1/D2 exams. Operator Math 301 is targeted to the grade 3/4 level exams. The target learner for this training wants (and needs) one specific thing: the ability to accurately calculate operator certification exam math questions. Accordingly, the learning event design focuses solely on this need. This training is not designed for “contact hours “or participant “entertainment”. This is a hands-on training with an expectation of continuous participation -- working and answering math problems – throughout the entire session. Who should attend: operators and managers.  Participants will learn: Pressure and Head problems Dosage problems (simple […]

Comprehensive Guide to Water Sampling Date & Time: September 20, 2022 | 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM Location: Sacramento Double Tree, Redwood Room (2001 Point West Way Sacramento, CA 95819) Description: You are getting customer water quality complaints and don’t remember if you completed all of the state’s monitoring and reporting requirements. How do you know if the water you are delivering is safe to drink? What do you tell your customers? What bottles do you use to collect samples? How do you use best sampling technique? Do you need all of the info in that chain of custody? This workshop will provide water system personnel with the information to collect and record most samples effectively. This is a free training. Participants will learn: Key existing regulations Reporting requirements Hands on sampling technique (volunteers appreciated) Emerging contaminants under the California Safe Drinking Water Act The benefits of a timely water quality monitoring program Who should attend?: The recommended audience includes operators, managers, and anyone responsible for ensuring compliance with sampling regulations. Accreditation: 6 California Drinking Water Contact Hours awarded. Contact hours have been approved for the Registered Environmental Health Specialist Program. Certificates will be available through your profile.

Are you facing challenges related to affordability? Would you like to have a chance to connect with your peers who might also be facing the same issues? Would you like an opportunity for more interactive trainings? If yes, then this Small Systems Affordability Peer-to-Peer Session is designed for you! This virtual hour and a half session is an opportunity for small drinking water systems to share their particular challenges and gain insight from other attendees regarding these issues. The session is a chance to learn from each other in an interactive, peer-exchange format. This session offers system operators, managers, and decision-makers the chance to: Dive deeply into affordability issues Interact with a group of their peers tackling similar challenges Meet water professionals from outside their organization

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: CEU credits may be available to California drinking water Operators. Who Should Attend: Managers, owners, and operators of water systems serving less than 10,000 people 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

This is an in-person training. Description: Developing your capital improvement plan is the first step in a complete asset management plan. As funders look at long term planning, a system with a developed asset management plan rises to the top of many lists. An important step in developing your asset management plan is to identify funding opportunities. This workshop will help you to know where to look for funding opportunities, tools to help determine eligibility and resources available to help your system prepare for submitting a funding application. Participants will learn how to : Identify system assets Develop a sample CIP Prioritize capital improvement Develop an asset management plan Look for funding opportunities Use MHI as tool to determine eligibility Who should attend: operators and managers. Accreditation: 6 California Drinking Water Contact Hours awarded. Contact hours have been approved for the Registered Environmental Health Specialist Program. 

Description: 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 first three sessions is based on the expected-range-of-knowledge for the California distribution D1/D2 exams. Operator Math 301 is targeted to the grade 3/4 level exams. The target learner for this training wants (and needs) one specific thing: the ability to accurately calculate operator certification exam math questions. Accordingly, the learning event design focuses solely on this need. This training is not designed for “contact hours “or participant “entertainment”. This is a hands-on training with an expectation of continuous participation -- working and answering math problems – throughout the entire session. Who should attend: operators and managers.  Participants will learn: Pressure and Head problems (multi conversion problems) Chemical […]

Part 1 of BAYWORK's 3-part webinar series where experts discuss digital tools and implications for utility workers. Webinar 1 - Digital Workforce Challenges and Lessons Learned: Leaders tell their own stories - Thursday, September 22nd | 10AM -12PM PST We know we need to use digital tools, but how can we use them well? Utility managers will share what they’ve learned about selection of digital tools, organizational culture, human resource issues, IT support, and staff training. Registration Information Coming Soon! Download and share the flyer Questions? Email Elizabeth Toups, BAYWORK Manager, at etoups@jvs.org See other webinars offered in this 3-part series: Webinar 2 | Webinar 3 Who should attend?: For water and wastewater professionals, especially: Managers and supervisors Operations and Maintenance Staff IT, Human Resources and others interested in implementing new technology  

Description: Public health is the primary concern of water providers and the only way to ensure your water is safe is to test for possible contamination. Water system sampling can vary from monthly bacteriological to radionuclide testing every nine years. This workshop will focus on water sample collection while also reviewing monitoring schedules, site sample plans, and reporting and public notification requirements. Participants will learn: Monitoring and reporting regulations under the California Safe Drinking Water Act General and specific sampling procedures The benefits of a timely water quality monitoring program Who should attend: operators, managers, and anyone responsible for ensuring compliance with sampling regulations. Accreditation: 2 California Drinking Water Contact Hours awarded. Contact hours have been approved for the Registered Environmental Health Specialist Program. 

Description: Public health is the primary concern of water providers and the only way to ensure your water is safe is to test for possible contamination. Water system sampling can vary from monthly bacteriological to radionuclide testing every nine years. This workshop will focus on water sample collection while also reviewing monitoring schedules, site sample plans, and reporting and public notification requirements. Participants will learn: Monitoring and reporting regulations under the California Safe Drinking Water Act General and specific sampling procedures The benefits of a timely water quality monitoring program Who should attend: operators, managers, and anyone responsible for ensuring compliance with sampling regulations. Accreditation: 2 California Drinking Water Contact Hours awarded. Contact hours have been approved for the Registered Environmental Health Specialist Program. 

Description: Since the arsenic maximum contaminant level was lowered from 50 ppb to 10 ppb in 2001, water systems have been scrambling to comply with this more stringent standard. For many small water systems, compliance with the Arsenic Rule has been a significant technological, financial and operational challenge. This online learning event is intended to provide a small water system with a “road-map” to Arsenic Rule compliance. We will begin with review of the requirements of the Arsenic Rule. We will then explore non-treatment options for compliance, which are almost always less costly than treatment. We will then assess the pros and cons of several of the most common arsenic treatment technologies. Participants will learn: The health effects of arsenic in water Non-treatment options for Arsenic Rule compliance An overview of the most used arsenic treatment technologies Practical considerations when choosing an arsenic treatment system Who should attend: operators, managers and board members that have an interest in providing arsenic-safe water to their customers Accreditation: 2 California Drinking Water Contact Hours awarded. Contact hours have been approved for the Registered Environmental Health Specialist Program. 

Description: Worldwide, Nitrates are the most common chemical contaminant in groundwater aquifers. In 1980, nine drinking water wells in California had unsafe levels of Nitrates. By 2007, this acute contamination had spread to more than 648 wells. Nitrates continue to impact the health of California residents and the problem is only getting worse. This workshop will help you make informed decisions about mitigating this contaminant. Participants will learn: What Nitrates are How Nitrates get into drinking water The acute health effects of Nitrate exposure How to achieve compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act requirements for Nitrates An overview of the most used Nitrate treatment technologies Practical considerations when choosing an Nitrate treatment system Who should attend: operators, managers and board members that have an interest in providing nitrate-safe water to their customers. Accreditation: 2 California Drinking Water Contact Hours awarded. Contact hours have been approved for the Registered Environmental Health Specialist Program. 

The second part in BAYWORK's 3-part webinar series where experts discuss digital tools and implications for utility workers. Webinar 2 - Digital Competency: How to develop the candidates you will need in the future and train current staff - Thursday, September 29th | 10AM to 12PM PST How can community colleges and unions help us prepare candidates with the digital skills our industry needs? How do we provide relevant training to our current staff that will improve their use of digital tools? Registration Information Coming Soon! Download and share the flyer Questions? Email Elizabeth Toups, BAYWORK Manager, at etoups@jvs.org See other webinars offered in this 3-part series:  Webinar 1 | Webinar 3 Who should attend?: For water and wastewater professionals, especially: Managers and supervisors Operations and Maintenance Staff IT, Human Resources and others interested in implementing new technology

Description: Effective Standard Operating Procedures help to ensure that critical procedures are done according to accepted standards. SOPs are also useful for operator training and quality control. This class will cover the steps to create and implement effective SOPs. Learning Objectives: Describe how SOPs can be used for tasks, training, and quality control Identify tasks that require an SOP Explain the benefits of using SOPs List the elements of an SOP Update and track SOPs Analyze and test SOPs Presenter: Gregory Pearson, Water & Wastewater Trainer, Great Lakes Environmental Infrastructure Center at Michigan Technological University 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