In this module, learners will explore the essential factors influencing the selection and use of pipes within drinking water distribution systems. Key topics include:

• Pipe Selection Criteria: Understanding strength, pressure ratings (MAWP), service conditions, corrosion resistance, economics, and smoothness.

• Water Quality Considerations: Ensuring materials maintain safe potable water standards without introducing contaminants.

• Pipe Types: Detailed examination of current and legacy materials, including ductile iron, steel, PVC, polyethylene, and concrete pipes.

• Joint Types and Installation Methods: Insight into various joining techniques such as mechanical, flanged, push-on, and ball-and-socket joints.

• Service Line Components: Differences between transmission lines, in-plant systems, distribution mains, and service lines.

• Corrosion Prevention Techniques: Methods for mitigating external and internal corrosion risks.

• Historical Materials: Understanding the issues associated with older piping materials like asbestos-cement and cast iron.

• Field Applications: Practical knowledge for selecting appropriate pipes and fittings based on real-world service demands.

This on-demand course, tailored for California drinking water distribution professionals, guides learners through the essential practices for installing and rehabilitating water mains. Topics include:

• Pipe Inspection, Unloading, Stacking, and Stringing: Proper handling and storage techniques to prevent material damage and contamination.

• Excavation Preparations: Notification of utilities, public safety marking, and ensuring appropriate separations between water and sewer lines.

• Trenching and Excavation Safety: Best practices for trench depth, width, and soil management; cave-in prevention methods including sloping, shielding, shoring, and sheeting.

• Pipe Laying: Inspection before laying, safe placement, proper bedding, and techniques for haunching to ensure structural integrity.

• Pipe Jointing: How to correctly install push-on and mechanical joints to prevent leaks and joint failures.

• Connecting to Existing Systems: Procedures for dry taps, wet taps, and proper use of transition couplings.

• Thrust Restraint Systems: Installation of thrust blocks, thrust anchors, and restrained joints to protect against internal pressure forces.

• Air Relief Systems: Methods to remove trapped air pockets, including the use of air relief valves and fire hydrants.

This self-paced, on-demand course covers the essential principles and practices of chlorination used in California public drinking water systems. Students will explore the critical role of chlorine in disinfection, the chemical reactions involved, proper dosage calculations, regulatory standards, and troubleshooting common operational challenges.

Topics include:

• The history and necessity of chlorination in public health

• Chlorine demand, dosage, and residual management

• Forms of chlorine (gas, liquid, solid) and their properties

• Breakpoint chlorination theory and calculations

• CT (Concentration x Time) treatment technique fundamentals

• Advantages and disadvantages of chlorination methods

• Chlorine safety procedures, including cylinder handling and emergency protocols

• Chloramines as alternative disinfectants: benefits and limitations

• Compliance with disinfection byproduct (DBP) standards (e.g., THMs, HAA5s)

Learners will engage with real-world examples, CT calculation exercises, and review quizzes based directly on California certification standards.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand how chlorine disinfects drinking water and the factors affecting its performance

• Apply proper calculation methods for chlorine dose, demand, residual, and CT values

• Safely manage chlorine storage, transportation, and emergency response

• Meet California State regulatory requirements for water disinfection and residual monitoring

• Identify potential issues such as nitrification and DBP formation and implement best practices to mitigate them

Master the math skills essential for success in California's water distribution industry. This self-paced, on-demand course prepares participants for certification exams and real-world operational tasks by focusing on applied water operator math.

Topics include:

• Solving for Unknown Values (basic algebra with water operations examples)

• Unit Conversions (length, area, volume, and flow rate conversions)

• Ratios and Proportions (direct and inverse applications in operations)

• Percent Calculations (concentrations, chemical mixtures, operational efficiencies)

• Parts Per Million (PPM) and Percent Conversions

• Area and Volume Measurements (circular, rectangular, trapezoidal structures)

• Surface Area Calculations (tank painting and coating estimates)

• Pressure and Force (understanding psi in water systems)

• Flow Rate Determination (pipe and channel flow calculations)

• Detention Time (tank fill and retention analysis)

• Chlorine Demand and Residual Calculations

• Chemical Dosage and Feed Rate Calculations

• Drawdown Measurements (well operation analysis)

This self-paced, online review course is tailored for individuals seeking California State certification in water distribution operations. The curriculum is aligned with the key knowledge areas expected on the D1–D3 level exams and includes:

• Regulatory Frameworks: State Drinking Water Regulations, USEPA standards, and SDWA primacy.

• System Design & Hydraulics: Water sources, system demand, pipe installation, and hydraulic calculations.

• Infrastructure Components: Valves, hydrants, pumps, motors, meters, and water storage systems.

• Operations & Maintenance: Routine flushing, leak detection, system testing, and backflow prevention.

• Water Quality & Disinfection: Chlorination practices, contaminant regulations, and lab sampling.

• Safety & Emergency Response: OSHA confined space, public notification protocols, and system security.

• Math for Operators: Unit conversions, volume and pressure calculations, and chemical dosing problems.