In this self-paced, on-demand course, participants explore the core concepts of instrumentation, control systems, and communication protocols utilized in water distribution operations. Topics include:

• Basic Electrical Principles: Understanding voltage, current, resistance, and Ohm's Law.

• AC/DC Power Fundamentals: Single-phase and three-phase systems, transformers, and circuit breakers.

• Electronic Instrumentation: 4-20 mA signal loops, transmitters, and sensor technologies for measuring water pressure, flow, and level.

• Flow Measurement Devices: Venturi meters, magnetic meters, propeller and turbine flow meters, and ultrasonic sensors.

• Automated Systems: Introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and their role in modern water system automation.

• SCADA Systems: How SCADA enhances real-time monitoring, reporting, and alarm processing in distribution systems.

This on-demand training module provides critical education on safeguarding potable water systems through effective backflow prevention and cross-connection control. Topics include:

• Definition and examples of cross-connections and backflow

• Legal responsibilities under Title 17 for public water suppliers

• Cross-connection control program requirements, including device installation, testing, and maintenance

• Identification of high-risk facilities requiring specialized backflow protection

• Causes of backflow: backpressure and backsiphonage

• Overview of prevention methods: complete isolation, air gaps, RPZ devices, double check valves, and vacuum breakers

• Device selection based on hazard levels

• Public health impacts of cross-connection incidents

• Regulatory compliance, inspection protocols, and reporting requirements

Topics include customer service meters, compound meters, detector-check meters, and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). The course also covers mainline and production meters used at key points in the system such as well discharges, treatment facilities, and pressure zones.

Learners will explore:

• Differences between positive displacement, velocity, magnetic, ultrasonic, and insertion meters.

• How to size and select meters for different applications.

• Standards for meter accuracy and maintenance schedules.

• Techniques for system-wide metering and district metered areas (DMA).

• AWWA standards and testing intervals based on meter size and type.

In this comprehensive online module, learners will gain essential knowledge about the types and functions of pumps used in water distribution systems:

• Pump Classifications: Understand the differences between velocity pumps (centrifugal) and positive-displacement pumps.

• Pump Designs: Study volute, diffuser, mixed-flow, and axial-flow designs.

• Pump Components: Learn the function of impellers, shafts, sleeves, wear rings, bearings, and couplings.

• Operation and Maintenance: Master procedures for starting, stopping, priming pumps, and controlling flow and surge (water hammer prevention).

• Specialized Concepts: Explore mechanical seals, packing glands, lantern rings, and how to detect and prevent pump cavitation.

• Maintenance Essentials: Routine checks for packing, priming, bearing lubrication, and alignment to ensure efficiency and avoid failures.

• Pump Cavitation: Identify causes, symptoms, and solutions for cavitation in water pumps.

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.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand why routine water quality sampling is required and how it protects public health.

• Distinguish between grab, composite, and continuous sampling methods.

• Identify proper sample sites and conditions for collecting representative water samples.

• Apply correct procedures for collecting, preserving, and transporting samples.

• Perform field tests for chlorine residual and recognize common testing issues.

• Understand bacteriological sampling protocols and the importance of holding times.

• Complete legal documentation including sample labels, log books, and chain of custody records.

In this comprehensive course, students will explore the origins and management of drinking water sources used in California’s public water systems. Key topics include:

• Water Source Types: Surface water, groundwater, groundwater under the influence of surface water, recycled water, and desalinated water.

• Hydrologic and Hydrogeologic Principles: Understanding the hydrologic cycle, aquifers, water table dynamics, and groundwater movement.

• Surface Water Characteristics: Variability, contamination risks, seasonal changes, and the impact of human activities.

• Groundwater Issues: Natural filtration, contamination threats, and treatment options.

• Water Treatment Processes: Surface and groundwater treatment methods including conventional treatment, oxidation, filtration, and disinfection.

• Well Construction and Protection: Well types, sanitary sealing, grouting, drawdown measurement, and well management for sustainable yield.

• Contaminant Focus: Management of iron, manganese, PFAS, and algae-related issues.

• Regulatory Compliance: Review of primary and secondary standards, California-specific guidelines, and best practices for source protection.

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 course is designed to meet the California state requirement for specialized training in water distribution systems. It covers essential topics needed for the D1 and D2 operator exams and day-to-day utility operations. Participants will explore the infrastructure, regulations, math, and hands-on responsibilities involved in providing safe and reliable drinking water. Key areas include system hydraulics, water main installation, pumps and motors, chlorination, public health standards, water quality testing, safety procedures, and regulatory compliance.

Whether you're pursuing certification, upgrading your skills, or preparing for promotional opportunities, this course offers foundational knowledge critical to the operation and maintenance of potable water systems.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the principles and infrastructure of water distribution systems.

• Comprehend federal and California-specific water quality regulations.

• Apply water operator mathematics in real-world scenarios.

• Operate and maintain pumps, valves, mains, hydrants, and other system components.

• Ensure compliance with public safety, testing, and recordkeeping standards.

• Prepare for the D1 or D2 operator certification exams.

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