This on-demand course provides an in-depth study of:

• Basic Hydraulic Principles: Definitions of force, pressure, and static versus dynamic pressures.

• Pressure and Head Relationships: How water height relates to pressure, and calculations involving pressure units and head.

• Flow and Velocity Calculations: Using area and velocity to determine flow in pipes, with examples converting units to GPM (gallons per minute) and CFS (cubic feet per second).

• Piezometers and Hydraulic Grade Lines (HGL): How piezometric surfaces are used to measure pressure in pipelines and how HGL behaves under static and dynamic conditions.

• Head Loss: Understanding friction losses in pipes, fittings, and valves, including the use of Hazen-Williams roughness coefficients (C-Factors).

• Pump Theory: Key pump terminology including static suction head, total dynamic head (TDH), and horsepower calculations necessary for system design and troubleshooting.

• Surge Control and Water Hammer: Identification of hydraulic surge causes and methods to minimize system shock events.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Understand the historical development and structure of drinking water regulations.

• Define and apply key terms such as MCL, MCLG, MRDL, and TT.

• Describe the regulatory processes for setting drinking water standards.

• Identify different types of contaminants (inorganic, organic, microbial, and radiological) and associated health risks.

• Understand the Total Coliform Rule (TCR) and Revised TCR, including assessment and corrective action requirements.

• Navigate California-specific regulatory structures and primacy under SWRCB.

• Recognize compliance standards for disinfection by-products and lead and copper monitoring.

• Implement sanitary surveys, public notification requirements, and risk-based groundwater protections.

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.

This on-demand training course covers the essential knowledge required for water distribution operators in California, with a focus on water use patterns and system design principles. Topics include:

• Domestic, Industrial, and Public Water Use: Understanding categories and consumption factors.

• Water Rights: Surface and groundwater rights applicable in California, including Riparian and Prior Appropriation doctrines.

• Water Demand Terms: Definitions of average day, peak hour, maximum day demand, and per-capita water use.

• Distribution System Purpose: Providing safe, potable water under reliable pressure and flow conditions.

• Fire Flow Requirements: Designing water mains and pumping systems to meet fire protection standards.

• System Design Considerations: Factors influencing system planning such as climate, community size, and regulatory standards.

• Water System Types: Characteristics of surface water, groundwater, purchased water, and rural systems.

• Distribution Layouts: Grid, loop, and tree systems, including pros and cons.

• Pressure Management and Velocity Controls: Maintaining proper water pressure and system integrity.

• Storage and Pumping Strategies: Tank-based systems, hydro-pneumatic stations, energy optimization.

• System Components and Maintenance: Valves, hydrants, and system control technologies.

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.

In this detailed training, learners will explore the essential aspects of post-installation procedures for water mains:

• Trenching and Backfilling Techniques: Understand the correct methods for soil management, pipe bedding, compaction, and use of native vs. granular materials to ensure pipeline support and minimize settlement.

• Shoring and Excavation Safety: Learn when and how to use shoring, shielding, and safe removal procedures during backfill operations.

• Pressure Testing Procedures: Get step-by-step instructions on pressure testing mains at 1.5 times operating pressure to confirm system integrity.

• Flushing and Disinfection: Study the different methods (Continuous Feed, Slug, Tablet) to disinfect new pipelines and requirements for dechlorination.

• Bacteriological Testing: Know the necessary steps to certify a pipeline is safe for drinking water use.

• Site Restoration: Best practices for restoring streets, sidewalks, and landscaping following construction.

• Final Inspection and Recordkeeping: Learn about documentation requirements including valve locations, hydrant testing, and system mapping.

• Installation Safety: Training on proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use, chemical handling (especially chlorine), tool safety, and traffic control measures.

In this module, students will learn the essential components and best practices of water services within a distribution system. Topics include:

• Service line materials (e.g., copper, PVC, polyethylene)

• Installation and maintenance of corporation stops, curb stops, and curb boxes

• Variations in service line responsibilities between utilities and property owners

• Water tapping methods: dry tap and wet tap

• Best practices for locating and tapping water mains

• Techniques and tools for detecting and locating leaks

• Leak survey and water auditing procedures

Valves play a vital role in every drinking water distribution system. In this course, participants will learn about the major types of valves—such as gate, butterfly, globe, check, pressure reducing, and altitude valves—and their specific functions like starting/stopping flow, regulating pressure, preventing backflow, and relieving pressure. The training covers proper operation procedures, installation guidelines, and critical maintenance practices, including valve exercising programs.

Special topics include the impact of valves on system performance (e.g., minimizing water hammer), valve actuators (manual, electric, hydraulic, pneumatic), and best practices for valve placement in residential and urban distribution networks.

Key Topics Covered:

• Types of valves and their specific applications

• System isolation techniques

• Pressure control and relief mechanisms

• Preventing backflow into potable water systems

• Proper valve operation and maintenance

• Valve exercising programs and preventive care

• Emergency procedures and troubleshooting

Who Should Enroll:

• Water system operators

• Distribution system maintenance staff

• Public works employees

• Professionals preparing for California water distribution certification exams (D1–D5)

Learning Outcomes: By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Identify and describe various valve types and their uses

• Select the appropriate valve for different distribution system needs

• Perform essential maintenance tasks like valve exercising

• Prevent common system failures such as backflow and pressure surges

• Apply California-specific standards and best practices in daily operations

This course provides an in-depth study of fire hydrants as essential components of public water systems. Topics include:

• Primary Purpose and Uses: Fire protection, construction support, flushing of mains, and unauthorized use concerns.

• Hydrant Specifications: Water main requirements, hydrant placement, outlet orientation, and color coding per NFPA 291 standards.

• Types of Hydrants: Dry-barrel, wet-barrel, flush hydrants, warm-climate hydrants, and breakaway hydrants, including their design differences and operational mechanisms.

• Operation and Maintenance: Proper operation procedures, common operational issues such as water hammer and sediment disturbance, inspection routines, and flow testing requirements.

• Installation Best Practices: Requirements for main sizing, auxiliary valves, placement relative to streets and curbs, and painting standards.

• Hydrant Safety Protocols: Precautions during flushing operations, preventing cross-connections, managing pedestrian and vehicle safety.

• Recordkeeping Requirements: Documentation standards for hydrant installation, maintenance, and repairs.