Upon completion of this course, operators should be able to set up a wellhead protection program, identify parts of a well and pump system, maintain and rehabilitate a well, operate and maintain a well pump and hydropneumatic pressure tank, inspect a well and pumping system, disinfect wells and pumps, keep accurate records of a well and pumping system, remove sand from water mains, troubleshoot problems in wells and pumping systems, select a well site, describe types of wells and drilling methods, test and evaluate a well and pump, and abandon and plug a well no longer productive or needed.

Upon completion of this course, operators should understand treatment requirements and methods for surface waters and groundwaters, be able to operate coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection treatment processes for a surface water treatment plant, be able to institute a corrosion control program to protect treatment and distribution infrastructure, understand the operation of solids-contact clarification and slow sand filter systems, be able to operate iron and manganese removal and water softening processes for treatment of groundwater, and be able to set up effective maintenance and safety programs for a treatment works.

Upon completion of this course, operators should understand the components of a water supply system from source to customer, understand the purpose for disinfection and the applicable regulations, the factors influencing disinfection effectiveness, the physical and chemical means of disinfection and the critical factors affecting each. Operators should also be able to disinfect wells, pumps, mains, and tanks, to operate various types of chlorination equipment, to determine and set chlorination rates, to measure chlorine residual, to handle chlorine and chlorine equipment safely, and to solve disinfection math problems.

Upon completion of this course, operators should be able to develop and implement a safety program for workers at water treatment and distribution facilities, understand and properly use safety equipment, institute safe practices around wells, treatment works, chemical processes, pumps, streets and trenches, confined spaces, and water storage facilities, practice lockout/tagout procedures, and conduct safety inspections. Upon completion of the second component of this course, operators should be able to develop water rates for a utility, determine revenue requirements, apply cost allocation methods, calculate distribution of costs to customers, design rates, administer rates and charges, and plan for financial stability.

Upon completion of this course, operators should understand the diverse responsibilities of a water system operator, know the requirements for certification and how to prepare for obtaining and maintaining certification, be able to perform basic laboratory procedures, utilize laboratory equipment and techniques, collect representative samples using proper sampling techniques and various sampling devices, and conduct water laboratory tests including alkalinity, chlorine residual, coliform bacteria counts, hardness, jar tests, pH, temperature, and turbidity. In addition, operators should be able to solve water laboratory math problems.