Water Distribution Courses

Water Distribution System Operations – Basic Level

COURSE TITLE:   Water Distribution System Operations, Basic Level

OPERATOR GRADES:   Recommended for Grades 1, Grade 2, Entry Level 

PREREQUISITE:   High School Diploma or GED

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This is a Basic level Water Distribution Supply Principles course of instruction, designed for entry level, grade 1 and grade 2 operators taking their first Water Distribution System Operations Course.  It is intended to acquaint the operators of systems which serve a population over 3,300 people with a basic knowledge of water distribution system operations.  Course topics will include: Water sources, quality and sampling,  Basic and Grade 1-2 Water Distribution Mathematics, disinfection within the distribution system, pumps and motors, basic hydraulics, an introduction to California Title 22 Water Quality Regulations, distribution system safety, distribution system and storage facilities design/ maintenance and repairs, backflow/ cross connection control, pipes, valves and fittings, instrumentation and control.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:    Upon completion of the course, the Operator will be able to:

1.     Describe the responsibilities of a Water Distribution operator.

2.     Describe the two major sources of raw water.

3.     Compute basic dosage, demand and residual, volumes, PSI and industry related mathematical problems. Demonstrate mathematical application of water formulas and conversions.

4.     Demonstrate a basic understanding of hydraulics, friction loss, Hazen-Williams C factors, and the relation ship between head and pressure.

5.     Discuss the microbiological impact of bacteria, viruses and protozoa on drinking water.

6.     Describe disinfection practices to provide safe drinking water.

7.     Differentiate pipes, valves, fittings and appurtenances in a water system.

8.     Gain a basic knowledge of pumps, pumping and motors.

9.      Identify storage tanks, reservoirs and hydropneumatic systems.

10.    Examine the importance of map reading and record keeping.

11.    Review worksite safety practices.

12.    Analyze basic water sampling practices for coliforms, chlorine residuals, temperature, pH, VOC’s, IOC’s, SOC’s and turbidity.

13.    Interpret basic instrumentation practice.

14.    Examine the legal aspects, moral requirements and application of California Title 22 Water Quality Laws and the Safe Drinking Water Act.

METHOD OF INSTRUCTION:   Lectures, workbook activities and audiovisual aides.

METHODS OF EVALUATION:   A review examination is administered at the conclusion of each lecture. A final examination is given at the completion of the course.

COURSE CONTENT:

1.    Basic Level and Grade 1 Water Distribution Math.

  • Review of basic arithmetic problem solving.
  • Industry formula and math conversion applications.

2.    Water Sources, Quality Parameters and the SDWA.

3.    Water Sampling procedures, safety, pH, temperature, Lead-Copper Rule, Coliform testing and the Surface Water Testing Rule.

4.    California State Regulations (Title 22).

5.    Disinfection Practices.

6.    Water Distribution Systems.

  • Design/ maintenance and repair.

  • Storage Facilities, reservoirs and hydropneumatic tanks.

  • Water meters, piping and valves.

  • Hydraulics, instrumentation and control.

  • Backflow/cross connection control.

7.    Pumps and motors

Water Distribution System Operations – Intermediate Level

COURSE TITLE:   Water Distribution System Operations, Intermediate

OPERATOR GRADES:   Recommended for Grade 2 and Grade 3

PREREQUISITE:   Successful completion of Basic Level Water Distribution System Operations Course

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This is the second level of Water Distribution System Operations Courses. This Grade 2-3 Intermediate Water

Distribution System Operations course of instruction is designed for grade 2 and grade 3 operators preparing for and taking the Grade 2 or Grade 3 State of California Water Distribution Examination.  Course topics will include: Grade 2 and Grade 3 Water Distribution Mathematics, disinfection practices within of the distribution system, groundwater and wells, source water, hydraulics, Safe Drinking Water Act and California Title 22 Water Quality Regulations, water quality monitoring, sampling and laboratory analysis, water chemistry, Distribution System operations, design, repair and maintenance, Water Distribution System and storage facility technology including pipes, valves and fittings and appurtenances, Pumps and motors, basic hydraulics, Instrumentation and SCADA Control, Back flow/ cross connection control and Safety.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of the course, the Operator will be able to:

1.        Describe the responsibilities of a Grade 2 or Grade 3 Water Distribution operator.

2.        Construct knowledge of ground and surface water sources as raw water.

3.        Compute dosage, demand and residual, volumes, pounds and PSI formulas, hydraulics, and velocity applications in industry related mathematical problem

4.        Demonstrate an understanding of hydraulics, friction loss, Hazen-Williams C factors, and the relationship between head and pressure.

5.        Discuss the microbiological impact on drinking water quality, and disinfection practices including bacteria, viruses and protozoa in drinking water.

6.        Apply disinfection practices to provide safe drinking water.

7.        Review pipes, valves, fittings and appurtenances in a water system.

8.        Apply basic knowledge of pumps, pumping and motors.

9.        Identify storage tanks, reservoirs and hydropneumatic systems.

10.    Examine the importance of map reading and record keeping.

11.    Review worksite safety practices.

12.    Comprehend basic water sampling practices for coliforms, chlorine residuals, temperature, pH, VOC’s, IOC’s, SOC’s and turbidity.

13.    Analyze basic instrumentation practice.

14.    Examine the legal aspects, moral requirements and application of California Title 22 Water Quality Laws and the Safe Drinking Water Act.

METHOD OF INSTRUCTION:  Lectures, workbook activities and audiovisual aides.

METHODS OF EVALUATION:  A review examination is administered at the conclusion of each lecture.  A final examination is given at the completion of the course.

COURSE CONTENT:

1.     Grade 2-3 Water Distribution Mathematics.

  • Review of basic math problem solving.
  • Volumes, Dosage, Demand and Residual.
  • Hydraulics and velocity formulas.
  • Industry math conversions and problem solving.

2.    Water Sources, Quality Parameters and the SDWA.

  • Microbiology and chemistry.

3.    Water Sampling procedures, safety, pH, temperature, Lead-Copper Rule, and Coliform testing.

4.    California State Regulations (Title 22).

5.    Disinfection Practices.

 6.    Water Distribution Systems.
  • Design/ maintenance and repair.
  • Storage, reservoirs and hydropneumatic tanks.
  • Water meters, pipes, valves, and hydraulics.
  • Instrumentation, backflow/cross connection control.
  • Distribution mains, lines and grids.
7.    Pumps and Motors.

Water Distribution System Operations – Advanced Level

COURSE TITLE:   Water Distribution System Operations, Advanced

OPERATOR GRADES:   Recommended for Grades 3,4 and Grade 5

PREREQUISITE:.   Successful completion of Basic and Intermediate Level Water Supply Principles

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This is the third level of Water Supply Principle Courses. This Grade 3-5 Advanced Water Distribution Supply Principles course of instruction is designed for grade 3,4 and grade 5 operators preparing for and taking the Grade 3,4 or Grade 5 State of California Water Distribution Examination.  Course topics will include:  Grade 3,4 and Grade 5 Water Distribution Mathematics, disinfection practices within of the distribution system, Water Sources including groundwater and wells, Storage Facilities, Water Sources, Safe Drinking Water Act and California Title 22 Water Quality Regulations, water quality monitoring, system sampling and laboratory analysis, water chemistry, distribution system operations, design, repair and maintenance, Water Distribution System Technology including pipes, valves and fittings and appurtenances, Pumps and motors, Hydraulics, Back flow/ Cross Connection, SCADA Instrumentation and Control and Safety.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of the course, the Operator will be able to:

  1. Describe the responsibilities of a Grade 3, 4 or Grade 5 Water Distribution operator and manager.
  2. Construct knowledge of ground and surface water sources and operations necessary to process to potable status.
  3. Compute dosage, demand and residual, volumes, pounds and PSI formulas, hydraulics, and velocity applications in industry related mathematical problems, Water Billing and Costs, solution and solution percentages, fluoride chemical solutions, SCADA, pumping and velocity. Additionally, demonstrate mathematical applications of water formulas and conversions.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of hydraulic grade line, gradient and head loss, friction loss, Hazen-Williams C factors, and the relationship between head and pressure and maximum suction lift.
  5. Discuss the microbiological impact on drinking water quality, and disinfection practices including bacteria, viruses and protozoa, pathogenic and nuisance organisms in drinking water, the halogens and disinfection.
  6. Examine disinfection practices including the properties of chlorine and breakpoint chlorination, chloramines, disinfection bi-products including trihalomethanes and alternate disinfectants to provide safe drinking water.
  1. Review pipes and piping materials, valves and value design, joints and fittings, appurtenances, trenching, thrust blocks main breaks and reporting procedures in a water system.
  2. Apply basic knowledge of pumps, pumping and motors including the fundamentals of pump hydraulics, cavitation, net positive suction head and pump curves.
  3. Identify storage tanks, storage tank operations, types of reservoirs and hydropneumatic systems and water demand.
  4. Demonstrate map reading, record keeping skills, regulations, requirements, and Review worksite safety practices.
  5. Analyze basic water sampling practices for coliforms, chlorine residuals, temperature, pH, VOC’s, IOC’s, SOC’s, turbidity and the current laws on lead-copper, surface water, total coliform and Chemical Regulations.
  6. Demonstrate a working knowledge of basic instrumentation technology and practices and SCADA.
  7. Examine the legal aspects, & application of California Title 22 Water Quality Laws & Safe Drinking Water Act.

METHOD OF INSTRUCTION:  Lectures, workbook activities and audiovisual aides.

METHODS OF EVALUATION:  A review examination is administered at the conclusion of each lecture. A final examination is given at the completion of the course.

COURSE CONTENT:

  1. Advanced and Grade 3-5 Water Distribution Math.
    • Volumes, dosage, demand, residual and formulas.
    • Hydraulics and velocity calculations.
    • Industry mathematic conversions and applications.
  2. Water Sources, Quality Parameters and the SDWA.
    • Surface water sources, hydrologic cycle.
    • Classifications of water systems.
    • Contaminant groups and standards and Disinfection.
  3. Water Sampling including procedures, safety, pH, temperature, Lead-Copper Rule, Coliform testing, sampling, transportation, & Surface Water Testing Rule.
  4. California State Regulations (Title 22).
  5. Water Distribution Systems – Design / O & M.
    • Storage, reservoirs and hydropneumatic tanks.
    • Water meters, pipe, valves, lines, grids, valves, hydrants.
    • Instrumentation, control, backflow/cross connection.

7.         Pumps and motors, hydraulics, cavitation .