|
Newsletter #152 for September 2026 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Tribal Operator Certification Online Training |
|
The Rural Community Assistance Corporation is offering an online Tribal Operator Certification Series this September!
Are you a busy operator for a Tribal system who doesn't have the time to leave your job to attend much needed training? If so, the RCAC Tribal Circuit Riders have you covered. This online series is designed with the busy operator in mind. A series of three-hour long sessions will take place this month and you can obtain 3 Contact Hours per session!
These free trainings are funded by EPA Region 9 and will focus on preparing operators to take their distribution level 1 or level 2 certification test.
Topics covered will include:
Not only will these trainings help to prepare operators to take their certification test, it will also be a chance to network across regions.
September 16 | 9:00AM-12:00PM | Click here to register for the 9/16 training
September 23 | 9:00AM-12:00PM | Click here to register for the 9/23 training
September 30 | 9:00AM-12:00PM | Click here to register for the 9/30 training
|
|
|
|
|
Webinar Recording: Planning Today for Reliable Water Tomorrow |
 |
|
"Ensuring reliable drinking water service for future generations requires thoughtful planning, proactive asset management, and long-term financial sustainability. This webinar explores practical approaches utilities can use to strengthen operational reliability and prepare for future needs through strategic planning, asset management, capital improvement planning, financial forecasting, and workforce development. Participants will learn practical strategies to identify risks, prioritize investments, and build a roadmap for long-term success."
Find more webinar recordings on Environmental Finance Center Network's YouTube Channel. |
|
|
|
|
Apply for AWWA Scholarships! |
|
Applications for all 2027-2028 scholarships are now open through November 6, 2026.
The Water Equation Scholarships program supports students and operators at the beginning of their work in water. Scholarships are available through AWWA, corporate partners, and the Water Operator Continuing Education Fund.
The Water Operator Continuing Education Fund supports non-traditional education programs, including trade schools, certification programs, and community college coursework for water operators.
- Applications are accepted on a monthly basis throughout the year.
- All applications are reviewed by a committee of water sector professionals.
- Awards are made on a rolling basis throughout the year.
- Award amount varies by program and course.
- To finalize your application, you will need to enter the code WOE.
The Water Operator Continuing Education Fund does not fund scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, or PhD programs. To apply for academic scholarships, visit the Water Equation Scholarships webpage. Water Equation offers 23 merit-based science, technology, engineering, and match academic scholarships for higher degrees.
For questions about specific program eligibility, contact Margo Hatton (mhatton@awwa.org), CFRE – Senior Manager Development and Donor Relations.
Learn about more continuing education opportunities and section specific scholarships available through your local AWWA section.
|
| Learn More |
|
|
|
|
'We Received No Substantive Response': Rep. Huffman on Negotiations of Tribal Water Rights Settlement Bill |
 |
|
"During a House Natural Resources Committee hearing in July, Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA) criticized the GOP over their negotiation tactics on a set of tribal water settlement bills."
Find more videos like this on Forbes Breaking News' YouTube channel. |
|
|
|
|
 |
Tap Talk Episode 69
Diving Into Biofilms With Water Quality Investigations (Part 1)
In the first episode of a two-part series, we explore the world of biofilms in drinking water systems with guests Andrew Jacque and Emily Hefty-Dieckhoff of Water Quality Investigations. Andrew and Emily explain to Jennifer and Steve the fundamentals of what biofilms are, where they can be found both in water systems and naturally, and the health issues they can cause. Be sure to return for Part 2, which will delve even further into the complexities of biofilms!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Missed our last webinar? Watch the recording! |
|
This webinar, recorded in September 2026, reviews publicly available GIS resources and tools that support asset management for publicly owned treatment works (POTWs), with a focus on mapping infrastructure assets. The session also includes a demonstration of our free search tools at WaterOperator.org to find additional free resources and training events.
This webinar is part of a series that covers topics relevant to wastewater operators, including funding, asset management, compliance, and water quality.
For informational purposes only. We are unable to offer certificates for watching a video recording.
Recordings of our previous webinars:
|
|
|
|
|
Featured Events for Tribal Water Systems |
|
|
|
Eastern Sierra & Northern Nevada Tribal Operator Certification Workshop: Hydrant Maintenance & Repair
September 22, 2026 | Elko, NV
Rural Community Assistance Corporation
This free tribal training event features a presentation by Pak Hughes from Western Nevada Supply Company, focusing on hydrant maintenance, common problems, and solutions. He will also demonstrate hot-tapping a live water line, covering its pros, cons, and equipment needed. After lunch, Marcus Drumm will discuss water operations, particularly coliform testing and the implications of positive results. Attendees are encouraged to invite firefighters for the hydrant portion of the event. |
|
|
|
Wastewater Collection – Level 1 Operator Certification Training Course for Personnel of Tribal Utilities
September 28, 2026 | Portland, OR
Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc.
This free course covers Level 1 Wastewater Collection (WWC-1) System operations. Course topics include an overview of wastewater collection systems, sewer system inspection and testing, lift stations, pipeline cleaning and maintenance, wastewater collection math, worker safety, and more. |
|
|
|
Corrosion Control, Flushing and Distribution
September 29, 2026 | Manistee, MI
Michigan Rural Water Association
This free presentation looks into the preventive maintenance of the distribution system and testing that should be completed before selecting the best method of minimizing the effects of corrosion. We will also review flushing programs and the benefits to your system. |
|
|
|
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Federal Regulations Training Course & Certification Exam Sessions
September 30, 2026 | Parker, AZ
Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc.
This free training course offers over 36 hours of training and is designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of personnel that operate public drinking water systems located on federal trust Tribal lands (Indian reservations). This course provides an overview of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Federal Regulations and the associated regulatory rules, including monitoring, reporting, and public notice requirements.
Participants will learn how to find SDWA federal rules, regulations, and supporting documents, as well as how to use and apply them to Tribal water utility scenarios. This course will be particularly helpful for individuals preparing to take the Federal Regulations Exam Modules for water operator certification.
During the second part of this training course, optional certification exam sessions will be offered for free to allow eligible applicants to take the Federal Regulations (FedReg) Exam Modules, which are now required for drinking water operator certification through the ITCA National Tribal Operator Certification Program. Attendees that are only interested in the training may choose not to take the certification exams. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our Water Ways (2026)
|
 |
|
"Our Water Ways: California Tribal Stories is a powerful feature documentary that illuminates the sacred relationships between Native communities and California’s waterways.
Produced by Sacred Places Institute for Indigenous Peoples (SPI) with support from Patagonia, Weingart Foundation, and Climate Science Alliance, the film centers Indigenous voices, knowledge, and resilience amidst ongoing environmental injustice and the legacy of settler colonialism."
Find more videos like this on SPI - Indigenous Media Project's YouTube channel. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recent Blog Posts at WaterOperator.org |
|
|
 |
|
Lagoon Wastewater Systems Practical Tools and Resources for Compliance
Read Here » |
|
|
 |
|
Energy Optimization and Cost‑Saving Strategies for Wastewater Utilities
Read Here »
|
|
|
|
|
|
Groundwater & Well Care for Public Water Systems is a free online course from WaterOperator.org. Certificates are provided and the course is currently pre-approved for 2 hours continuing education credit in a number of states.
Click here to learn more. |
|
|
|
|
|
WaterOperator.org is a free service, grant-funded to support small community water and wastewater operators with comprehensive resources and information in one easy-to-use place. We also serve the 800+ training, primacy, and technical service organizations, by helping operators get to their information. We aren't selling or advertising anything. Call us at 1-866-522-2681 for assistance. |
|
|
|
|
|
Visit our other websites: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
View archive of past issues. | Click here to unsubscribe | Sent to: _t.e.s.t_@example.com
Illinois State Water Survey, 2204 Griffith Drive, Champaign, IL 61820, United States |
|
|
