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Newsletter #421 for December 17, 2025 |
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Register for VirCon 2026! It's Free! |
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This free, virtual training conference offers drinking water operators a chance to learn more about timely topics, improve fundamental skills, and get support for specific challenges while earning up to 12 hours of CEU credit.
While there is no substitute for in-person training, this online event was created to specifically target operators of small and rural public water systems who may not have the means or ability to travel. Conference instructors are technical assistance providers from the RCAP network.
CEU Information
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Currently pre-approved in: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington
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Currently acceptable in: Alabama, Arizona, California, Idaho, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia
Approval in process for all other jurisdictions! |
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Upcoming Webinar ✱ Rescheduled ✱ |
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Essential Safety Resources for Wastewater Operators
December 22, 2025 | 10:00 AM CST
This webinar will explore practical resources to help wastewater operators stay safe in their day to day to work as well as in less common and unexpected scenarios. Plus, participants will learn how to use our search tools at WaterOperator.org to find additional resources and training events.
This webinar series from WaterOperator.org covers topics relevant to wastewater operators, including funding, asset management, compliance, and water quality.
Certificates of attendance will be delivered upon request. Check with your certification body for acceptance criteria.
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Tap Talk |
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.
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Featured Video |
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Expert Reveals BEST Techniques for Adapting to Changing Water Quality
waterloop
"Utilities across the country are facing shifting water quality challenges — from changing influent chemistry to tightening discharge limits. This demands smarter monitoring and faster response.
In this episode, Carlos Williams of Hach shares how utilities are adapting to this evolving landscape through advanced analysis and real-time data. He explains how rainfall patterns, conservation, and industrial variability can alter what flows into plants, requiring automated samplers and online instruments that catch contaminants early.
Inside facilities, Williams highlights emerging treatment trends such as nutrient removal, energy efficiency, and diverse disinfection approaches that all depend on accurate water chemistry tracking. He also discusses how new discharge requirements are driving the need for continuous nutrient and solids monitoring to maintain compliance and protect ecosystems."
The link we have included in this newsletter starts at the 2:21 minute mark which is right at the beginning of the interview. The first 2:20 minutes contain a sponsorship message from Hach. Though we do not promote any products at WaterOperator.org, the information provided in this interview with Carlos Williams is very informative and we wanted to include it with a disclaimer that we cannot endorse any of the products mentioned in this video. |
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Office Hours for Safe Drinking Water Act Section 1433 |
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U.S. EPA is hosting office hours this month to assist community water systems (CWSs) with specific questions on completing or certifying Risk and Resilience Assessments (RRAs) and Emergency Response Plans (ERPs) under Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) section 1433 (also known as America’s Water Infrastructure Act section 2013). These one-on-one discussions with EPA will remain private.
While aimed at medium-sized CWSs serving 50,000-99,999 people who must certify their RRA by December 31, all CWSs are welcome to register if slots are available!
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| Sign up for an appointment |
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Featured Video |
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How Billions of Gallons of Waste Water Are Recycled Into Pure Drinking Water
The Factoran - YouTube
"Every year, billions of gallons of wastewater are collected and transformed into clean, drinkable water — an engineering marvel that sustains cities, industries, and entire ecosystems. What was once waste becomes a source of life through advanced treatment and technology.
In this documentary, The Factoran takes you inside massive treatment plants where wastewater goes through multiple purification stages. From powerful filtration systems and high-pressure membranes to ultraviolet sterilization and mineral balancing, discover how science and precision turn contaminated water into crystal-clear purity." |
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Virtual Office Hours on SRF Technical Assistance: What are the SRFs? Pros and Cons
January 7, 2026 | 11:00 AM EST
Environmental Finance Center Network
Join EFCN and experts from Quantified Ventures for the free Ask Me Anything SRF Office Hours:
Designed to expand your knowledge and enhance your ability to navigate the SRFs. These sessions are tailored for state agencies, utility operators, and stakeholders who support water infrastructure projects. Each session will open with a specific theme, providing clarity, strategies, and practical insights for preparing and managing an SRF-funded project. The remainder of the session will be devoted to ‘Ask Me Anything.' Participants can attend all sessions or select those that best meet their needs. Submit your questions in advance or bring them to the session for real-time support from our experts. |
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Retention, Training, and Upskilling
January 7, 2026 | 1:00 PM EST
Water Environment Federation
This free webinar, part of the Workforce Development Case Study Series: Building the Future Water Workforce, will showcase small, medium, and large utilities implementing best practices in recruitment, retention, technology integration, and leadership development. Each webcast will feature real-world case studies and utility leaders sharing actionable insights to help build resilient, inclusive, and future-ready workforces. |
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Recent Blog Posts at WaterOperator.org |
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Get Ready for the 13th Annual SepticSmart Week!
Read Here » |
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From Waste to Resource: Biosolids Management References for POTWs
Read Here » |
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Unlocking Rural Prosperity: The Rural Funding Guide is Here
Read Here » |
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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. |
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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. |
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Visit our other websites: |
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Illinois State Water Survey, 2204 Griffith Drive, Champaign, IL 61820, United States |
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