Enrolling now for Fall 2026
Employment in a water utility provides individuals with a rewarding and stable career.Drinking Water Operators are licensed professionals employed by a public water system to treat and distribute safe drinking water that meets all the required safety standards. The role requires mechanical aptitude, the ability to perform accurate mathematical calculations, and a strong sense of responsibility for maintaining this critical aspect of a community’s Public Health.
Watch this video to learn more about the exciting career opportunities as a licensed water operator:
This course is designed to introduce individuals with little or no previous drinking water experience to the role of a water operator and to help prepare for the Grade 1 Treatment and Grade 1 Distribution Water Operator Examinations and the Very Small System (VSS) Water Operator Examination. The self-paced format is well suited for those with busy schedules, including individuals interested in exploring a career in the drinking water industry.
Format: Self-Paced through MWWA’s Online Classroom
Instructor: Dan Laprade, MWWA Training Coordinator
Est. Hours: 20-30 hours (Includes watching videos, reading assignments, assessments, and a practice exam)
Course Period: October 12 - December 31, 2026 (Register by Oct. 2, 2026)
Required Orientation:
- Friday, 10/9/26
- 12:30 PM
- via Zoom
- Attendance is required
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HOW THE COURSE WORKS |
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October 9: |
Attend a brief required Zoom orientation. Attendance is required. |
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October 12: |
The self-paced course opens in the MWWA Online Classroom. |
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October 12 – December 31: |
Work through the 10 course chapters at your own pace. Each chapter includes a combination of reading assignments, instructional videos and assessment questions. There are no regularly scheduled classes and no live instruction. |
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Need help? |
Optional weekly Zoom office hours with the instructor are available for questions and additional assistance. |
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December 31: |
All course components must be completed by this date to receive a Course Completion Certificate and 15.0 TCHs. |
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Format: INSTRUCTOR:Self-Paced Dan Laprade, MWWA Training Coordinator Agenda |
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Chapter 1 |
Welcome to the Course |
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Chapter 2 |
Overview of Public Water Systems and Operators |
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Chapter 3 |
Basic Water Math, Hydraulics, and Chemistry |
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Chapter 4 |
Regulatory Overview |
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Chapter 5 |
Distribution System Components |
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Chapter 6 |
Cross Connection Control |
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Chapter 7 |
Overview of Water Treatment |
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Chapter 8 |
Safety and Security |
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Chapter 9 |
The Exam and Licensing Process |
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Chapter 10 |
Practice Exam and Course Evaluation |
Student Testimonials
"Very well organized. Great instructor."
"Very helpful would recommend anyone to take this course"
"It gave me the confidence to take the State Grade 1 Treatment and Distribution exams"
"I had a lot of questions regarding the state licensing exam. This course provided the answers that I couldn't find prior to taking this class."
"The instructor is very knowledgeable. Handouts are very good. Instructor takes time to answer questions and go over material."
"Great course and I would highly recommend to anyone"
"The teacher was a pleasure to be around and a great teacher. Allowed time for questions and provided real life experience to back up the material"