Updates

Photo by Michael Calabria

July 29-Aug 1: CA-NV AWWA’s Henry Palechek to Host Advanced Water Treatment Workshop in El Segundo

DATE: Monday-Thursday, July 29 to August 1
TIME: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

LOCATION:
Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility
1935 S. Hughes Way
El Segundo, CA 90245

PRICING:
$510 for AWWA Members
>> CWEA members contact the CA-NV AWWA offices to register and receive the AWWA members rate.

$615 for Non-members

Register on the CA-NV AWWA website >

AWT Workshop

This four-day AWT workshop will cover the various steps necessary to go from wastewater to pure water.

The specific areas will include water reuse, Indirect Potable Resue (IPR), brackish water treatment, desalination, surface water augmentation, groundwater recharge and best available technologies for specific water problems. It will cover the concept of a multiple barrier approach to water purification.

These barriers include disinfection, physical separation and other advanced processes. It will also cover the supporting technologies used in advanced water treatment including Ion exchange, Granular Activated Carbon (GAC), Iron and Manganese Removal, Chlorine and Chlorine Dioxide, Biofiltration, Ozonation, Membrane Filters, Membrane Bioreactors, Reverse Osmosis, Ultra Violet Light, and Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP).

This workshop is not an AWTO certification review nor is it an AWTO design workshop but will help the participants learn the technologies and key points that can be applied to the AWTO exam in a broader sense.

Finally, we will be looking at some examples of advanced water treatment trains including The Orange County Water District Groundwater Recharge System (GWRS), various Pure Water Projects in California and the Edward C. Little plant which is producing 5 levels of water used for a variety of purposes. The workshop will also include a tour of the Edward C. Little facility to reinforce the material being taught.

This workshop is eligible for up to 32 contact hours.

Photo above: Michael Calabria, West Basin MWD – ECLWRF Sunset Aerial

Photo by Michael Calabria

Feb 12-15: CA-NV AWWA’s Henry Palechek to Host AWT Workshop in El Segundo

DATE: Monday-Thursday, February 12-15, 2024
TIME: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
LOCATION:
Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility
1935 S. Hughes Way
El Segundo, CA 90245

PRICING:
$510 for AWWA Members
>> CWEA members contact the CA-NV AWWA offices to register and receive the AWWA members rate.

$615 for Non-members

Register on the CA-NV AWWA website >

AWT Workshop

This four-day AWT workshop will cover the various steps necessary to go from wastewater to pure water.

The specific areas will include water reuse, Indirect Potable Resue (IPR), brackish water treatment, desalination, surface water augmentation, groundwater recharge and best available technologies for specific water problems. It will cover the concept of a multiple barrier approach to water purification.

These barriers include disinfection, physical separation and other advanced processes. It will also cover the supporting technologies used in advanced water treatment including Ion exchange, Granular Activated Carbon (GAC), Iron and Manganese Removal, Chlorine and Chlorine Dioxide, Biofiltration, Ozonation, Membrane Filters, Membrane Bioreactors, Reverse Osmosis, Ultra Violet Light, and Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP).

This workshop is not an AWTO certification review nor is it an AWTO design workshop but will help the participants learn the technologies and key points that can be applied to the AWTO exam in a broader sense.

Finally, we will be looking at some examples of advanced water treatment trains including The Orange County Water District Groundwater Recharge System (GWRS), various Pure Water Projects in California and the Edward C. Little plant which is producing 5 levels of water used for a variety of purposes. The workshop will also include a tour of the Edward C. Little facility to reinforce the material being taught.

This workshop is eligible for up to 32 contact hours.

Photo above: Michael Calabria, West Basin MWD – ECLWRF Sunset Aerial

CWEA photo

San Diego County Water Authority Honored as Champions for Advanced Water Treatment

During a special awards presentation at the November 16 San Diego County Water Authority Board meeting, CWEA President Chuck Greely, and CA-NV AWWA Executive Director Sue Mosburg honored SDCWA as one of the original champions for the Advanced Water Treatment Operator™ certification program. Support from their agency and team members in 2018-2019 directly led to this successful program.

Comments by Chuck Greely, CWEA President

Today we are honoring San Diego County Water Authority’s Board of Directors leadership and support of advanced treatment. Your involvement at the very beginning of the Advanced Water Treatment Operator Certification program has allowed CWEA and Cal-Nevada AWWA to train and certify hundreds of California’s best operators, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills to produce the cleanest water possible.

Comments by Sue Mosburg, Executive Director, CA-NV AWWA

California-Nevada AWWA and CWEA followed in your footsteps of bringing the best and brightest together from the water and wastewater profession, regulatory community, academics, and experts in professional certification to develop the nation’s first Advanced Water Treatment Operator certification.

Thank you for all that you’ve done for California and for the advanced water treatment community. Here are just a few reasons why San Diego County Water Authority deserves this prestigious Advanced Water Treatment Champion award…

  1. Recognizing and honoring SDCWA Board’s visionary leadership and support for water reuse.
  2. SDCWA was one of the original funders for the AWTO cert program.
  3. SDCWA staff, including Toby Roy and others, dedicated their time to setting up and managing the program. Toby chaired one of the early formation work groups.
  4. SDCWA provided meeting space.
  5. You’re help raising the profile of AWT operators among elected officials and the public.
  6. Highlighting the important role AWT Operators play in achieving the one water vision.
  7. Spreading the word and promoting the AWTO program to help it grow to the necessary level of operators.
  8. Supporting positive steps towards developing the water workforce of the future.

SDCWA Member Agencies with AWT certified Operators

  • City of Escondido
  • City of Oceanside
  • City of San Diego
  • Fallbrook Public Utility District
  • Helix Water District
  • Padre Dam Municipal Water District
City of San Diego

City of San Diego Honored as Champions for Advanced Water Treatment

During CWEA’s Annual Conference in San Diego we honored the City of San Diego as one of the original champions for the Advanced Water Treatment Operator™ certification program. Support from their agency and team members in 2018-2019 directly led to this successful program. Sue Mosburg, CA-NV AWWA Executive Director, and Jenn Jones, CWEA Executive Director/CEO both presented the award to the team from the City of San Diego.

During the awards presentation we also had the opportunity to honor several AWTO certified City of San Diego team members and shown in the photo above. Congratulations to those outstanding operators for achieving their certification as well!

We applaud the City of San Diego’s vision over the last 50 years for always developing new and innovative water reuse programs. Water professionals and agencies are being called to action to protect our communities and we are rising to the challenges.

Pure Water San Diego

Pure Water San Diego is the City of San Diego’s phased, multi-year program that will provide nearly half of San Diego’s water supply locally by the end of 2035.

The Pure Water San Diego Program will use proven water purification technology to clean recycled water to produce safe, high-quality drinking water. The Program offers a cost-effective investment for San Diego’s water needs and will provide a reliable, sustainable water supply.

Phase 1 includes several projects that will clean recycled water to produce 30 million gallons per day of high-quality purified water, reducing the City of San Diego’s dependence on imported water.

About AWTO Certification

As California and Nevada seek to secure sustainable water resources, all of us working together allows us to rapidly build critical programs such as AWT Operator certification. We have issued 158 certifications so far, ensuring a steady supply of AWTO® professionals ready to serve their communities by operating advanced water treatment facilities.

Drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, and water reuse operators with a Grade 3 or higher certification and working at facilities using advanced water treatment technologies may be interested in earning the new, voluntary AWTO Certification. AWT Operators protect public health by ensuring a safe and reliable supply of high-quality drinking water from advanced facilities.

Photo above by City of San Diego.

 

Tri-State Workshop 2023: Overview of Advanced Water Treatment Technologies

Advanced Water Treatment Operator professionals are highly skilled and certified so they can safely operate advanced water treatment facilities to protect public health. Consider becoming AWTO® certified.

Two-days of in-person learning with some of the industry’s leading experts in advanced technologies. Dive deep into AWT topics to help you prepare for the exam.

Overview of Advanced Water Treatment Technologies
August 9-10 – it’s two days!
Tri-State Seminar at South Point Resort and Casino
$99 reg fee and $124 workshop cost (lunch is not included)

Register on the TriState website >

Your registration includes technical sessions on August 8, access to the enormous TriState exhibit halls and it’s free reception.

Workshop Trainers

  • Troy Walker, Hazen & Sawyer
  • Dr. Eric Peterson, Hazen & Sawyer
  • Nathan Boyle, Hazen & Sawyer
  • and more!

Workshop topics

  • Introduction to potable reuse
  • Microfiltration
  • Reverse osmosis
  • GAC
  • Ozone
  • And more!

Join this two-day workshop at TriState Seminar and get in-depth training on advanced technologies. We’ll also provide an overview of how grade 3 or higher water and wastewater operators can apply for the AWTO certification.

Promo Flyer

Spread the word.

Download the promotion flyer and share it with water and wastewater operators that you know >

Benefits

Getting AWTO certified provides numerous benefits for your career:

  • Positions you for career growth
  • Boosts your income
  • Elevates your knowledge
  • Get AWTO certified today!

 

IEUA-CWEA-Alec

Inland Empire Utilites Agency Honored as Advanced Water Treatment Champions

During CWEA’s 2023 Annual Conference in San Diego we honored the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) as one of the original champions for the Advanced Water Treatment Operator™ certification program.

Support from their agency and team members in 2018-2019 directly led to this successful program. Sue Mosburg, CA-NV AWWA Executive Director, and Jenn Jones, CWEA Executive Director/CEO both presented the award to the team from IEUA.

Representatives from CA-NV AWWA and CWEA visited IEUA’s headquarters in Chino this February to also present the award to their Board of Directors (pictured above).

“It’s with great pride we stand before you today to present the Inland Empire Utilities Agency with the prestigious Advanced Water Treatment Champion Award,” said Chuck Greely, President of CWEA and a principal for Dudek Engineering, during February’s awards presentation in Chino. “As we peer into an uncertain future, one thing remains crystal clear: our region’s water supply hangs in the balance. IEUA’s visionary Chino Basin Program and the Advanced Water Purification Facility will help maximize every drop of water.”

We applaud IEUA’s unyielding dedication to navigating a complex regulatory landscape, managing intricate technical challenges, supporting staff training, and meticulous planning.

“The resounding success of the AWTO certification program shines through with the issuance of over 200 certifications,” noted Sue Mosburg, the Executive Director for the California-Nevada section of AWWA. “We are grateful for IEUA’s early support of the program, you have helped over 20 operators become AWTO certified and with us today, we are honored to have 11 Advanced Water Treatment Operators. We ask everyone to join us in celebrating their achievements.”

Sal Ochoa

At the 2023 CWEA Awards Ceremony the AWTO Champions award was presented to IEUA. (l-r) CWEA President Chuck Greely; Scott Lening, IEUA’s Manager of Operations; Lucia Fuertez Diaz, IEUA’s Manager of Facility Water System Program; and Aimeé Kileen, WEF President Elect. Photo by Sal Ochoa.

Chino Basin Program

The Chino Basin Program is a multi-agency effort to construct an Advanced Water Purification Facility and groundwater injection facilities to maximize the use of recycled water.

It is a first-of-its-kind water program that moves beyond traditional water management practices to achieve new levels of water security, flexibility, and affordability. The CBP is led by IEUA and made possible through the collaboration and participation of its Regional Agencies and partners

About AWTO Certification

As California and Nevada seek to secure sustainable water resources, all of us working together allows us to rapidly build critical programs such as AWT Operator certification. We have issued 158 certifications so far, ensuring a steady supply of AWTO® professionals ready to serve their communities by operating advanced water treatment facilities.

Drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, and water reuse operators with a Grade 3 or higher certification and working at facilities using advanced water treatment technologies may be interested in earning the new, voluntary AWTO Certification. AWT Operators protect public health by ensuring a safe and reliable supply of high-quality drinking water from advanced facilities. Learn more at awtoperator.org.

 

Regular Update: Mastery Summary Report, Grade 3 Exams as of June 2022

Click to open a larger version

This report is a mastery summary report compiled by our computer based testing provider PSI.  The data is for the Advanced Water Treatment Operator Grade 3 Exam, and is cumulative data covering the period July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2022.

The AWT Operator Joint Coordinating Committee aims to provide as much information as possible to our stakeholders, including exam applicants, trainers, and our agency partners. The JCC is working on a standard for regular updates of this report, please watch this site for future updates.

 

 

Congratulations to the 100+ AWTO Certified Operators

Hardhats off to these outstanding operators who are the first group to become AWTO certified

List of certified AWT Operators as of September 2022. For the most up-to-date AWTO® list, please visit the CA-NV AWWA website > Credential Look-up page.

AWT3s

Aaron Old
Andrew Lee
Andy Pierson
Antonio Mendoza
Augustine Tijerina
Barry Ayers
Breanne Padilla
Chad Steinlicht
Chander Letulle
Christopher Patacsil
Christopher Winn
Cornelia Koch
Curtis Bowles
Daniel Cotter, Jr.
Daniel Jacquez
Daniel Staines
Daryl Duty
David Morris
Dean Rauscher
Derek Esquivel
Dustin Valiquette
Eric O’Riley
Gail Mackey
Garon Goularte
Gerardo Soria
Gina Dorrington
Gregory Galindo
Helene Baribeau
Henry Zhang
Ignacio Rodriguez
Ian McDermott
Ivan Cheng
Jack Bebee
James Austin
Jameson Hill
Jasmine Diaz
Jason Wiltsey
Javier Robledo
Jerry Jahn
John Brixie
John Ferrara
John Abrera
Jonett Clay
Joseph Mueller
Joseph Anderson
Justin Regester
Kamaya Marlow
Keith Tanaka
Kenny Chau
Kirols Nashed
Kulwinder Singh
Linda Yebra
Manuel Moreno
Marc Ciarlo
Mark Lemus
Martin Soria
Matthew Baker
Matthew Birchett
Matthew Smith
Maureen Wagner
Michael Buhl
Michael Henke
Michael Rodriguez
Nathan Clark
Nathaniel Peckham
Neil Steiner
Nenad Sebez
Noel Rafalo
Patrick Hawley
Pavel Dimitrov
Ricardo Arguellez
Robert Keen
Robert Northcote
Rudy Guzman
Ryan Love
Ryan Jordan
Scott Lening
Shawn Alonzo
Sinzee Tran
Steven Bates
Steven Dishon
Thomas Hart
Tyler Lee
Tyson Enzweiler
Vijay Korisal
Virgilito Sevilla

AWT 4s

Adam Ly
Aviv Kolakovsky
Benjamin Garard
Henry Palechek
Christopher Waggener
Devin Bishop
Eric Gonzales
Jessey Cordero
Joshua Falos
Joshua Lopez
Ronald Lutge
Salvador Ayala, Jr.
Stephan Kozanda
Stephen Parker
Timothy O’Neal

AWT5s

Alan Jones
Chris Catlin
David Bradley
Elise Chen
Gerald Rhoads
Gregory Williams
Ian Tillery
John Carroll
Joseph Mueller
Joshua Smith
Jude Kiesewetter
Kevin Wahl
Ralph Valencia
Rodrigo Tackaert
Ronald Coss
Ryan Hughes
Steve Sato
Todd Millison

Now it’s your turn!

It’s time to get AWTO certified today.

Photo by Jeremy Kemp

City of Oceanside Dedicates First Advanced Purification Facility in the San Diego Region

Today, the first operating advanced water purification facility in San Diego County was officially dedicated in the City of Oceanside. Elected officials and water leaders throughout southern California commemorated the milestone aptly celebrated on “World Water Day.”

Pure Water Oceanside purifies recycled water to create a new local source of high-quality drinking water that is clean, safe, drought-proof and environmentally sound.

The $70 million project uses advanced technology, including ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis and advanced oxidation to provide 3 million gallons per day or more than 20% of the City of Oceanside’s drinking water supply. The source of the recycled water to create the purified water is from the city’s own San Luis Rey Water Reclamation Facility.

“Pure Water Oceanside exemplifies our commitment to innovative projects that improve the lives of the citizens who call our great city home,” said City of Oceanside Mayor Esther Sanchez. “Not only will the project safeguard against ongoing drought concerns, but it will also improve the quality and quantity of our local aquifer and reduce our reliance on imported water, ensuring clean and reliable water is available for future generations.”

“On this World Water Day, we celebrate the City of Oceanside’s contribution to managing our invaluable water resources with the opening of Pure Water Oceanside,” said Cari Dale, water utilities director, City of Oceanside. “Today we made history by moving one step closer to achieving the goal of greater water independence for not only our city, residents and businesses, but also the region as a whole.”

Pure Water Oceanside addresses a variety of challenges faced by the city. Before the project went online, Oceanside imported most of its water from the Sacramento Bay Delta and the Colorado River, hundreds of miles away. This imported water is subject to rising costs out of the city’s control, requires an enormous amount of energy to transport and is vulnerable to natural disasters and earthquakes. Pure Water Oceanside addresses these challenges by diversifying the city’s water supply and reducing its reliance on imported water.

The launching of Pure Water Oceanside coincides with a larger movement for the region as a whole to create sustainable water supplies in San Diego County. In addition to Pure Water Oceanside, two other water reuse projects are planned for the region: the East County Advanced Water Purification Program and Pure Water San Diego.

The public can learn more about Pure Water Oceanside by visiting the city’s website, including watching a virtual reality video at www.PureWaterOceanside.org.

About the City of Oceanside: The City of Oceanside is located in northern San Diego County with a population of approximately 170,000. Oceanside’s vibrant coastal community includes MiraCosta Community College, Camp Pendleton and the world-renowned 1,601-foot fishing pier and 1,000-slip public marina. Oceanside is located 83 miles south of the city of Los Angeles and just 35 miles north of the City of San Diego. The City of Oceanside offers outstanding public amenities such as 30 city parks, four community recreation centers, two municipal swim centers, two senior centers, two city-owned golf courses and 3.5 miles of public beaches. More than 6,000 businesses operate within the City of Oceanside, including Genentech Pharmaceuticals, TE Connectivity, Hydranautics a Nitto Group Company, Gilead Sciences, Hobie Cat and Tri-City Medical Center, as well as emerging craft and entrepreneurial ventures.

For more information, visit www.ci.oceanside.ca.us.

Enter Today: Advanced Water Treatment Operator Photo Contest

We’re looking for individual or team photos with your advanced water treatment facility or an advanced system in the background.
We’ll enter your agency into a drawing for a $100 Amazon gift card, plus CWEA and CA-NV AWWA will feature your photos to promote the advanced water treatment profession. Entry deadline 3/31/22 11:59 p.m.

Enter and upload photos >

  1. We need images of operators at advanced water treatment facilities
  2. Submit up to three photos
  3. Types of photos we’re looking for
    1. Bonus points for each certified AWT Operator in the photo (let us know who)
  4. Well lit, good composition, in focus and high resolution photos
  5. Selfies are okay, for best composition we recommend asking someone else to take the photos.
  6. Photos submitted for this competition will be featured in AWTO promotional items (please see important criteria below)
  7. Sample images shown here

Prizes

    1. Grand prize – $100 Amazon gift card
    2. Honorary mentions – 5 photos

Timeline

  • Competition begins: November 3, 2021
  • Competition closes: 11:59 p.m., March 31, 2022

Criteria

  1. Submit up to three photos
  2. The photographs can be taken by anyone.
  3. Please let us know the name of the certified AWT Operator.
  4. Three photos and one entry per certified AWT Operator.
  5. The prize is a $100 Amazon gift card that will be digitally issued to the selected winner
  6. Only upload photos you or your organization own the copyright, please do not upload images that are copyrighted by someone else.
  7. Important note on photos submitted to CA-NV AWWA and CWEA: You’re granting permission to CWEA, CA-NV AWWA, our volunteer leaders and employees the irrevocable and unrestricted right to reproduce photographs for any lawful purpose including magazine publications, websites, signage, events, promotions, photo illustrations, and/or historical archives in any manner or in any medium selected by CWEA and CA-NV AWWA. You release CWEA, CA-NV AWWA and its representatives from liability for any violation or claims relating to the photos you are submitting.
  8. The AWTO Outreach work group will select one winning image and five images as honorable mentions.
  9. The decisions of the judges are final, CWEA and CA-NV AWWA reserve the right to change the rules as needed.
  10. Non-AWTO certified individuals, the AWTO Outreach work group, competition judges, CWEA and CA-NV AWWA employees,  and vendors are not eligible to enter this competition.
  11. Need more information? Please contact Alec Mackie, Director of Marketing and Communications, CWEA, 510.382.7800 x114
  12. CWEA and CA-NV AWWA are not responsible for technology failures, or other inability of entrants to enter due to technical malfunction. CWEA is not responsible for lost, late or misdirected mail or for printing errors.

California Water Associations Comment on Draft DPR Regulations

On June 24th, WateReuse California submitted comments on the Water Board’s draft Direct Potable Reuse regulations. The coalition letter included ACWA, CUWA, CA-NV Section of AWWA and CASA. WRCA developed these comments after holding a webcast and panel discussion in April to review the draft regulations and solicit comments.

A DPR Working Group was formed that assisted in the development of the final letter. In 2017 WRCA and California Coastkeepers Alliance co-sponsored AB 574 (Quirk), which requires the Water Board to develop DPR regulations by 2023.

Note: The State Water Board requested stakeholder feedback on the Addendum. The public comment period closed on June 25th.

From the comment letter…

Raw Water Augmentation (RWA) and Treated Water Augmentation (TWA)

  • DDW should consider a framework that balances the treatment, monitoring, and/or operational requirements to account for RWA benefits. This framework could draw off of the “toolbox” approach used in the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule that provides flexibility to take advantage of the site-specific elements that are available to a project.
  • We recommend that DDW develop criteria to identify the conditions that trigger revalidation studies and not make this a blanket requirement for all RWA water treatment plants. Requiring such studies of all surface water treatment plants seeking pathogen credit places an additional, high burden on RWA and may drive project sponsors to actively exclude their use. Greater clarity on the crediting of other barriers—such as small reservoirs and blending—would further help the industry consider and leverage the benefits of RWA.

Pathogen Control

  • We request that DDW work with the new DPR Expert Panel to identify the multiple layers of conservatism in the pathogen requirements and define the appropriate levels to achieve DDW’s daily risk goal for both RWA and TWA.

Chemical Control

  • We believe it would provide greater flexibility if DDW defined the performance requirements that they are seeking rather than requiring specific design criteria—e.g., ozone to TOC ratio or empty bed contact times (§64669.50(c)). For example, the IPR regulations require that advanced oxidation achieve 0.5-log reduction of 1,4-dioxane (a performance requirement) without specifying the technology
    (e.g., UV or ozone) or their required doses. A similar performance-based requirement for chemical control would make it easier to assess the equivalence of alternative options. We support performance requirements, such as the 1-log reduction of formaldehyde (§64669.50(c)), and ask DDW to specify any other requirements that would define equivalence for robust chemical control.
  • We suggest that DDW consider eliminating the 0.1 ppm TOC trigger while maintaining the remaining three triggers at their existing levels. project. Rather than reviewing the disparate results of quantitative risk assessments from multiple projects, the State Water
    Board may be better served by enlisting their Recycled Water CEC Expert Panel to provide guidance on chemical monitoring for DPR projects.
  • Rather than reviewing the disparate results of quantitative risk assessments from multiple projects, the State Water Board may be better served by enlisting their Recycled Water CEC Expert Panel to provide guidance on chemical monitoring for DPR projects.
  • We also oppose the requirement for online monitoring of the sewershed (§64669.40(d)(1)).

Technical, Managerial and Financial Capacity

  • Given that water treatment plant operators have successfully protected public health using existing staffing and certifications, the presence of a new source water should not trigger the need for additional AWT5 certifications and 24/7 staffing requirements. These
    onerous operational requirements will further disincentivize RWA in spite of the additional public health protection it can provide. We recommend that the requirement for onsite staffing at all facilities be re-evaluated, particularly at the drinking water and wastewater
    treatment plant where we do not believe 24/7 onsite staffing is necessary.

Conclusion

  • We appreciate the time, energy, and thoughtful consideration that was spent by DDW in preparing these draft regulations. We believe they will provide critical regulatory certainty for DPR projects in California. We ask that you consider the modifications above, which we believe will further improve these draft regulations.

CA-NV AWWA, CWEA Finalize Advanced Water Treatment Operator Certification Program

After four years of work, the Advanced Water Treatment Operator™ (AWTO®) certification program is now complete and launched by the California-Nevada Section of the American Water Works Association (CA-NV AWWA) and the California Water Environment Association (CWEA). The exam for the highest-grade level, known as AWT5™, launched on July 15th, completing the planned roll-out of exams on-budget and on a fast-tracked schedule.

AWTO certification allows water and wastewater operators to demonstrate their advanced knowledge and qualify for new career opportunities at high-tech water reuse facilities. As California and Nevada expand water reuse, AWT operators are expected to be in high demand.

(more…)

Intro to Advanced Water Treatment, March 31-April 2

Three-Day Workshop at CWEA’s 2020 Annual Conference
You can register just for this workshop, includes lunch each day.

Register on-line on MyCWEA.org >

Register with a PDF form >

More info on the CWEA AC20 website >

CWEA Annual Conference
Reno Convention Center & Atlantis Hotel Casino Spa

Tuesday March 31st to Thursday April 2nd

CA-NV AWWA or CWEA Member: $450 Early Bird 2/14/20, $550 Saver, $620 Full Rate
Non Member: $642 Early Bird 2/14/20, $742 Saver, $812 Full Rate

Workshop includes buffet lunch each day, Tuesday Icebreaker Reception, and Exhibit Hall on Wednesday and Thursday. This three-day workshop will introduce advanced water treatment and the processes associated with this type of wastewater reuse. It will outline and explain the technologies associated with advanced water treatment and explain the critical control points associated with the technologies.

  • TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 8:50 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 8:50 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The workshop will include hands-on activities associated with the treatment trains and group discussions concerning the technologies involved with treating wastewater to drinking water quality. Everyone is welcome.

Speaker

Dr. John Rowe, California State University Sacramento

  • Process Engineer, Office of Water Programs, California State University, Sacramento, 2017–present
  • Professor of Water Resources, Coastal Pines Technical College, Waycross, Georgia, 2000-2013
  • Professor of Water Resources, Florida Gateway College, Lake City, Florida, 2000-2013
  • Project Manager for CH2M Hill and OMI
  • Project Manager for Water Treatment Operations, Live Oak, Florida
  • Project Manager for Wastewater Treatment Operations, Live Oak, Florida
  • Public Works Director for CH2M Hill project in Live Oak, Florida

Who should attend

  • Experienced water treatment and wastewater operators who want to increase their knowledge and/or apply for AWTO™ certification (to apply for AWT3™ certification, candidates must hold a grade 3 or higher water treatment or wastewater operator certification)
  • Journey level and early-career water treatment and wastewater operators who want to work at an Advanced Water Treatment Facility (AWTF)
  • Engineers who would like to learn more about advanced technology
  • Operations managers
  • Project managers

AWTO Operator Certification

This course can support your preparation for Advanced Water Treatment Operator™ certification. Attending a class is only one part of exam preparation. For details on the AWTO certification and the KSAs you’ll need to know. Be sure to download the AWTO candidate handbook.

CWEA AC20 Workshop: 3-Day Introduction to Advanced Water Treatment

CWEA’s AC20 Registration opens on January 7, 2020
Click here to sign-up for an email alert when registration opens.

CWEA or CA-NV AWWA Member: $450 Early Bird, $550 Saver, $620 Full Rate
Non Member: $642 Early Bird, $742 Saver, $812 Full Rate

Workshop includes buffet lunch each day, Tuesday Icebreaker Reception, and Exhibit Hall on Wednesday and Thursday. This three-day workshop will introduce advanced water treatment and the processes associated with this type of wastewater reuse. It will outline and explain the technologies associated with advanced water treatment and explain the critical control points associated with the technologies.

Reno-Sparks Convention Center and Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, Reno, NV

  • TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 8:50 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 8:50 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The workshop will include hands-on activities associated with the treatment trains and group discussions concerning the technologies involved with treating wastewater to drinking water quality. Everyone is welcome.

Speaker

Dr. John Rowe, California State University Sacramento

  • Process Engineer, Office of Water Programs, California State University, Sacramento, 2017–present
  • Professor of Water Resources, Coastal Pines Technical College, Waycross, Georgia, 2000-2013
  • Professor of Water Resources, Florida Gateway College, Lake City, Florida, 2000-2013
  • Project Manager for CH2M Hill and OMI
  • Project Manager for Water Treatment Operations, Live Oak, Florida
  • Project Manager for Wastewater Treatment Operations, Live Oak, Florida
  • Public Works Director for CH2M Hill project in Live Oak, Florida

Who should attend

  • Experienced water treatment and wastewater operators who want to increase their knowledge and/or apply for AWTO™ certification (to apply for AWT3™ certification, candidates must hold a grade 3 or higher water treatment or wastewater operator certification)
  • Journey level and early-career water treatment and wastewater operators who want to work at an Advanced Water Treatment Facility (AWTF)
  • Engineers who would like to learn more about advanced technology
  • Operations managers
  • Project managers

AWTO Operator Certification

This course can support your preparation for Advanced Water Treatment Operator™ certification. Attending a class is only one part of exam preparation. For details on the AWTO certification and the KSAs you’ll need to know, please visit AWTOperator.org.

Be sure to download the AWTO candidate handbook.

Dec 9th Lunch Meeting in Pacifica: Ready to Become a Certified AWTO?

DATE/TIME
December 9
11:30 am – 1:00 pm

LOCATION
City of Pacifica
2212 Beach Blvd
Pacifica, CA 94044-3054

EVENT FLYER

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Come to this informative hour-long discussion about advanced water treatment technologies and the new AWT Operator Certification program from CA-NV AWWA and CWEA. Learn about the advanced technologies for water reuse. Presenters include:

Darrell Andrews, Chief Stationary Engineer at San Francisco PUC headquarters on the Living Machine
Phil Scott, GM for West Bay Sanitary District on designing their new Recycled Water Treatment Plant
Alec Mackie on the new Advanced Water Treatment Operator certification program
Please RSVP by Nov. 25th to: Irene Carrasco City of Pacifica carrascoi@ci.pacifica.ca.us

Sign up for email updates at: www.awtoperator.org

Drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment or water reuse operators working at facilities using advanced water treatment technologies may be interested in earning the new, voluntary AWTO Certification. AWT Operators protect public health by ensuring a supply of safe and high-quality drinking water.

The minimum qualifications to apply for AWT3™ exam are to hold a Grade 3 certification as a Wastewater Treatment Operator or Drinking Water Treatment Operator.

MEETING THE NEED: Developing Certification for Advanced Water Treatment Operators

The following has been reformatted and republished with permission from September 2019 Journal AWWA (Vol. 111, No. 9). Copyright AWWA 2019. All rights reserved. The original article may be accessed on the Journal AWWA website at https://awwa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/15518833

By Steven Garner
Certification Manager
CA-NV AWWA

Key Takeaways

The California–Nevada Section of AWWA and California Water Environment Association sought a new industry certification for operators working with advanced water treatment (AWT) processes.

A diverse set of stakeholders and experts added their perspectives on the development of the new certification.

The AWTO Grade 3 exam was released in July 2019.

Water has been reused since ancient times, primarily resulting from upstream users discharging their waste into rivers, lakes, and other water bodies. Over time, nonpotable reuse gained popularity to meet irrigation and industrial demands. So, while overall reuse is not new, intentional potable reuse (i.e., treating wastewater historically released into the environment so that it meets drinking water standards) is still a relatively novel approach to water supply for almost all utilities.

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Learn More about AWTO at Upcoming Events

Upcoming Presentations

  • Oct 21st – San Diego – Advanced Water Treatment Operator 1-Day Workshop, CA-NV AWWA Fall Conference learn more

Request a Presentation

To request an AWTO speaker please contact: Alec Mackie, CWEA, 510.382.7800 x114

Past Presentations

Event, Speaker, date

  • WateReuse CA 2019, Erin Mackey, 3/20/2018
  • AWWA Conference, Gordon Williams, 6/15/2018
  • GES of CWEA, Larry Parlin, 11/15/2018
  • ABC Innovation in Certification, Steven Garner, 1/10/19
  • WateReuse CA 2019, Erin Mackey, 3/18/2019
  • CA-NV AWWA Conference, Peter Brooks and Steven Garner, 3/25/2019
  • MWD, Heather Collins, 3/29/2019
  • WateReuse LA , Toby Roy, 4/9/2019
  • CWEA Annual Conference, Norah Duffy, 4/11/19
  • City of Modesto Dr. John Rowe, 4/15/2019
  • Desal Conference, Gordon Williams, 4/15/2019
  • ACWA Spring Conference, Steven Garner   5/8/2019
  • SoCal CA-NV AWWA, Jack Bebe , 5/15/2019
  • SARBS of CWEA, Chibby Alloway, 5/15/2019
  • WateReuse Central Coast, Chris Martin, 5/23/2019
  • SWMOA Conference, Yan Zhang and Alec Mackie, 6/24/2019
  • Monterey Bay AWTO training workshop, 7/10/19
  • July 28-30 – Flagstaff – WateReuse AZ – AWTO program update with Erin Mackey
  • August 6-8 – Las Vegas – TriState Seminar – AWTO info table (in the sessions area)
  • August 21 – Orange – CA-NV Water Education Symposium
  • Sept 9 – San Diego – WateReuse Conference – AWTO Certification update with Erin Mackey