Current Status

Not Enrolled

Price

$199.00

Get Started

Take this Courseor

WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS – REFRESHER & OPERATIONS

Course Code: WDS-101
Course Title: Water Distribution Systems: Operations, Safety, and Certification Preparation
Credit / Hours: 8 Contact Hours (SWRCB-Approved)
Delivery Mode: Online, Asynchronous
Access Period: 90 Days from Enrollment
Approval Authority: California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)

INSTITUTIONAL AFFILIATION

Provider: Pristine Pipeline Academy
Status: SWRCB-Approved Drinking Water Operator Training Provider
Instructional Staff:
Courses are developed and delivered by licensed General Engineering contractors, certified water distribution operators (D5), and industry professionals with extensive public works experience.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides a comprehensive refresher on drinking water distribution systems, emphasizing system operations, public health protection, safety practices, and applied problem-solving skills used by water distribution operators. The course is designed for entry-level through intermediate operators seeking to reinforce foundational knowledge and prepare for California Water Distribution certification examinations.

Instruction integrates regulatory awareness, real-world field scenarios, and applied water mathematics commonly encountered in daily operations and certification testing. Emphasis is placed on professional responsibility, system reliability, and operational decision-making consistent with State Water Resources Control Board expectations.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Explain the structure and function of drinking water distribution systems
  2. Identify and describe major system components, including pipes, valves, hydrants, tanks, and meters
  3. Apply safe operational practices during routine maintenance and emergency conditions
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of water quality protection within distribution systems
  5. Perform essential water math calculations related to flow, pressure, volume, and disinfection
  6. Interpret basic regulatory requirements governing distribution system operations
  7. Exhibit professional conduct consistent with public health and utility service expectations

COURSE FORMAT & REQUIREMENTS

  • Instructional Units: 8 Modules
  • Lessons: 16 total (approximately 30 minutes each)
  • Assessments: Knowledge checks and applied review exercises
  • Completion Requirement: All lessons must be completed within the 90-day access period

COURSE OUTLINE

Module 1 – Distribution System Fundamentals

  • Introduction to drinking water distribution systems
  • Role of the distribution operator in public health and fire protection
  • Overview of system components and water movement
  • Regulatory context and operator responsibilities

Module 2 – Pipe Materials, Installation, and Hazards

  • Common pipe materials and fittings
  • Installation principles and system compatibility
  • Trenching hazards and infrastructure safety
  • Asbestos-cement pipe awareness and risk management

Module 3 – Valves, Hydrants, and System Shutdowns

  • Valve and hydrant types and operational functions
  • Exercising and inspection considerations
  • System isolation and shutdown planning
  • Pressure impacts and customer service considerations

Module 4 – Leak Detection, Repairs, and Mapping

  • Identifying leaks and system failures
  • Emergency and temporary repair methods
  • System mapping and asset location
  • Documentation and recordkeeping practices

Module 5 – Water Quality in the Distribution System

  • Disinfectant residuals and monitoring
  • Flushing procedures and water quality maintenance
  • Responding to water quality complaints
  • Sampling awareness and regulatory reporting

Module 6 – Meters and Pressure Zones

  • Water meter types and measurement principles
  • Meter accuracy and field handling
  • Pressure zones and elevation effects
  • Storage tanks, PRVs, and system control

Module 7 – Field Safety and Utility Operations

  • Traffic control and work zone safety
  • Trenching and confined space awareness
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Utility locating and Call 811 procedures

Module 8 – Applied Water Math and Certification Preparation

  • Flow, volume, and time calculations
  • Pressure, elevation, and head relationships
  • Chlorine dosage and pounds calculations
  • Pump horsepower calculations
  • Certification exam strategies and time management

ASSESSMENT & EVALUATION

Assessment is based on lesson participation and completion of required knowledge checks. Emphasis is placed on comprehension of operational concepts rather than rote memorization. Successful completion reflects mastery of course learning outcomes.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

Students who successfully complete all required lessons within the access period will receive a Certificate of Completion documenting 8 SWRCB-approved contact hours of drinking water operator training.

COURSE ACCESS & COMPLETION POLICY

Students are granted access to course materials for 90 days from the date of enrollment. All instructional content and assessments must be completed within this period to receive credit. Extensions are not guaranteed and may require re-enrollment.

REGULATORY STATEMENT

This course is approved by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) for drinking water operator training. Approval applies solely to the course content and delivery format as submitted. Completion of this course does not guarantee certification, licensure, or advancement.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY & PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Students are expected to complete coursework independently and conduct themselves in a manner consistent with professional utility standards. The integrity of training records and certifications is essential to public trust and regulatory compliance.