This 4-hour “blitz” course prepares operators for WPI/ABC certification exams. We focus on the most important topics found in both Treatment and Distribution tests. Instead of just memorizing facts, operators will learn how to solve the types of real-world problems they will see on the exam. Curriculum is based on the latest WPI Need-to-Know (NTK) standards for Class 1 and 2 Water Distribution and Treatment Certification Exams.
Key Topics Covered:
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- Shared Distribution & Treatment Fundamentals
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- The Multi-Barrier Approach: Protecting public health from source to tap through multiple layers of protection.
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- Disinfection: Understanding chlorine residuals and safety.
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- Equipment: Basic pumps (Velocity and PD), operations, motors, and valves.
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- Safety & Security: Confined space entry, trenching, lockout/tagout, and facility security/vulnerability basics.
Water Treatment Basics: The “Treatment Train” (Coagulation through Filtration), Lab testing for pH, turbidity, and alkalinity; identification of basic lab glassware.
Water Distribution Basics: Pipe materials, storage tanks, and hydrant maintenance, Flushing programs and backflow prevention.
Practical Water Math: Easy ways to convert units (pressure to head, volume to gallons), Linear, Area, and Volume Calculations, The “Pounds Formula” for chemical dosing, Flow rate, Detention Time, and Horsepower.
Interactive Review: The Kahoot! Championship: The session ends with a one-hour Kahoot! Review Game. This fast-paced competition tests operators on topics covered in class, helping them build confidence and learn how to correctly selcte a answers to exam questions in a fun environment.
Target Audience: Operators preparing for Class 1 or 2 Water Treatment or Distribution exams.
Class will be held In Person. To allow for adequate training time for each participant, we will be watching registrations closely and begin a Wait List, if needed. Registration is on a first come first served basis.
Please Note:
1. We are reserving 5 seats for people of small systems (<10,000 population served) and need a minimum of three small systems to register for class. Any remaining seats, of these 5, that are not filled, will be filled from the Wait List in the order in which they were received. Participants will be made known if they are on the Wait List, and if they are move to the active roster. Please don’t hesitate to contact Erica should you have any questions.
To sign up for this course, Register Online, or contact Erica Burns.
Dates & Locations:
May 19, 2026 (#2026-19)
Onset Fire Department- Training Room
8 Sand Pond Rd
Onset, Ma 02558
(GPS might trigger E. Wareham or Buzzards Bay. It’s right off of rt 6&28)
Time:
Attendance: 7:50AM – 8:00AM
Class Time: 8:00AM – 12:30PM (includes breaks)
We will email all registrants a reminder a day or two prior to class with additional information
Class Fee (per registrant):
MassRWA Members: Free
Non-Members: Free
Agency Approval: 4.0 TCH’s for Water Operators
Instructor:
Tom Bahun II, Tom’s Water Solutions LLC
BIO: Tom Bahun is a Certified Instructional Trainer (CIT), with over 30 years of experience and expertise in developing, designing, and delivering water and wastewater safety, emergency response and operator certification training. He is well known for his fun and energetic training classes drawing upon what his students already know. Tom’s focus is to lead his students through socially supported interactions to enhance learning and construct new understandings. In addition to Tom’s vast training experience and abilities, he has a long history of helping water and wastewater systems with his technical and managerial knowledge and understanding. In addition to Tom’s training and consulting services provided through Tom’s Water Solutions LLC, he is a full-time Water Systems Operator overseeing drinking water treatment and distribution at Maine’s largest water and wastewater utility. He holds a State of Maine Class IV Water Treatment and Distribution Operator license, and a Grade 5 Wastewater Treatment Operator license.
Cancellation Policy:
Individuals registered for one of our training classes, seminars, and/or conferences will be charged the class fee if we have not received notice of cancellation at least 48 hours prior to the beginning of class. Anyone contacting MassRWA to cancel enrollment in a training session will receive a cancellation number. In the event of an emergency, which would prevent attendance, please contact MassRWA as soon as possible with the details.
Consent to Use Photographic Images, Videos, & Recordings:
Registration and/or attendance at, and/or participation in, MassRWA’s meetings, trainings, and other seminars constitutes an agreement by the attendee to MassRWA’s use and distribution (both now and in the future) of the attendee’s image or voice in photographs, videos/videotapes, electronic reproductions, and audio files, tapes of such events and activities. This include permission to record sessions and streaming events.