This course provides water utility professionals with a comprehensive understanding of underground utility locating and leak detection methods. Participants will explore the theory behind electromagnetic locating, including how locating equipment works, the use of active and passive signals, frequency selection, and factors that influence locating accuracy. Topics will also include proper locating techniques, troubleshooting signal distortion, depth estimation, and methods for locating nonmetallic utilities. The leak detection portion will introduce the fundamentals of acoustic leak detection, including how leaks generate sound, factors that affect sound transmission, and techniques for distinguishing leak noise from background noise. Various survey methods, listening techniques, spot checks, and leak correlation will also be discussed. Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on equipment demonstrations, participants will gain valuable knowledge to improve locating accuracy, identify potential leaks, reduce water loss, and enhance the safety and efficiency of water system operations.
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.
To sign up for this class, REGISTER ONLINE, or contact Erica Burns
Dates & Locations:
Dec 2, 2026 (#2026-33)
Southern Berkshire Ambulance-Training Room
31 Lewis Ave
Great Barrington, MA 01230 County: Berkshire
Dec 3, 2026 (#2026-34) *Tentative location- may change, but remain in area*
Hadley Public Library
50 Middle St
Hadley, Ma 01075 County: Hampshire
Time:
Attendance: 7:50AM – 8:00AM
Class: 8:00AM – 1:00PM (includes breaks)
Morning Refreshments will be provided!
Class Fee (per registrant):
MassRWA Members: FREE
Non-Members: FREE
Agency Approval:
4.5 TCH’s for MA Water and Wastewater operators
Instructors:
Jim Flint, Eastcom Associates
Jim Flint has been with Eastcom Associates since April of 2017. Prior to that he spent 14 years with Dig Safely new York (now U dig NY), during which time he was promoted to the position of field Management supervisor for all upstate NY staff. In this position Jim facilitated excavator training and community awareness regarding damage prevention of underground utilities throughout Upstate NY. Prior to his time with Dig Safely New York, Jim was a telecommunications technician with MCI/WorldCom (now Verizon Business) and was responsible for network operations in Central NY.
Jim holds an AAS in general studies form Southern Columbia University with a focus on Organizational Leadership and Occupational Safety and Health. He has additionally attended Tulsa Community College Telecommunications.
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 attendance at, or participation in, MassRWA’s meetings, trainings, and other seminars constitutes an agreement byu the attendee to MassRWA’s use and distrbution (both now and in the future) of the attendee’s image or voice in photographs, videos/videotapes, electronic reproductions, and audi files.tapes of such events and activities. This include permission to record sessions and streaming events.