This course is designed to train operators in the practical aspects of operating and maintaining water distribution systems, with emphasis on the use of safe practices and procedures.
Topics covered include the role and duties of water distribution system operators, procedures for operating and maintaining clear wells and storage tanks, components and characteristics of distribution system facilities, how to operate and maintain distribution systems, how to maintain water quality in the system, disinfection of new and repaired facilities as well as water delivered to consumers, and techniques for recognizing hazards and developing safe procedures/programs.
Operators will learn how to analyze and solve problems when they occur and perform the mathematical calculations commonly associated with operation of a distribution
Course Objective:
This program is an introductory course providing a basic knowledge of the water distribution practices focusing on practical aspects of the system construction, maintenance and operation. All delivered primarily in a classroom setting. The agenda items include:
· The Role of the Operator
· Safety & Basic Hydraulics
· Basic Mathematics & Practical Calculations
· Collection & Storage
· Well Operations & Water Quality
· Disinfection & Water Treatment
· Multiple Barrier Approach
· Appurtenances
· Water Distribution Operations
· Water Distribution Systems
· Maintenance, Pumps & Controls
· Also a field-trip to view a Water Distribution System
· Course review
Course Outline:
Water Mains and Fittings
Viewers learn about the many types of pipe currently in use and the advantages and disadvantages of each type. The workshop covers internal pressures and external load ratings, installation, joining, fittings, tapping, pipe handling safety, corrosion, pipe rehabilitation, pipe inspection, maintenance, and recordkeeping.
Valves
Viewers learn the many types of distribution valves and where in a distribution system each valve type is chosen for use. The workshop covers correct procedures for safely opening and closing valves, valve connections, water hammer and backflow prevention, valve installation, inspection, maintenance, repairs, and recordkeeping.
Hydrants
This workshop explains the importance of maintaining fire hydrant reliability. It describes hydrant uses, including flushing, flow testing, and filling water tank trucks. Viewers learn the different types of wet-barrel and dry-barrel fire hydrants and their operation, typical hydrant design, hydrant part names, correct procedure for opening and closing hydrants, auxiliary hydrant valves, inspection, installation, maintenance, repairs, and recordkeeping.
Pumps and Motors
This workshop explains many types of pumps used in water distribution systems, with emphasis on centrifugal pumps. Viewers learn about volute, diffuser, single and double suction, axial flow, mixed-flow, vertical turbine, submersible, deep-well, in-line booster, jet, and other pumps. Operators are shown various types and operation of electric motors used for water pumps, plus installation, inspection, maintenance, and recordkeeping.
Services and Meters
Viewers learn water service connections, service line sizing, commonly used pipe materials, meter types, meter sizing and installation, types of meter boxes and pits, and shutoff valves (or curb stops).
The Workshop also instructs in service line maintenance, repairs, how to thaw frozen service lines, locating leaks, manual and automatic or remote meter reading, meter inspection for damage or tampering, meter testing, and recordkeeping.