The journey of drinking water includes a source, perhaps treatment, and distribution. Treatment might be needed to correct issues with the source, and distribution can sometimes undo the accomplishments of treatment. It is a bit like the game of rocks, paper, scissors. The point being that distribution systems are a very important, integral part of the water supply system that need to be designed, operated and maintained well to ensure that water will be delivered in an acceptable form. Several water quality parameters, including odors, tastes, corrosion by-products, pathogens, and turbidity, can be affected in the distribution system.
The course is primarily designed for the following groups of people:
Course enrollment will be limited to 18 people, so that the various hands-on exercises can be conducted in small groups. People participating in the program should bring their own PPE; i.e., gloves, safety glasses, ear plugs, steel-toed shoes, hard hats, traffic control vests/pants. Some of these items may be available at the site, but it is best that you bring your own equipment. You need not bring your own SCBA or harnesses, but if you do, site personnel will be willing to evaluate your SCBA and harnesses as a part of the course
The short course will consist of classroom lectures, demonstrations and various hands-on exercises over a 4.5 day period. Included among the course topics and activities are:
Thanks to funding provided by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), Virginia Tech (VT), the Western Virginia Water Authority, and the City of Virginia Beach are able to partner to offer a week-long course devoted to all aspects of the operation and maintenance (O&M) of distribution systems (DS). The funding from VDH covers most of the program expenses, which greatly reduces the cost to participants.
The Western Virginia Water Authority, Salem Water Department, and the City of Virginia Beach graciously offered to host the course and provide instructors from their staff who have many years of on-the-job experience. Instructors from VDH, the Virginia Rural Water Association, and VT will also participate.
Participant Funding
Virginia Tech has been awarded grant monies from VDH for participant funding for this course.Funding covers most of your registration fee, which includes lodging (for those who select lodging), refreshment breaks, lunch, flashdrive with course materials, and dinner on night one. Register early to ensure your seat in the course, as space is limited.
Continuing Education Units
Participants will receive 3.7 CEUs (equal to 37 contact hours) for successful completion of the course. A digital certificate of completion will be awarded at the conclusion of the course.
More Information
Questions about the course:
Please feel free to contact Cary Hoge, Program Coordinator,
Continuing and Professional Education at Virginia Tech, if you have any questions about
the content of the course, Cary can be reached by
e-mail: cdinkins@vt.edu or phone: 540-231-5182.
Information about registration:
Please contact Continuing and Professional Education by
email: cpeinfo@vt.edu or phone: 540-231-5182.
Continuing & Professional Education @ Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech's Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement:
www.vt.edu/about/equal-opportunity.html
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