Water Essentials eLearning Series

EL11 — Our Water World: Introduction to Water 

Course Length: 1 Hour | $44 member/$88 non-member 

Our Water World introduces the essential concepts and practices of water treatment, with a focus on the critical role it plays in safeguarding public health and supporting sustainable communities. Through an exploration of water’s natural journey in the hydrologic cycle and the human interventions necessary to ensure its quality, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of water’s path from source to consumption and beyond. 

Course Modules: 

Module 1: Introduction to Water on Earth 
Module 2: Water Consumption in the United States 
Module 3: Sustainable Water Management 

EL11 Learning Objectives: 

• Identify where and in what forms water resides on planet Earth.  
• Describe how water is used globally and in the United States.
• Describe the process and implications of a virtual water footprint. 
• Apply your understanding to sustainable water management.
• Describe  the water cycle and name the steps in the cycle.
• Compare freshwater and saltwater ecosystems.
• Describe the components that make up an ecosystem.
• Describe global water use.
• Describe water use in the United States.
• Compare different sources of water use from commercial to domestic.  
• Describe virtual water.
• Identify emerging uses of water including data centers.
• Compare challenges to the water supply.
• Apply your understanding of these water supply challenges to sustainable water management solutions.
• Describe the concept of One Water.

EL12 — The Water Cycle for Operators 

Course Length: 0.5 Hour | $44 member/$88 non-member 

Water is one of our planet’s most essential resources, shaping natural landscapes, sustaining ecosystems, and supporting human development. This course provides a foundational understanding of water’s movement through the environment and how human activity influences that cycle. It begins by exploring the hydrologic cycle, the continuous movement of water above and below the Earth’s surface and how it drives environmental processes. It then examines the impacts of this cycle on natural systems, such as rivers, aquifers, and ecosystems, as well as its effects on man-made systems like stormwater infrastructure and water supply networks.   

Course Modules: 

Module 1: Hydrology 
Module 2: Impacts on Natural Systems and Human Influenced Systems 

EL12 Learning Objectives: 

• Identify the main components the water cycle. 
• Explain the movement of water through the water cycle.  
• Describe how urbanization affects runoff and infiltration.  
• Describe how human activity can alter natural water systems.  
• Define and describe the main components of the water cycle. 
• Apply your understanding of the water cycle to a role as water or wastewater operators.
• Recall historical events that demonstrate the fragility of our ecosystem.  
• Apply your understanding of the water cycle to resource management. 

EL23 — Iron and Manganese Removal in Water Treatment 

Course Length: 1 Hour | $44 member/$88 non-member 

Iron and manganese are common nuisance metals found in many groundwater sources. While not considered health risks at typical concentrations, they cause aesthetic issues such as staining, discoloration, and taste problems, and can impact treatment processes and distribution systems. This course provides an overview of their occurrence, removal strategies, and operational considerations for maintaining regulatory compliance and public satisfaction. 

Course Modules: 

Module 1: Iron and Manganese and Problems to Recognize 
Module 2: Control or Removal of Iron and Manganese 
Module 3: Sequestration and Precipitation 

EL23 Learning Objectives: 

• Identify the common issues presented by iron and manganese in water supplies.
• Recognize EPA guidelines and standards for iron and manganese in drinking water.
• Describe the role of the water operator.
• Explain key treatment methods used to remove or manage iron and manganese.
• Apply your understanding of chemistry to iron and manganese removal.
• Compare and contrast the sequestration and precipitation process.
• Identify when one process is used over the other.

EL31 — Groundwater and Wells 

Course Length: 2 Hours | $44 member/$88 non-member 

This course introduces the fundamentals of groundwater and wells for water utility operators. It covers aquifer types, groundwater recharge, and well construction components essential for safe and reliable water supply. Participants learn about groundwater quality, contamination risks, and preventive maintenance practices. The course explains hydraulic concepts such as drawdown, cone of depression, and specific capacity, which are critical for monitoring well performance. Regulatory frameworks, wellhead protection, and emerging issues like PFAS contamination are also discussed. Practical guidance is provided on siting, operation, and abandonment ensures compliance and sustainability. 

Course Modules: 

Module 1: Groundwater, Aquifers, and Water Quality 
Module 2: Wells and Well Construction 
Module 3: Aquifer Performance 
Module 4: The Regulatory Landscape and Maintenance of Wells  

EL31 Learning Objectives: 

• Explain the basics of groundwater hydrology and aquifer types.  
• Describe the percolation process.
• Describe confined aquifers verses unconfined aquifers.  
• Identify sources of contamination in groundwater and surface water.  
• Identify common well components and their functions.  
• Recognize the hydraulic characteristics of a well.  
• Calculate well yield and specific capacity.  
• Determine potential well siting locations.  
• Identify the activities for an aquifer evaluation.  
• Determine the evaluation data for wells and aquifers. 
• Identify the activities for an aquifer evaluation.  
• Determine the evaluation data for wells and aquifers.

EL41 — Pretreatment Essentials 

Course Length: 1 Hour | $44 member/$88 non-member 

Pretreatment Essentials provides water treatment operators and maintenance personnel with a foundational understanding of pretreatment processes in drinking water systems. Participants will learn how screening, straining, sedimentation, aeration, preoxidation, and chemical addition protect downstream equipment, improve water quality, and support regulatory compliance. The course emphasizes operational considerations, chemical safety, and strategies for adapting pretreatment to changing source water conditions. 

Course Modules: 

Module 1: Why Pretreatment?
Module 2: Key Pretreatment Techniques
Module 3: Chemical Addition
Module 4: Pretreatment Strategies 

EL41 Learning Objectives: 

• Describe the purpose and benefits of pretreatment in drinking water systems. 
• Identify key pretreatment techniques used in drinking water systems and the conditions under which they are required. 
• Explain how chemical addition — including pH adjustment, oxidation, coagulation, and disinfection — improves water quality at key application points. 
• Recognize variations in source water and adjust pretreatment strategies to maintain compliance and performance. 
• Explain how chemical addition — including pH adjustment, oxidation, coagulation, and disinfection — improves water quality at key application points. 

EL42 — Coagulation and Flocculation for Water Operators 

Course Length: 2 Hours | $44 member/$88 non-member 

This course provides knowledge and practical skills needed to understand and operate coagulation and flocculation processes in conventional surface water treatment. It covers basic water quality concepts, coagulant chemistry, jar testing, process monitoring, common operational issues, and safety. 

Course Modules: 

Module 1: Coagulation Comes First
Module 2: Your Dose Never Lies
Module 3: Coagulants & Their Aids
Module 4: Read The Jar. Run The Plant.
Module 5: Control the Feed. Control the Process. 

EL42 Learning Objectives: 

• Explain how coagulation and flocculation remove turbidity, color, and natural organic matter from surface water. 
• Explain the key coagulation mechanisms — charge neutralization and sweep floc — using operator-friendly terminology. 
• Identify common coagulants and coagulant aids, and explain how pH and alkalinity influence their performance. 
• Apply proper chemical handling and PPE requirements when working with coagulants. 
• Interpret jar test results to evaluate coagulation effectiveness and support chemical dose adjustments. 
• Recognize signs of poor coagulation — including rising turbidity, floc carryover, and settled water issues — and communicate findings appropriately. 
• Perform basic dose, feed rate, and solution strength to support chemical feed system operation. 

EL43 — Sedimentation and Clarifiers 

Course Length: 2 Hours | $44 member/$88 non-member 

Sedimentation and Clarifiers introduces the principles and practices of sedimentation and clarifier operation in drinking water treatment. Participants will learn how sedimentation improves water quality, the science behind particle settling, and the role of clarifiers in the treatment process. The course covers clarifier types, operational best practices, process control, and troubleshooting common issues. 

Course Modules: 

Module 1: Coagulation, Flocculation, and the Sedimentation Process
Module 2: Clarifiers and Monitoring the Settling Process 

EL43 Learning Objectives: 

• Describe coagulation and flocculation. 
• Explain the process of sedimentation in water treatment. 
• Identify different clarifier types and their components. 
• Locate and describe effluent weirs. 
• List the three components controlled during the sedimentation process. 
• Apply operational best practices for sludge removal and flow control. 
• Name common operational issues. 
• Describe coagulation and flocculation. 
• Explain the process of sedimentation in water treatment. 
• List the three components controlled during the sedimentation process. 
• Describe coagulation and flocculation. 
• Explain the process of sedimentation in water treatment.
• List the three components controlled during the sedimentation process. 

EL44 — Conventional Filtration Essentials 

Course Length: 2 Hours | $44 member/$88 non-member 

This course introduces the principles and operation of conventional filtration in surface water treatment. Participants learn how filtration fits into the treatment process, types of filters and media, and key performance indicators such as turbidity, head loss, and filtration rate. The course covers backwashing, filter ripening, troubleshooting, and compliance with EPA turbidity standards. Practical examples and calculations help operators apply best practices and meet regulatory requirements.   

Course Modules: 

Module 1: Coagulation Comes First
Module 2: Your Dose Never Lies
Module 3: Coagulants & Their Aids
Module 4: Read The Jar. Run The Plant.
Module 5: Control the Feed. Control the Process. 

EL44 Learning Objectives:  

• Explain how coagulation and flocculation remove turbidity, color, and natural organic matter from surface water. 
• Explain the key coagulation mechanisms — charge neutralization and sweep floc — using operator-friendly terminology. 
• Identify common coagulants and coagulant aids, and explain how pH and alkalinity influence their performance. 
• Apply proper chemical handling and PPE requirements when working with coagulants. 
• Interpret jar test results to evaluate coagulation effectiveness and support chemical dose adjustments. 
• Recognize signs of poor coagulation — including rising turbidity, floc carryover, and settled water issues — and communicate findings appropriately. 
• Perform basic dose, feed rate, and solution strength to support chemical feed system operation. 

EL45 — Disinfection Basics 

Course Length: 1 Hour | $44 member/$88 non-member 

Disinfection is an essential part of a water treatment strategy. This course covers the process of drinking water disinfection at a utility, starting with an overview of waterborne pathogens commonly found in source waters. Using this knowledge, learners will then cover the complexities of water chemistry as related to the disinfection process. Using these data, learners will also learn about disinfection byproducts (DBPs), which can result from different disinfection processes. This course covers both chlorination and chloramination from both a process overview and a chemistry perspective. Finally, learners will learn about associated metrics of success and apply what they learn in a series of realistic disinfection scenarios. 

Course Modules: 

Module 1: Why Disinfect?
Module 2: Disinfection Options
Module 3: Chlorination
Module 4: Chloramination
Module 5: Disinfection Scenarios 

EL45 Learning Objectives: 

• Explain why disinfection is important. 
• Determine the best disinfection option for a treatment goal. 
• Understand the factors of chlorination and when chloramination is the next option. 
• Identify the benefits and drawbacks of Chloramination. 
• Articulate disinfection process strategies for your utility. 

EL46 — Advanced Water Treatment   

Course Length: 1 Hour | $44 member/$88 non-member 

This course introduces advanced treatment processes used in drinking water systems beyond conventional filtration and disinfection. Technologies such as membrane filtration, activated carbon adsorption, ion exchange, and advanced oxidation are covered. Operators will learn the purpose, basic operation, monitoring requirements, and troubleshooting strategies for these processes, focusing on practical skills and regulatory compliance. 

Course Modules: 

Module 1: Membranes & Treatment Operations in Advanced Water Treatment
Module 2: Activated Carbon
Module 3: Ion Exchange
Module 4: Advanced Oxidation Processes and Integration With Existing Treatment Trains 

EL46 Learning Objectives: 

• Explain why advanced treatment is used.
• Identify technologies used in advanced treatment processes. 
• Identify different membranes and when they are used. 
• List responsibilities for membrane monitoring and maintenance. 
• Describe when activated carbon is used and how to monitor the process. 
• Apply key features of activated carbon adsorption. 
• List responsibilities and perimeters monitored during ion exchange. 
• Describe the purpose of advanced oxidation processes. 
• List common AOP combinations. 
• List the common integration points in treatment trains. 
• Explain the rationale for using advanced treatment. 
• Identify different membranes and their applications. 
• Identify the two types of activated carbon. 
• Explain the difference between adsorption vs absorption. 
• List the two types of activated carbon treatment. 
• Describe basic operational principles and how ion exchange works. 
• Perform basic checks and troubleshooting of UV, ozone, chemical feed, and water systems.