Advanced Water Treatment Operator professionals are highly skilled and certified so they can safely operate advanced water treatment facilities to protect public health. Consider becoming AWTO® certified.
Two-days of in-person learning with some of the industry’s leading experts in advanced technologies. Dive deep into AWT topics to help you prepare for the exam.
Overview of Advanced Water Treatment Technologies August 9-10 – it’s two days! Tri-State Seminar at South Point Resort and Casino
$99 reg fee and $124 workshop cost (lunch is not included)
Your registration includes technical sessions on August 8, access to the enormous TriState exhibit halls and it’s free reception.
Workshop Trainers
Troy Walker, Hazen & Sawyer
Dr. Eric Peterson, Hazen & Sawyer
Nathan Boyle, Hazen & Sawyer
and more!
Workshop topics
Introduction to potable reuse
Microfiltration
Reverse osmosis
GAC
Ozone
And more!
Join this two-day workshop at TriState Seminar and get in-depth training on advanced technologies. We’ll also provide an overview of how grade 3 or higher water and wastewater operators can apply for the AWTO certification.
During CWEA’s Annual Conference in San Diego we honored the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) as one of the original champions for the Advanced Water Treatment Operator™ certification program.
Support from their agency and team members in 2018-2019 directly led to this successful program. Sue Mosburg, CA-NV AWWA Executive Director, and Jenn Jones, CWEA Executive Director/CEO both presented the award to the team from IEUA.
We applaud IEUA’s vision for developing innovative and reliable water reuse programs. Water professionals and agencies are being called to action to protect our communities and we are rising to the challenges.
Chino Basin Program
The Chino Basin Program is a multi-agency effort to construct an Advanced Water Purification Facility and groundwater injection facilities to maximize the use of recycled water.
It is a first-of-its-kind water program that moves beyond traditional water management practices to achieve new levels of water security, flexibility, and affordability. The CBP is led by IEUA and made possible through the collaboration and participation of its Regional Agencies and partners
About AWTO Certification
As California and Nevada seek to secure sustainable water resources, all of us working together allows us to rapidly build critical programs such as AWT Operator certification. We have issued 158 certifications so far, ensuring a steady supply of AWTO® professionals ready to serve their communities by operating advanced water treatment facilities.
Drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, and water reuse operators with a Grade 3 or higher certification and working at facilities using advanced water treatment technologies may be interested in earning the new, voluntary AWTO Certification. AWT Operators protect public health by ensuring a safe and reliable supply of high-quality drinking water from advanced facilities. Learn more at awtoperator.org.
Shown above: At the CWEA Awards Ceremony the AWTO Champions award was presented to IEUA. (l-r) CWEA President Chuck Greely; Scott Lening, IEUA’s Manager of Operations; Lucia Fuertez Diaz, IEUA’s Manager of Facility Water System Program; and Aimeé Kileen, WEF President Elect. Photo by Sal Ochoa.
This report is a mastery summary report compiled by our computer based testing provider PSI. The data is for the Advanced Water Treatment Operator Grade 3 Exam, and is cumulative data covering the period July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2022.
The AWT Operator Joint Coordinating Committee aims to provide as much information as possible to our stakeholders, including exam applicants, trainers, and our agency partners. The JCC is working on a standard for regular updates of this report, please watch this site for future updates.
Aaron Old
Andrew Lee
Andy Pierson
Antonio Mendoza
Augustine Tijerina
Barry Ayers
Breanne Padilla
Chad Steinlicht
Chander Letulle
Christopher Patacsil
Christopher Winn
Cornelia Koch
Curtis Bowles
Daniel Cotter, Jr.
Daniel Jacquez
Daniel Staines
Daryl Duty
David Morris
Dean Rauscher
Derek Esquivel
Dustin Valiquette
Eric O’Riley
Gail Mackey
Garon Goularte
Gerardo Soria
Gina Dorrington
Gregory Galindo
Helene Baribeau
Henry Zhang
Ignacio Rodriguez
Ian McDermott
Ivan Cheng
Jack Bebee
James Austin
Jameson Hill
Jasmine Diaz
Jason Wiltsey
Javier Robledo
Jerry Jahn
John Brixie
John Ferrara
John Abrera
Jonett Clay
Joseph Mueller
Joseph Anderson
Justin Regester
Kamaya Marlow
Keith Tanaka
Kenny Chau
Kirols Nashed
Kulwinder Singh
Linda Yebra
Manuel Moreno
Marc Ciarlo
Mark Lemus
Martin Soria
Matthew Baker
Matthew Birchett
Matthew Smith
Maureen Wagner
Michael Buhl
Michael Henke
Michael Rodriguez
Nathan Clark
Nathaniel Peckham
Neil Steiner
Nenad Sebez
Noel Rafalo
Patrick Hawley
Pavel Dimitrov
Ricardo Arguellez
Robert Keen
Robert Northcote
Rudy Guzman
Ryan Love
Ryan Jordan
Scott Lening
Shawn Alonzo
Sinzee Tran
Steven Bates
Steven Dishon
Thomas Hart
Tyler Lee
Tyson Enzweiler
Vijay Korisal
Virgilito Sevilla
AWT 4s
Adam Ly
Aviv Kolakovsky
Benjamin Garard
Henry Palechek
Christopher Waggener
Devin Bishop
Eric Gonzales
Jessey Cordero
Joshua Falos
Joshua Lopez
Ronald Lutge
Salvador Ayala, Jr.
Stephan Kozanda
Stephen Parker
Timothy O’Neal
AWT5s
Alan Jones
Chris Catlin
David Bradley
Elise Chen
Gerald Rhoads
Gregory Williams
Ian Tillery
John Carroll
Joseph Mueller
Joshua Smith
Jude Kiesewetter
Kevin Wahl
Ralph Valencia
Rodrigo Tackaert
Ronald Coss
Ryan Hughes
Steve Sato
Todd Millison
CWEA San Diego representatives. Photo provided by Stephanie Prescott.
Ribbon cutting, photo by Jeremy Kemp
Tours, photo by Stephanie Prescott
Photo by Stephanie Prescott
Photo by Stephanie Prescott
Inside Oceanside Pure Water AWTF photo by Jeremy Kemp
Today, the first operating advanced water purification facility in San Diego County was officially dedicated in the City of Oceanside. Elected officials and water leaders throughout southern California commemorated the milestone aptly celebrated on “World Water Day.”
Pure Water Oceanside purifies recycled water to create a new local source of high-quality drinking water that is clean, safe, drought-proof and environmentally sound.
The $70 million project uses advanced technology, including ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis and advanced oxidation to provide 3 million gallons per day or more than 20% of the City of Oceanside’s drinking water supply. The source of the recycled water to create the purified water is from the city’s own San Luis Rey Water Reclamation Facility.
“Pure Water Oceanside exemplifies our commitment to innovative projects that improve the lives of the citizens who call our great city home,” said City of Oceanside Mayor Esther Sanchez. “Not only will the project safeguard against ongoing drought concerns, but it will also improve the quality and quantity of our local aquifer and reduce our reliance on imported water, ensuring clean and reliable water is available for future generations.”
“On this World Water Day, we celebrate the City of Oceanside’s contribution to managing our invaluable water resources with the opening of Pure Water Oceanside,” said Cari Dale, water utilities director, City of Oceanside. “Today we made history by moving one step closer to achieving the goal of greater water independence for not only our city, residents and businesses, but also the region as a whole.”
Pure Water Oceanside addresses a variety of challenges faced by the city. Before the project went online, Oceanside imported most of its water from the Sacramento Bay Delta and the Colorado River, hundreds of miles away. This imported water is subject to rising costs out of the city’s control, requires an enormous amount of energy to transport and is vulnerable to natural disasters and earthquakes. Pure Water Oceanside addresses these challenges by diversifying the city’s water supply and reducing its reliance on imported water.
The launching of Pure Water Oceanside coincides with a larger movement for the region as a whole to create sustainable water supplies in San Diego County. In addition to Pure Water Oceanside, two other water reuse projects are planned for the region: the East County Advanced Water Purification Program and Pure Water San Diego.
The public can learn more about Pure Water Oceanside by visiting the city’s website, including watching a virtual reality video at www.PureWaterOceanside.org.
About the City of Oceanside: The City of Oceanside is located in northern San Diego County with a population of approximately 170,000. Oceanside’s vibrant coastal community includes MiraCosta Community College, Camp Pendleton and the world-renowned 1,601-foot fishing pier and 1,000-slip public marina. Oceanside is located 83 miles south of the city of Los Angeles and just 35 miles north of the City of San Diego. The City of Oceanside offers outstanding public amenities such as 30 city parks, four community recreation centers, two municipal swim centers, two senior centers, two city-owned golf courses and 3.5 miles of public beaches. More than 6,000 businesses operate within the City of Oceanside, including Genentech Pharmaceuticals, TE Connectivity, Hydranautics a Nitto Group Company, Gilead Sciences, Hobie Cat and Tri-City Medical Center, as well as emerging craft and entrepreneurial ventures.
We’re looking for individual or team photos with your advanced water treatment facility or an advanced system in the background.
We’ll enter your agency into a drawing for a $100 Amazon gift card, plus CWEA and CA-NV AWWA will feature your photos to promote the advanced water treatment profession. Entry deadline 3/31/22 11:59 p.m.
Please let us know the name of the certified AWT Operator.
Three photos and one entry per certified AWT Operator.
The prize is a $100 Amazon gift card that will be digitally issued to the selected winner
Only upload photos you or your organization own the copyright, please do not upload images that are copyrighted by someone else.
Important note on photos submitted to CA-NV AWWA and CWEA: You’re granting permission to CWEA, CA-NV AWWA, our volunteer leaders and employees the irrevocable and unrestricted right to reproduce photographs for any lawful purpose including magazine publications, websites, signage, events, promotions, photo illustrations, and/or historical archives in any manner or in any medium selected by CWEA and CA-NV AWWA. You release CWEA, CA-NV AWWA and its representatives from liability for any violation or claims relating to the photos you are submitting.
The AWTO Outreach work group will select one winning image and five images as honorable mentions.
The decisions of the judges are final, CWEA and CA-NV AWWA reserve the right to change the rules as needed.
Non-AWTO certified individuals, the AWTO Outreach work group, competition judges, CWEA and CA-NV AWWA employees, and vendors are not eligible to enter this competition.
Need more information? Please contact Alec Mackie, Director of Marketing and Communications, CWEA, 510.382.7800 x114
CWEA and CA-NV AWWA are not responsible for technology failures, or other inability of entrants to enter due to technical malfunction. CWEA is not responsible for lost, late or misdirected mail or for printing errors.
On June 24th, WateReuse California submitted comments on the Water Board’s draft Direct Potable Reuse regulations. The coalition letter included ACWA, CUWA, CA-NV Section of AWWA and CASA. WRCA developed these comments after holding a webcast and panel discussion in April to review the draft regulations and solicit comments.
A DPR Working Group was formed that assisted in the development of the final letter. In 2017 WRCA and California Coastkeepers Alliance co-sponsored AB 574 (Quirk), which requires the Water Board to develop DPR regulations by 2023.
Note: The State Water Board requested stakeholder feedback on the Addendum. The public comment period closed on June 25th.
From the comment letter…
Raw Water Augmentation (RWA) and Treated Water Augmentation (TWA)
DDW should consider a framework that balances the treatment, monitoring, and/or operational requirements to account for RWA benefits. This framework could draw off of the “toolbox” approach used in the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule that provides flexibility to take advantage of the site-specific elements that are available to a project.
We recommend that DDW develop criteria to identify the conditions that trigger revalidation studies and not make this a blanket requirement for all RWA water treatment plants. Requiring such studies of all surface water treatment plants seeking pathogen credit places an additional, high burden on RWA and may drive project sponsors to actively exclude their use. Greater clarity on the crediting of other barriers—such as small reservoirs and blending—would further help the industry consider and leverage the benefits of RWA.
Pathogen Control
We request that DDW work with the new DPR Expert Panel to identify the multiple layers of conservatism in the pathogen requirements and define the appropriate levels to achieve DDW’s daily risk goal for both RWA and TWA.
Chemical Control
We believe it would provide greater flexibility if DDW defined the performance requirements that they are seeking rather than requiring specific design criteria—e.g., ozone to TOC ratio or empty bed contact times (§64669.50(c)). For example, the IPR regulations require that advanced oxidation achieve 0.5-log reduction of 1,4-dioxane (a performance requirement) without specifying the technology
(e.g., UV or ozone) or their required doses. A similar performance-based requirement for chemical control would make it easier to assess the equivalence of alternative options. We support performance requirements, such as the 1-log reduction of formaldehyde (§64669.50(c)), and ask DDW to specify any other requirements that would define equivalence for robust chemical control.
We suggest that DDW consider eliminating the 0.1 ppm TOC trigger while maintaining the remaining three triggers at their existing levels. project. Rather than reviewing the disparate results of quantitative risk assessments from multiple projects, the State Water
Board may be better served by enlisting their Recycled Water CEC Expert Panel to provide guidance on chemical monitoring for DPR projects.
Rather than reviewing the disparate results of quantitative risk assessments from multiple projects, the State Water Board may be better served by enlisting their Recycled Water CEC Expert Panel to provide guidance on chemical monitoring for DPR projects.
We also oppose the requirement for online monitoring of the sewershed (§64669.40(d)(1)).
Technical, Managerial and Financial Capacity
Given that water treatment plant operators have successfully protected public health using existing staffing and certifications, the presence of a new source water should not trigger the need for additional AWT5 certifications and 24/7 staffing requirements. These
onerous operational requirements will further disincentivize RWA in spite of the additional public health protection it can provide. We recommend that the requirement for onsite staffing at all facilities be re-evaluated, particularly at the drinking water and wastewater
treatment plant where we do not believe 24/7 onsite staffing is necessary.
Conclusion
We appreciate the time, energy, and thoughtful consideration that was spent by DDW in preparing these draft regulations. We believe they will provide critical regulatory certainty for DPR projects in California. We ask that you consider the modifications above, which we believe will further improve these draft regulations.
After four years of work, the Advanced Water Treatment Operator™ (AWTO®) certification program is now complete and launched by the California-Nevada Section of the American Water Works Association (CA-NV AWWA) and the California Water Environment Association (CWEA). The exam for the highest-grade level, known as AWT5™, launched on July 15th, completing the planned roll-out of exams on-budget and on a fast-tracked schedule.
AWTO certification allows water and wastewater operators to demonstrate their advanced knowledge and qualify for new career opportunities at high-tech water reuse facilities. As California and Nevada expand water reuse, AWT operators are expected to be in high demand.
CWEA Annual Conference
Reno Convention Center & Atlantis Hotel Casino Spa
Tuesday March 31st to Thursday April 2nd
CA-NV AWWA or CWEA Member: $450 Early Bird 2/14/20, $550 Saver, $620 Full Rate
Non Member: $642 Early Bird 2/14/20, $742 Saver, $812 Full Rate
Workshop includes buffet lunch each day, Tuesday Icebreaker Reception, and Exhibit Hall on Wednesday and Thursday. This three-day workshop will introduce advanced water treatment and the processes associated with this type of wastewater reuse. It will outline and explain the technologies associated with advanced water treatment and explain the critical control points associated with the technologies.
TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 8:50 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 8:50 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The workshop will include hands-on activities associated with the treatment trains and group discussions concerning the technologies involved with treating wastewater to drinking water quality. Everyone is welcome.
Speaker
Dr. John Rowe, California State University Sacramento
Process Engineer, Office of Water Programs, California State University, Sacramento, 2017–present
Professor of Water Resources, Coastal Pines Technical College, Waycross, Georgia, 2000-2013
Professor of Water Resources, Florida Gateway College, Lake City, Florida, 2000-2013
Project Manager for CH2M Hill and OMI
Project Manager for Water Treatment Operations, Live Oak, Florida
Project Manager for Wastewater Treatment Operations, Live Oak, Florida
Public Works Director for CH2M Hill project in Live Oak, Florida
Who should attend
Experienced water treatment and wastewater operators who want to increase their knowledge and/or apply for AWTO™ certification (to apply for AWT3™ certification, candidates must hold a grade 3 or higher water treatment or wastewater operator certification)
Journey level and early-career water treatment and wastewater operators who want to work at an Advanced Water Treatment Facility (AWTF)
Engineers who would like to learn more about advanced technology
Operations managers
Project managers
AWTO Operator Certification
This course can support your preparation for Advanced Water Treatment Operator™ certification. Attending a class is only one part of exam preparation. For details on the AWTO certification and the KSAs you’ll need to know. Be sure to download the AWTO candidate handbook.
CWEA’s AC20 Registration opens on January 7, 2020 Click here to sign-up for an email alert when registration opens.
CWEA or CA-NV AWWA Member: $450 Early Bird, $550 Saver, $620 Full Rate
Non Member: $642 Early Bird, $742 Saver, $812 Full Rate
Workshop includes buffet lunch each day, Tuesday Icebreaker Reception, and Exhibit Hall on Wednesday and Thursday. This three-day workshop will introduce advanced water treatment and the processes associated with this type of wastewater reuse. It will outline and explain the technologies associated with advanced water treatment and explain the critical control points associated with the technologies.
Reno-Sparks Convention Center and Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, Reno, NV
TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 8:50 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 8:50 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The workshop will include hands-on activities associated with the treatment trains and group discussions concerning the technologies involved with treating wastewater to drinking water quality. Everyone is welcome.
Speaker
Dr. John Rowe, California State University Sacramento
Process Engineer, Office of Water Programs, California State University, Sacramento, 2017–present
Professor of Water Resources, Coastal Pines Technical College, Waycross, Georgia, 2000-2013
Professor of Water Resources, Florida Gateway College, Lake City, Florida, 2000-2013
Project Manager for CH2M Hill and OMI
Project Manager for Water Treatment Operations, Live Oak, Florida
Project Manager for Wastewater Treatment Operations, Live Oak, Florida
Public Works Director for CH2M Hill project in Live Oak, Florida
Who should attend
Experienced water treatment and wastewater operators who want to increase their knowledge and/or apply for AWTO™ certification (to apply for AWT3™ certification, candidates must hold a grade 3 or higher water treatment or wastewater operator certification)
Journey level and early-career water treatment and wastewater operators who want to work at an Advanced Water Treatment Facility (AWTF)
Engineers who would like to learn more about advanced technology
Operations managers
Project managers
AWTO Operator Certification
This course can support your preparation for Advanced Water Treatment Operator™ certification. Attending a class is only one part of exam preparation. For details on the AWTO certification and the KSAs you’ll need to know, please visit AWTOperator.org.
Come to this informative hour-long discussion about advanced water treatment technologies and the new AWT Operator Certification program from CA-NV AWWA and CWEA. Learn about the advanced technologies for water reuse. Presenters include:
Darrell Andrews, Chief Stationary Engineer at San Francisco PUC headquarters on the Living Machine
Phil Scott, GM for West Bay Sanitary District on designing their new Recycled Water Treatment Plant
Alec Mackie on the new Advanced Water Treatment Operator certification program
Please RSVP by Nov. 25th to: Irene Carrasco City of Pacifica carrascoi@ci.pacifica.ca.us
Sign up for email updates at: www.awtoperator.org
Drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment or water reuse operators working at facilities using advanced water treatment technologies may be interested in earning the new, voluntary AWTO Certification. AWT Operators protect public health by ensuring a supply of safe and high-quality drinking water.
The minimum qualifications to apply for AWT3™ exam are to hold a Grade 3 certification as a Wastewater Treatment Operator or Drinking Water Treatment Operator.
The following has been reformatted and republished with permission from September 2019 Journal AWWA (Vol. 111, No. 9). Copyright AWWA 2019. All rights reserved. The original article may be accessed on the Journal AWWA website at https://awwa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/15518833
By Steven Garner
Certification Manager
CA-NV AWWA
Key Takeaways
The California–Nevada Section of AWWA and California Water Environment Association sought a new industry certification for operators working with advanced water treatment (AWT) processes.
A diverse set of stakeholders and experts added their perspectives on the development of the new certification.
The AWTO Grade 3 exam was released in July 2019.
Water has been reused since ancient times, primarily resulting from upstream users discharging their waste into rivers, lakes, and other water bodies. Over time, nonpotable reuse gained popularity to meet irrigation and industrial demands. So, while overall reuse is not new, intentional potable reuse (i.e., treating wastewater historically released into the environment so that it meets drinking water standards) is still a relatively novel approach to water supply for almost all utilities.
Location: Inland Empire Utilities Agency, 6075 Kimball Avenue
Chino, CA
Date/time: September 30 -October 2
8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Agenda:
Day 1
Introduction to advanced water treatment
Overview of skills and knowledge required of operators of advanced water treatment facilities
Treatment trains used for advanced water treatment
Advanced water treatment processes:Membrane filtration
Ozone
UV light
Advanced oxidation
Biological filtration/oxidation
Activated carbon
Day 2
Learning strategies as they relate to engaging advanced water treatment information.
Ancillary processes associated with advanced water treatment
Corrosion control
Manganese and iron removal
Critical control points
Regulator considerations
Critical control points and monitoring criteria
Pathogens removal
Trace organics and inorganics
Nitrogen removal
Total dissolved solids considerations
Day 3
Disinfection byproducts
Free chlorine disinfection
Ozone disinfection
Control systems
Critical control points
Multiple barrier approach to treatment and public health
This class is 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Earn up to 21 contact hours.
Instructor: Gina Dorrington
Due to our commitment to instructors, other students and materials, the following refund policy applies:
Requests for refunds must be made in writing and are subject to the following conditions: Full refund of fee paid (minus $50.00 handling fee) will be issued for cancellations received more than 15 days prior to class start date. All fees are non-refundable thereafter.
Requests for transfers must be made in writing and are subject to the following conditions: Transfers are based on availability. No transfer requests will be authorized if they are not received more than 15 days prior to class start date.
A 100% refund or credit of your registration fee will be issued if a class is cancelled by the Section.