Class III & IV Water Distribution Operator Certification Preparatory Course
One event on December 15, 2026 at 8:00 am
One event on December 17, 2026 at 8:00 am
One event on December 22, 2026 at 8:00 am
Class III & IV Water Distribution Operator Certification Preparatory Course
Live In-Person or Virtual Water Operator Certification Training
Portland Water District
225 Douglass Street Portland ME 04102
24.0 BLWSO TCHs/DEP TCHs
This four-day training program is designed to provide water professionals with the foundational and advanced knowledge required to pass the Water Distribution Operator Class III and IV Certification Exams (based on the Water Professionals International (WPI) Need-to-Know criteria). The course utilizes content compiled from the leading industry references, including those from California State University, Sacramento (CSUS) and the American Water Works Association (AWWA).
The curriculum covers the WPI content areas – Distribution System Components, Equipment Installation, Operation, Maintenance, and Repair, Water Quality Monitoring, Evaluation, Adjustment, and Laboratory Analysis/Interpretation, Security, Safety, Administrative Procedures, and Public Interactions – with an emphasis on practical application and troubleshooting. Each day will devote time to mastering essential water math concepts, followed by relevant water math practice, ensuring participants are prepared for the calculation portions of the exams.
Course Dates:
Friday, December 11, 2026: Water Use and System Design, Hydraulics, Pipe, Main Installation and Rehabilitation, Backfilling and Main Testing, Water Services and Math Review and Practice. Student Homework: Read Chapters 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 in G1&2, and Chapters 3 & 4 inG3&4. Complete Practice Exams and Solve Math Problems.
Tuesday, December 15, 2026: Valves, Hydrants, Storage, Electrical-Instrumentation and Control Systems, Motors and Engines, Pumps and Pump Stations and Math Review and Practice. Student Homework: Read Chapters 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14 in G1&2 and Chapters 5 & 6 in G3&4. Complete Practice Exams and Solve Math Problems.
Thursday, December 17, 2026: Meters, Chlorination, System Operations, Water Quality Testing, Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control, Info Management and Maps and Math Review and Practice. Student Homework: Read Chapters 15, 16, 17, 18, & 19 Complete Practice Exams and Solve Math Problems.
Tuesday, December 22, 2026: Water Sources, Safety–Security and Emergency Response, EPA Safe Drinking Water Act, Administration and Public Relations, and Math Review and Practice. Student Homework: Read Chapters 1, 21 & 22 G1&2 and Chapters 1, 11 & 12 G3&4. Complete Practice Exams and Solve Math Problems.
All classes will run from 8:00am to 3:30pm. Breakfast & lunch are provided.
Course Textbooks:
AWWA WSO Water Distribution, Grade I & II
AWWA WSO Water Distribution, Grade III & IV
The content of this course is primarily structured around the material covered in this AWWA text. Supplemental reading and study assignments, tied directly to this text, will be provided at the conclusion of each daily session.
Course Fees:
MWUA member $550
Non-member: $675
Instructor:
Tom Bahun, Co-Owner of Tom’s Water Solutions LLC, having spent most of his 30 + year career working with water/wastewater professionals. He has served in many roles and most of his experience revolves around work-place safety, emergency preparedness, and technical assistance and training. He is a Certified Instructional Trainer (CIT), holds a Maine Class IV Water Treatment and Distribution Operator license, and a Grade 5 Wastewater Treatment Operator license. Tom is best known for his exceptional and straightforward training abilities helping many water and wastewater professionals with their educational needs.
Photo Release: I hereby give MWUA consent to record, videotape and photograph my image and/or voice to be used on the MWUA website accessible to the public, social media posts and/or the MWUA newsletter. I understand that no special compensation will be provided to me for use of my image and that I may not be informed in advance of the specific use of my image.
ADA Compliance/Dietary Needs: Please notify us in advance if you have additional physical or dietary needs, so that we can assure your comfort and full participation.
Cancellations: Due to costs incurred by the Association, if you must cancel, we request that you do so at least 7 business days before a scheduled class/event. You may cancel by phone or by email, program@mwua.org or mking@mwua.org. Refunds will not be provided if you do not can- cel at least 7 business days before the class/event.
