California-Nevada Section Of AWWA Kicks-Off Project To Develop The Nation's First Advanced Water Treatment Textbook For Operators
In a historic first, the California-Nevada Section of AWWA is assembling a project team and engaging agencies to develop the first comprehensive textbook and study materials to help operators learn about advanced treatment and prepare for the Advanced Water Treatment Operator (AWTO) certification exam.
Operators rely on textbooks to prepare for their certification exams; however, one does not currently exist for AWT. Advanced water treatment facilities are under construction nationwide and will soon need well-trained, highly-skilled, and certified operators.
“We have received multiple, urgent requests from operators and agencies for an Advanced Water Treatment textbook and study materials,” said Sue Mosburg, Executive Director of CA-NV AWWA. “The Section’s Governing Board agrees this is a priority and approved developing a project team. I know we can get this done quickly with strong support from California and Nevada’s water agencies, firms, manufacturers, and our fellow associations.”
“CA-NV AWWA is proud to announce we have selected Hazen and Sawyer to develop a comprehensive advanced water treatment textbook,” said Jenna Bland, CA-NV AWWA’s Director of Finance and Education. “Our members and volunteers are excited to collaborate with them on the project. Their expertise and track record in advanced water treatment make them highly qualified to deliver this essential operator training resource.”
One of the key drivers for the AWT education project is California’s Director Potable Reuse (DPR) regulations issued in October 2024. California’s water agencies need to train and empower thousands of experienced water and wastewater operators with the skills and knowledge needed to safely and reliably operate advanced facilities. These operators must take and pass the Advanced Water Treatment Operator Certification Grade 3 (AWT3) exam provided by the CA-NV AWWA and the California Water Environment Association (CWEA).
“After decades working in advanced water treatment, I’ve seen how vital skilled operators are to the success of these systems,” said Troy Walker, project manager from Hazen and Sawyer. “Operators deserve resources that truly support them. It’s an honor to support the development of a textbook that will empower and inspire the next generation of professionals.”
Reasons CA-NV AWWA is initiating the AWT education project:
- Currently there is no AWT textbook available to educate operators.
- 15 Advanced Water Treatment Facilities (AWTF) are operating or under construction in California and over 80 AWTFs are planned nationwide.
- There are currently 260 certified AWT operators, and we’re aiming to expand the operator talent pool to 1,000 AWTO certified professionals over the next two years.
- Advanced treatment is the most complex and challenging training topic within our profession and requires frequent updates as technology and regulations change.
Several agencies have already provided significant, generous support for the project:
- Central Contra Costa Sanitary District
- Helix Water District
- Inland Empire Utilities Agency
- Las Virgenes Municipal Water District
- Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts
- Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
- Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
- Padre Dam Municipal Water District
- Water Replenishment District
- Additional agencies welcome!
In addition, four leading organizations have endorsed it:
- California’s State Water Board, Division of Drinking Water
- California Municipal Utilities Association
- Office of Water Programs, Sacramento State University
- WateReuse California
The team has set a fundraising goal of $500,000 to complete the textbook on a fast-track basis. The plan is to publish the textbook by May 2026.
Agencies and firms in California and Nevada can get involved and lend support by contacting fundraising coordinator Alec Mackie at waterworkshere@gmail.com.
About Us
The California - Nevada Section of the American Water Works Association (CA-NV AWWA) is a non-profit association, whose mission is to lead, educate and serve the water community. AWWA is the largest worldwide nonprofit, scientific, and educational association dedicated to providing solutions to manage the world’s most important resource: water.
Since 1920, CA-NV AWWA members and volunteers have positively impacted the industry with their commitment and dedication. For more information, visit http://www.xn--canvawwa-1m3dc.org/.
Quotes From AWT Education Project Supporters
“California has developed and adopted comprehensive and sophisticated direct potable reuse regulations covering the necessary monitoring and operational controls to effectively treat wastewater for potable use. We now need to train a corps of operators who are prepared and ready to take on this challenge from day one!”
- Darrin Polhemus, P.E.
Deputy Director, Division of Drinking Water, State Water Resources Control Board
“This project is vital because the current demand for an AWT operator training book is low and production costs are high. Given the specialized audience, recovering development costs will take time.”
- Dr. Akram Botrous
Executive Director
Office of Water Programs (OWP)
California State University, Sacramento
“Workforce challenges are at the top of the list for many water utilities, and this is even more true for advanced water treatment operators. We urgently need to train more of these individuals to ensure a sustainable water supply for all Californians.”
- Danielle Blacet-Hyden
Executive Director
California Municipal Utilities Association
“The Cal-Nevada AWWA Advanced Water Treatment Project will provide an essential and effective training solution to support and further develop a skilled, adaptable, and efficient operational workforce. Padre Dam is a proud supporter of this effort and the professional growth of the participants.”
- Kyle Swanson
CEO / General Manager
Padre Dam Municipal Water District
“Helix is proud to support the Cal-Nevada AWWA Advanced Water Treatment Project in furthering the development of the workforce to meet the advancing technological needs of our industry.”
- Brian Olney
General Manager
Helix Water District
“As utilities develop large-scale potable reuse programs, a highly trained workforce is essential to operate these complex systems safely and reliably. This Cal-Nevada AWWA AWT Project is investing in the people who truly make potable reuse work.”
- Deven Upadhyay
General Manager
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
“As wastewater treatment evolves from water pollution control to resource recovery through the application of advanced treatment technologies, we need to provide our people with the tools and training necessary to adapt for the future.”
- Robert Ferrante
Chief Engineer and General Manager
Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts
Source: CA-NV AWWA