Courses
Course Descriptions
On this page, you will find a listing of our courses. All of the courses that GWWI offers are approved for either Basic Training, Advanced Training, or Continuing Education by the Georgia State Board of Examiners for the Certification of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and Laboratory Analysts.
GWWI also offers courses approved for Basic Training and Continuing Education for the GAWP Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester and the GAWP Maintenance Technologists Certifications.
If you are looking for classes for certification renewal:
- Please note which areas these classes are approved for. GWWI offers courses approved for water, wastewater, backflow, maintenance technologist, and management/safety.
- Please note some of the courses listed here may not be on our current schedule.
If you see a course that interests you and it’s not on the schedule:
- Please contact us about your interest in the course. This will help us to determine which courses to add to the current schedule or to add to next year’s schedule.
POINTS:
12
COURSE DURATION:
12 Hours
Summary:
A classroom course to help any wastewater treatment professional strengthen their understanding of the activated sludge process and how to control it.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Overview of Suspended Media Treatment
- Modifications of Activated Sludge Processes
- Unit Processes & Their Functions
- Long-Term Process Control
- Math Application to System Operation
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
12
COURSE DURATION:
12 hours
Summary:
A hands-on laboratory course that compliments Activated Sludge Part 1. Students will spend time performing process control testing on the activated sludge process.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Short-Term Process Control
- Oxygen Uptake Rate
- Sludge Quality
- Practical Application of Data
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
6
COURSE DURATION:
6 Hours
Summary:
Building on the Basic Pipeline Review course, this course covers advanced installation techniques and appurtenances. The class covers both collection and distribution systems.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Chemical selection for corrosion/root control
- Hydraulics
- Valves
- Cross Connection Control
- Storage Tanks (elevated and wet well)
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
6
COURSE DURATION:
6 hours
Summary:
For anyone wanting to get the latest information regarding backflow prevention assembly and testing requirements. The course is designed to not only provide the latest backflow information, but it is also a forum to answer any questions that students may have.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- New Equipment
- Cross Connection Theory
- Refinements in Testing Techniques
- Discussion of Problems
- Hands-on practice in the lab.
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
6
COURSE DURATION:
6 Hours
Summary:
This classroom/hands-on hybrid course is for anyone wanting to understand the basic maintenance and repair principles of backflow prevention assemblies.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Causes of failures
- Repair criteria
- Use of repair parts
- Device troubleshooting
- Reporting requirements
- Repair safety
- Tester ethics
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
12
COURSE DURATION:
32 Hours
Summary:
This course is designed for anyone who is interested in obtaining a GAWP Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certification. This course is a classroom/hands-on hybrid course.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Causes of Backflow Occurrences
- Protective Backflow Prevention Measures
- Proper Installation of Backflow Preventers
- RPZ, DC, & PVB Testing Procedures
- When and Where to Use Backflow Devices
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
12
COURSE DURATION:
12 Hours
Summary:
This course is for any treatment operator or laboratory professional that wants to expand their understanding of chemistry concepts. Students will spend time reviewing basic chemistry concepts and performing several mathematical operations that are found on many operator/analyst certification exams.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Introduction to Chemistry
- Measurements
- Atomic Structure, Elements, Compounds
- Chemical Equations
- Acids & Bases
- Colloids and Coagulation
- Organic Chemistry
- Gases
- Chemistry of Water Treatment
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
6
COURSE DURATION:
6 Hours
Summary:
A basic installation and material selection review for both water and wastewater piping systems.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- System Design
- Various types of Pipes
- Joints
- Pipe Protection
- Pipe Installation Procedure & Maintenance
- Mathematics
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
6
COURSE DURATION:
6 Hours
Summary:
This course is for any treatment operator that wants to broaden their understanding of the movement of water and its control. Basic math problems related to water hydraulics are also discussed in class.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Hydraulics
- Types of flow
- Flow measurement
- Pumps
- Channel flow
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
6
COURSE DURATION:
6 Hours
Summary:
This course is dedicated entirely to the laboratory analysis of B.O.D. Discussion includes the equipment, procedure, and problem solving of the B.O.D. test.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Winkler Titration
- Sample Prep
- B.O.D. Reagents
- Quality Control
- Dechlorinating B.O.D. Samples
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
12
COURSE DURATION:
24 Hours
Summary:
A course for GA Class II Wastewater Operator candidates or any other wastewater treatment professional wanting to broaden their laboratory skills. This course provides half of the required advanced training hours for the GA Class II Wastewater Operator exam.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Plant Operation
- Sampling
- Process Control vs. Regulatory Reporting
- Solution Chemistry
- Calibration
- QA/QC
- Safety
- Hands-on Procedures
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
12
COURSE DURATION:
24 Hours
Summary:
A course for GA Class II Wastewater Operator candidates or any other wastewater treatment professional wanting to broaden their laboratory skills. This course provides half of the required advanced training hours for the GA Class II Wastewater Operator exam.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Suspended Media Treatment
- Mathematical Calculations
- Secondary Treatment
- Sludge Treatment
- Disinfection
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
12
COURSE DURATION:
24 Hours
Summary:
A course for GA Class II Drinking Water Operator candidates or any other drinking water treatment professional wanting to broaden their laboratory skills. This course provides half of the required advanced training hours for the GA Class II Drinking Water Operator exam.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Plant Operation
- Sampling
- Process Control vs. Regulatory Reporting
- Solution Chemistry
- Calibration
- QA/QC
- Safety
- Hands-on Procedures
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
12
COURSE DURATION:
24 Hours
Summary:
A course for GA Class II Drinking Water Operator candidates. This course expands on the topics covered in the Class III Drinking Water Treatment course and provides half of the required advanced training hours for the GA Class II Drinking Water Operator exam.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Water Chemistry
- Preliminary Treatment Chemicals
- Coagulation/Flocculation
- Jar Testing
- Filter Optimization
- Disinfection
- Water Plant Safety
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
12
COURSE DURATION:
40 Hours
Summary:
This is a basic, entry-level course for anyone considering taking the GA Class III Wastewater Operator exam. This course promotes the understanding of how wastewater treatment is performed and controlled. This course provides the required basic training hours for the GA Class III Wastewater Operator exam.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Water Sources & Characteristics
- Aeration, Chemical Oxidation, & Taste & Odor Control
- Water Quality, Sampling, & Analysis
- Coagulation/Flocculation
- Filtration
- Disinfection & Chlorination
- Distribution Systems Overview
- Fluoridation
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
12
COURSE DURATION:
40 Hours
Summary:
This is a basic, entry-level course for anyone considering taking the GA Class III Drinking Water Operator exam. This course promotes the understanding of how drinking water treatment is performed and controlled. This course provides the required training hours for the GA Class III Drinking Water Operator exam.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Water Sources & Characteristics
- Aeration, Chemical Oxidation, & Taste & Odor Control
- Water Quality, Sampling, & Analysis
- Coagulation/Flocculation
- Filtration
- Disinfection & Chlorination
- Distribution Systems Overview
- Fluoridation
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
6
COURSE DURATION:
6 Hours
Summary:
This course focuses on the operation and management of small wastewater treatment ponds. It is designed to prepare wastewater treatment professionals with the information to take the GA Class IV Wastewater Treatment exam.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Wastewater Characteristics
- Pond Life (Bacteria/Algae)
- Pond Sampling
- Pond Operation & Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
6
COURSE DURATION:
6 Hours
Summary:
This course focuses on the operation and management of small groundwater systems. It is designed to prepare drinking water treatment professionals with the information to take the GA Class IV Drinking Water Treatment exam.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Groundwater Resources in Georgia
- The Safe Drinking Water Act
- Monitoring Requirements
- Basic Mathematics
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
12
COURSE DURATION:
27 Hours
Summary:
This class is for anyone interested in obtaining a GA Collection Systems Operator certification. The course covers the design, installation, inspection and repair of a wastewater collection system. This course provides the required training hours for the GA Collection Systems Operator certification.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Collection System Math
- Collection System Components
- System Maintenance
- Safety
- Pumps & Pumping
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
6
COURSE DURATION:
6 Hours
Summary:
This course is for any water professional who may work in or around confined spaces. The requirements and procedures for confined space entry is discussed. A review of case studies involving confined space accidents is also conducted.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- OSHA Standards
- Identifying Hazards
- Entry Permits
- Safety Procedures
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
12
COURSE DURATION:
27 Hours
Summary:
This class is for anyone interested in obtaining a GA Distribution Systems Operator certification. The course covers the design, installation, inspection, repair and testing of a water distribution system. This course provides the required training hours for the GA Distribution Systems Operator certification.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Pipe Materials
- Pipe Installation
- Fire Hydrants
- Valves
- Cross Connection Control
- Water Storage
- Services & Meters
- Pumps
- Water Quality & Sampling
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
6
COURSE DURATION:
6 Hours
Summary:
This course is a brief overview of the material covered in the Distribution Systems Operation & Maintenance course.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Distribution System Components
- Pipes
- Couplings
- Pipe installation
- Hydrants
- Valves
- Backflow prevention storage
- Services
- Meters
- Pumps
- Sampling
- Distribution System Safety
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
12
COURSE DURATION:
30 Hours
Summary:
This class is designed for anyone interested in obtaining the GA Drinking Water Laboratory Analyst certification. This course is a classroom/laboratory hybrid where students will perform many hands-on exercises. The course provides the required training hours for the GA Drinking Water Laboratory Analyst certification and half of the required advanced training hours for the GA Class II Drinking Water Operator exam.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Plant Operation
- Sampling
- Process Control vs. Regulatory Reporting
- Solution Chemistry
- Calibration
- QA/QC
- Safety
- Hands-on Procedures
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
6
COURSE DURATION:
6 Hours
Summary:
This brief course covers the typical laboratory methods that are typically used by drinking water treatment operators. A substantial portion of the class is dedicated to the jar testing procedure.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Laboratory method Introduction
- Process control tests
- Jar testing
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
6
COURSE DURATION:
6 Hours
Summary:
This course reviews the basic drinking water calculations that may be encountered on a drinking water treatment or distribution operator certification exam.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Solving Math Problems
- Solving for an Unknown
- Linear, Area, & Volume Measurements
- Conversions
- How to Solve Word Problems
- The Pounds Formula
- Calculated Dosages
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
12
COURSE DURATION:
12 Hours
Summary:
This course is a continuation of the Drinking Water Math Part I course. Students will spend time practicing more advanced math problems that may be found on a drinking water treatment or distribution operator certification exam.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Math Review
- Coagulation Math
- Chemical Feeders (Liquid & Dry)
- Clarification (SOR, WOR, DT)
- Chlorination Calculations
- Fluoride Math
- Filtration
- Pipes & Flow Rates
- Hydraulics/Motors & Pumps
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
12
COURSE DURATION:
18 Hours
Summary:
This course is a classroom/hands-on hybrid course that covers the requirements and methods of a successful drinking water microbiology laboratory. Students will not only review the EPA and GA EPD requirements for an approved laboratory, but they will also perform many hands-on exercises.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Lab Facilities & Equipment
- General Lab Practices
- Analytical Methodology
- Sample Collection, Handling & Preservation
- Quality Assurance
- Record Keeping
- Response to Results
- Approved Coliform Testing Procedures will be Performed in the Lab
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
6
COURSE DURATION:
6 Hours
Summary:
This course reviews the requirements of the US Safe Drinking Water Act.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Safe Drinking Water Act Regulations
- Georgia Surface Water MOR
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
6
COURSE DURATION:
6 Hours
Summary:
This course is an overview of the process control tests that can be performed by drinking water treatment operators. Special emphasis is placed on the interpretation and response to the process control tests.
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
6
COURSE DURATION:
6 Hours
Summary:
This course covers electrical safety, basic circuit properties, and system troubleshooting. The class serves as a primer for understanding how to work on electrical systems.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Introduction to Electrical Components
- Circuit Design and Evaluation
- Assessment Tools
- Electrical & Signaling Processing
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
6
COURSE DURATION:
6 Hours
Summary:
This course provides an overview of the US Clean Water Act requirements for Fats, Oils and Greases (F.O.G.) and Sanitary Sewer Overflows (S.S.O.) A special emphasis is placed on what the GA EPD requirements are for F.O.G. and S.S.O.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Theory
- Process
- Operation
- Equipment
- Chemicals
- Maintenance
- Safety
- Troubleshooting
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
12
COURSE DURATION:
18 Hours
Summary:
This course is for anyone who wants to better understand the basic laboratory principles used in the analysis of water and wastewater. The skills covered in this course include volumetric, gravimetric and colorimetric analyses with a discussion on quality control. Students spend time doing many hands-on activities to reinforce material covered in class.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Analytical Standards & Reagents
- Balances
- Laboratory Ware
- Volumetric Devices
- Temperature Measurement
- Preparing Solutions & Dilutions
- Calibration
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
6
COURSE DURATION:
6 Hours
Summary:
This course is for anyone that currently responds to water quality complaints. The class provides knowledge that will assist the student to understand the causes of water quality issues in distribution systems and how to troubleshoot those issues.
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
12
COURSE DURATION:
27 Hours
Summary:
This is a basic, entry-level course for anyone considering on taking the GA Industrial Wastewater Operator exam. This course promotes the understanding of the many different techniques used to treat industrial wastewater. This course provides the required training hours for the GA Industrial Wastewater Treatment Operator exam.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Wastewater Mathematics
- Pretreatment Standards
- Chemical Treatment
- Metals Removal
- Safety
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
6
COURSE DURATION:
6 Hours
Summary:
This class is an overview of monitoring equipment calibration and SCADA system troubleshooting.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Basic Electronics
- Process Instrumentation & Control System Overview
- Water Measurement
- Level Controls
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
6
COURSE DURATION:
6
Summary:
This class focuses on the many approved analytical methods for the analysis of nitrogen in both drinking water and wastewater, as well as some troubleshooting of those methods.
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
6
COURSE DURATION:
6 hours
Summary:
This class covers the basic math skills for laboratory analysts, including basic solution chemistry problems like molarity and normality.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Step-by-step approaches to math problems
- Conversions
- Basic Chemistry
- Sample Problems
- Review of Sample Problems & Correct Approach to Those Problems
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
6
COURSE DURATION:
6 hours
Summary:
This class covers the contents of a typical laboratory quality assurance program and how those contents are created.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- QA/QC
- Lab Organization
- Sampling
- Analytical Methodology
- Calibration
- Preventative Maintenance
- Data Quality Objectives
- Corrective Action
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
12
COURSE DURATION:
24 hours
Summary:
The GAWP Maintenance Technologist (MT) Certification program is a voluntary certification program that follows the same levels as the Association of Boards of Certification Plant Maintenance Technologist Certification.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Water treatment
- Cross-Connections
- Water Quality, Sampling, & Analysis
- Hydraulics
- Pumps
- Level Control and Flow Recording
- Engines, Motors, & Drives
- Valves
- Electrical, Breakers, & Fuses
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
6
COURSE DURATION:
6 hours
Summary:
This course covers how to set up and maintain a preventative maintenance program for water and wastewater plant equipment. The class covers lubricant properties and proper selection for application.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Preventative Maintenance & Lubrication for Operators & Mechanics
- Cross Connection Theory
- What is Preventive Maintenance?
- Maintenance Execution & Shutdowns
- Maintenance & Renewal of Water, Sewer, & Storm Water Systems
- The Basics of Lubricants & Lubrication
- Bearings
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
6
COURSE DURATION:
6 hours
Summary:
This course provides an overview of the operation and control of wastewater treatment facilities.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Activated Sludge Modifications
- Overview of Activated Sludge Treatment
- Process Control Overview
- Operator Measurements
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
6
COURSE DURATION:
6 hours
Summary:
This course is for anyone that moves water. It provides an overview of how pumping stations work and are maintained.
- Pumps & Prime Movers
- Valves
- Levels Control
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
6
COURSE DURATION:
6 hours
Summary:
The class covers the required sampling protocol for wastewater samples. While this course emphasizes samples collected for permit requirements, process control sampling is also discussed.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Sampling Methods and Practice
- Sample Collection Equipment
- Statistical Understanding of Sampling
- Industrial Wastewater Sampling
- Sampling Documentation
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
6
COURSE DURATION:
6 hours
Summary:
This course provides and overview for anyone working with solids processing, either in wastewater or drinking water treatment. The class covers the processes of thickening, digesting, dewatering and disposal of residual solids.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Biosolids Treatment, Disposal, & Remediation
- Dewatering
- Coagulant Selection and Use
- Sludge Thickening
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
6
COURSE DURATION:
6 hours
Summary:
This course is a brief overview of the material covered in the Collection Systems Operation & Maintenance course.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Introduction to Collection Systems
- Collection System Design
- General Maintenance and Repair
- Components of a Wastewater Collection System
- Collection System Safety
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
12
COURSE DURATION:
30 hours
Summary:
This class is designed for anyone interested in obtaining the GA Wastewater Laboratory Analyst certification. This course is a classroom/laboratory hybrid where students will perform many hands-on exercises. The course provides the required training hours fo the GA Wastewater Laboratory Analyst certification and half of the required advanced training hours for the GA Class II Wastewater Operator exam.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Plant Operation
- Sampling
- Process Control vs. Regulatory Reporting
- Solution Chemistry
- Calibration
- QA/QC
- Safety
- Hands-on Procedures
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
6
COURSE DURATION:
6 hours
Summary:
This class covers the basic math skills for both wastewater treatment and collection systems operators. It covers many of the basic types of problems that are found on several certification exams.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Solve for Area
- Solve for Volume
- Basic Conversions
- Interpretation of Written Problems
- Process Control Application
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
12
COURSE DURATION:
12 hours
Summary:
This course is a continuation of the Wastewater Math Part I course. Students will spend time practicing more advanced math problems that may be found on a wastewater treatment or collection systems operator certification exam.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Activated Sludge Math
- Trickling Filter Math
- Digestion & Dewatering Math
- Collection System Math
- Pumping Math
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
6
COURSE DURATION:
6 hours
Summary:
This course reviews the requirements of the US Clean Water Act and details the parameters and requirements to achieve adequate treatment.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Signatory and Certification Requirements
- Regulations
- Disposal methods
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
6
COURSE DURATION:
6 hours
Summary:
The class covers the required sampling protocol for drinking water samples. While this course emphasizes samples collected for permit requirements (TTHMS, Coliform, etc.), process control sampling is also discussed.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Sampling Methods and Practice
- Contamination Detection & Prevention
- Sample Collection Equipment
- Statistical Understanding of Sampling
- Sampling Procedures & Documentation
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
12
COURSE DURATION:
12 hours
Summary:
Do you inspect new water and wastewater installation? If so, this class is for you. Do you know whether or not backflow preventer is appropriate for the hazard involved? If not, this class is for you. Tools, tips, and common practices involved in making sure new installations meet your current specifications are presented in this class.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Basic Construction Concepts
- Rules & Regulations
- Contractor Relations
- Job Site Safety
- Basic Site Plan Reading
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.
POINTS:
12
COURSE DURATION:
24 hours
Summary:
This course is for anyone in a front-line supervisory position, that wants to broaden their management and leadership skills. The class includes discussions on planning, organization, finances, communication, etc.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Planning
- Organizing
- Directing
- Communication
- Problem Solving
Visit our Course Schedule to see when this and other classes are available and register today.