100161 - Operation and Maintenance of Distribution Systems - Virginia Beach

Overview

The journey of drinking water includes a source, perhaps treatment, and distribution. Treatment might be needed to correct issues with the source, and distribution can sometimes undo the accomplishments of treatment. It is a bit like the game of rocks, paper, scissors. The point being that distribution systems are a very important, integral part of the water supply system that need to be designed, operated and maintained well to ensure that water will be delivered in an acceptable form. Several water quality parameters, including odors, tastes, corrosion by-products, pathogens, and turbidity, can be affected in the distribution system.
The course is primarily designed for the following groups of people:

• Waterworks operators
• Distribution system workers and inspectors
• Water utility weld technicians
• Veterans and others interested in a career in the drinking water industry
• Wastewater operators, if working towards water certification

Course enrollment will be limited to 18 people, so that the various hands-on exercises can be conducted in small groups. People participating in the program should bring their own PPE; i.e., gloves, safety glasses, ear plugs, steel-toed shoes, hard hats, trac control vests/pants. Some of these items may be available at the site, but it is best that you bring your own equipment. You need not bring your own SCBA or harnesses, but if you do, site personnel will be willing to evaluate your SCBA and harnesses as a part of the course
The short course will consist of classroom lectures, demonstrations and various hands-on exercises over a 4.5 day period. Included among the course topics and activities are:

• Many aspects of safe practices - personal protective equipment (PPE), proper lifting, preventing falls/trips, excavation, confined space and much more.
• O&M offire hydrants, tanks, meters and other components of a distribution system.
• Pipe repair.
• Flushing programs and procedures.
• Leak detection procedures.
• Proper sampling procedures (e.g., for disinfection by-products, TCR, plate counts) and relating results to the O&M of the distribution system.
• Water quality control, using methods such as pushing, modifications to tank operation, and re-chlorination.
• Use of equipment, including that used for trenching, trailering, and excavation
• Tour of pumping station and storage tank

Fee Information

Registration fees:
$100  - Commuter
$150 - Lodging

Fees include lodging (if registered for lodging), morning and afternoon breaks, lunch, and dinner on Monday night.

Location Information

Location
City of Virginia Beach Department of Public Utilities
3500 Dam Neck Road,
Virginia Beach, VA 23453

Lodging
If you registered for the single occupancy lodging option, a reservation will be made in your name at The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center located at 4535 Commerce Street, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462 for the nights of Sunday, May 5 to depart on Friday, May 10, 2024. This room is intended for the use of the registered participant for the purposes of the training program.

Agenda/Schedule

This program will take place primarily at the Virginia Beach Public Utilities Operation Center, however, participants will travel to several locations for live demonstrations throughout the week. Participants should be prepared to provide their own transportation to off-site events.

Daily Schedule:
Monday - 7:45AM-6PM
Tuesday - 7:30AM - 5PM
Wednesday - 7:30AM-5PM
Thursday - 7:30AM-6PM
Friday - 7:30AM-1PM