In the Main - A technical assistance newsletter for Public Water Suppliers
August 2009

Drinking Water Operator Licenses Expire

Remember that all drinking water operator licenses expire December 31 of this year.  Make sure you have all the require training contact hours (TCH) needed to renew your licenses.

You must have at least:

5 TCHs for VSS and VND
10 TCHs for grade 1 and 2
15 TCHs for grade 3
20 TCHs for grade 4

Preparation Materials for Exams

By Paul S. Niman, Board Chairman

The Board of Certification does not offer training to help individuals prepare for the drinking water exams. However, the Board has compiled a list of training materials and programs that individuals may use to help them prepare for the exams. The Board does not endorse any of these training materials or programs, but offers the following information for your consideration:

1. Office of Water Programs, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819-6025, telephone 916-278-6142, e-mail: wateroffice@csus.edu or FAX: 916-278-5959. Operator training manuals and videos include: Water Treatment Plant Operation (2 Volumes), Small System Operation and Maintenance, and Water Distribution System Operation and Maintenance.
2. National Environmental Service Center, telephone 800-624-8301 or 304-293-4191, Web site: http://www.nesc.wvu.edu/ndwc. Training materials include: Operator Basics Training Series, National Version 2005 Small Public Water System Courses: Ground Water, Surface Water & Wastewater Lagoon Systems (Product #DWCDTR18).
3. American Water Works Association Bookstore, Telephone 800-926-7337, Web site http://apps.awwa.org/ebusmain/OnlineStore.aspx. Training materials include: Operator Certification Study Guide, Fifth Edition: A Guide to Preparing for Water Treatment and Distribution Operator Certification Exams.

In addition, you can contact New England Water Works Association at 508-893-7979 or Massachusetts Water Works Association at 978-263-1388. Both of these organizations offer preparatory courses to assist individuals prepare for the exams.

Questions regarding this article can be directed to Paul Niman at 617-556-1166 or by email to Paul.Niman@state.ma.us.

Massachusetts Receives State Fluoridation Quality Award

By Lynn Bethel - Department of Public Health

Massachusetts was one of eight states to receive a State Fluoridation Quality Award. The State Fluoridation Quality Award is a joint award given by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Dental Association, and the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors. It recognizes those states where 90% of the adjusted water systems were documented as being optimally fluoridated for at least nine months out of a year.

This is Massachusetts' third year in a row to receive this recognition.  The other seven states to receive the award were: Alabama, Indiana, Michigan, North Dakota, Nebraska, Nevada, and West Virginia.

The award was presented on April 22, 2009, at the National Oral Health Conference held in Portland, Oregon.

Water fluoridation is the single most effective public health measure to protect the American population against dental decay.

Staff Spotlight

Melissa Privetera joined MassDEP (NERO) in July 2008 as an Environmental Analyst. One of her primary duties is to be the Total Coliform Rule Program Manager. She reviews the monthly bacteria reports as well as updates the coliform sampling plans. As part of this, she is also responsible for the Groundwater Rule. Her other duties are to be the regional contact for the Cross Connection Program, as well as the PCE program.

Earlier in her career, Melissa worked at the New England Aquarium in Boston as a Marine Mammal Specialist in the aquarium's medical center and as also as an educator. She developed skills there that led to her interest in water quality analysis, and gave many presentations to the public about the importance of water quality, and how the analysis is done. Melissa has also worked as a Senior Associate Scientist at major pharmaceutical companies doing research primarily in microbiology but also doing research in neurology and cardiovascular diseases. Melissa also was employed at a public water system as the town chemist/microbiologist. Her experience there formed a foundation for understanding drinking water, particularly at surface water treatment plants.

In addition to her microbiology experience, Melissa is a certified emergency medical technician (EMT-B) and teaches a class to paramedic students about infectious diseases. She is also a published author and an avid photographer. Melissa attended Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, and graduated with a B.S. in biology from University of Massachusetts, Boston. 

In The Main index

Maintaining Consistency & Credibility

Is SRF Financing for You?

In Brief: Drinking Water Operator Licenses Expire; Preparation Materials for Exams; Massachusetts Receives State Fluoridation Quality Award; Staff Spotlight: Melissa Privetera

Self Assess Your Emergency Response

Ground Water Rule Questions & Answers

Financial Assistance for Local Water Conservation

MWWA Meeting & Education Seminars

Consultant's Chemical Checklist

Patrick Administration Honors 25 Public Water Systems

Changes to the Total Coliform Rule