Intro to Small Water Systems Correspondence Course

Course Information

If you are unable to attend a classroom version of the Introduction to Small Water Systems course, taking this correspondence course is a convenient way to become eligible for water treatment and water distribution provisional certification

• You will also earn 4 core CEUs for completing the course
• You must score 85% or higher on each of the chapter quizzes to pass

Taking the Course

To sign up for the course, complete the order form, and mail it back to us with the $80 course fee. 

• Once we receive your order form we will mail you the quiz booklet, answer sheets, and self-addressed envelope.
• On our website, download the PDF for the chapter, read the chapter, and complete the quiz for that chapter. Once you have completed all the quizzes, mail back the answer sheets in the envelope.
• At this time we have no printed manuals available; however, we can send you a copy of the manual in PDF format on a DVD on request.
• It will take two to four weeks for us to process your quizzes and mail back your results. However, if you score less than 85% on a chapter quiz, you will be required to retake that quiz.

Applying for Provisional Certification

• Once you have successfully completed the course, and if you have already passed the level one exams for either water treatment or distribution, you may apply for provisional certification by completing the Application for Operator Certification.
• If you have not yet passed a level one water treatment or distribution exam, you can register to take exams by completing the Exam Registration Form.
• More information about the exam application and certification process

Course Manual (PDF)

The Introduction to Small Water Systems course is divided into 13 chapters. At the completion of each chapter your knowledge will be tested with a quiz. You must receive a score of 85% or greater in each chapter in order to pass this course.

• Chapter 1: Introduction to Drinking Water
• Chapter 2: Basic Science Concepts
  • Chemical Characteristics of Water
  • Biological Characteristics of Water
• Chapter 3: Introduction to Water Sources 
• Chapter 4: Introduction to Water Treatment
• Chapter 5: Introduction to Water Distribution Systems
• Chapter 6: Introduction to Pumping Systems
• Chapter 7: Basic Electricity and Motor Controls
• Chapter 8: Introduction to Water System Safety
• Chapter 9: Regulations and Monitoring
• Chapter 10: Testing your Drinking Water
• Chapter 11: Management Considerations
• Chapter 12: The Alaska Operator Certification Program
• Chapter 13: Waterworks Math – The Basics

For more information, please contact:

• Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
• Operator Training and Certification Program
• P.O. Box 111800
• Juneau, AK 99811-1800
• Phone Number: 907-465-1139
• Fax Number: 907-465-5177
• Email Address: dec.opcert@alaska.gov