New Limited Series Training: An Introduction to the New Monitoring Schedule Tool

Are you experiencing difficulties with the updated Monitoring Schedules? Do you need some assistance understanding and using this essential tool? The Local Assistance Unit will be hosting FREE training sessions focused on navigating the new Monitoring Schedule webpage and its associated tools. Participating operators can earn up to 0.1 training units. 

This webinar will cover:

• A general overview and associated resources
• Navigating and printing your Monitoring Schedules 
• Troubleshooting, tips & tricks

You can register for this FREE training by clicking on one of the available dates below and filling out the associated registration form. After registering, you will receive an email with information on how to access the course. 

This training opportunity will only be offered for the following sessions:

Dates and Registration	Time (MST)
April 21, 2026	12 - 1 PM
May 11, 2026	11 AM - 12 PM

Please contact us with any questions at cdphe.wqdwtraining@state.co.us.

For other training opportunities and resources, please visit our website: Training opportunities

➽ Elicia Vigil WIIN Program Coach 

Colorado Water Loss Initiative: Training and Technical Assistance for Water Loss Control

Water loss is water that is lost in a municipal distribution system between treatment and consumption. There are two types of water loss that lead to lost revenue and resources for systems and customers, real loss (leaky pipes) and apparent loss (metering inaccuracies, data handling errors). Real water loss typically occurs before any water meters, which are often located as the water enters buildings. This means that a utility is paying for all the cost of transporting the water from source to treatment plus treatment and distribution costs, but getting no revenue in return. 

Globally, water losses from drinking water supply networks account for 9 billion gallons a day of water use. Cost effective water loss management reduces cost and increases revenue, which improves a systems bottom line and better serves its customers. The Colorado Water Loss Initiative (CWLI) is a program developed by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) that provides training and technical assistance to water providers. In November 2023, the Colorado Water Conservation Board instituted an annual water loss reporting requirement for systems supplying at least 2,000 acre feet of water per year to their customers. The CWLI was established to provide a comprehensive training program for systems as part of the Colorado Water Plan strategic objective to support water management activities for all water providers and drive water loss implementation to address future water needs.  The benefit to you, a training course on how to identify water loss, collect water loss data, audit and validate data, along with technical assistance to develop solutions to decrease water loss in your system. 

CWLI Training Program

The CWLI offers a training program to assist systems in learning the AWWA Free Audit Software and implementing the American Water Works Association (AWWA) M36 methodology to quantify water loss. Once systems have completed the data collection, auditing, and validation phase of training, they are then provided technical assistance opportunities to implement controls and tools to minimize water loss. Technical assistance can include activities such as meter testing and design analysis or billing data analysis and prorating. Grant assistance is available to program participants to remedy prioritized water loss interventions that were identified through the program.  

Who can benefit from the training?

All drinking water systems. Do you have a small system and aren’t required to report annual losses but still interested in water loss? No problem, small systems can benefit from the water loss program and are encouraged to register. Water loss best management practices can help all systems save water, money, prepare for water supply shortages, and prepare for future climate impacts. All systems will learn to take the appropriate steps toward effective water loss control management. 

How much is it? And where do I register for the program?

The program and materials are offered at no cost and are available to all eligible drinking water staff. See the below resources to learn more about the program

• Video interviewing participants about their experience
• CWCB Water Talk Podcast - CWLI staff discusses the program
• Register here for the program

Interested in helping to improve water loss control and management? Join the CWLI Committee!

The Colorado Water Loss Control & Management Committee was formally established in December 2023 by the Colorado Water Conservation Board. The committee's objective is to improve water loss control and management by planning water loss strategies, trade technical information, inform water loss policy discussions, train and educate water utilities on water loss, and support water loss goals of the Colorado Water Conservation Board. You can find more information at the Colorado Water Loss Control & Management Committee  website.  

➽ Angela Green Garcia, Drinking Water Training Specialist

➽ Kevin Reidy, DNR, Senior Water Efficiency Specialist 

Operator Examinations - Be prepared before you apply!

As a friendly reminder, the operator examination eligibility period changed on March 1, 2024, from 180 days to 100 days. This means that upon examination application approval by CCWP, operators have 100 days to pass that exam. CCWP does not offer extensions or refunds to operators who do not pass the exam within that 100-day window and PSI requires 30 days between exam attempts. This means that if an operator does not pass an exam, while they may schedule a re-test at any time, the operator must wait 30 days to take the exam again. 

So, we recommend that operators study and prepare for an exam before submitting an exam application! 

Water Professionals International (WPI) provides various examination resources (including the Need-to-Know Criteria for each exam type), and you can also find other helpful links to study resources on CCWP’s website.  

For tips on managing testing anxiety, check out this Aqua Talk article on Equipping Operators with Skills to Manage and Overcome Testing Anxiety. 

Important things to keep in mind: 

• Use the CCWP Portal to submit an exam application.
• If you do not pass the exam within the 100-day eligibility period, do not re-apply on the CCWP Portal until at least 30 days after your unsuccessful exam attempt. 
• Schedule your exam with PSI, not CCWP. You can either go to a testing center (Find a Testing Center) or use PSI’s remote proctoring option (PSI Online Proctoring Compatibility Check) to take your certification exam. Be sure to know the rules and expectations before you choose which option is best for you. More information can be found on CCWP’s website or in PSI’s Candidate Handbook for Colorado. 
• Plan accordingly! Winter weather can greatly impact travel to test centers and PSI may not issue refunds due to inclement weather. Consider contacting PSI to verify your test center is open before you travel. 
• The CCWP exam application fee is $50; the PSI examination fee is $104 per exam attempt. 

If you have any questions about the examination process, feel free to contact CCWP (719-225-7339 or info@coloradocwp.com) or Jessica Morgan (cdphe.facilityoperator@state.co.us). 

➽ Jessica Morgan WWFOCB Liasson

Asset Management - Manage Your System Optimally

As systems prepare to submit their Lead Service Line Inventories (LSLI) this October, it has become abundantly clear that the water sector needs to put more resources into identifying what resources and assets they have and where they are located. Ideally, a bulk of the LSLI should have been completed using documentation. However, many systems lack records for their distribution systems. This gap in asset inventory is making the task of documenting their service line material types more costly and difficult. In the past many systems have taken a reactive approach, - “when it breaks, we fix it”, to manage their system. However, with the changing regulatory requirements, increasing financial hardships, and increasing climate and resource challenges, it has become necessary to plan ahead to ensure the health of public water systems into the future. It is necessary to know what resources you have and maximize their usefulness.  

Asset Management (AM) is a proactive approach to managing a system’s infrastructure and capital assets. AM gives systems tools to optimize output at the lowest possible operating cost. It facilitates both short and long term success by prioritizing assets, estimating useful life, and enables more accurate budgeting. Taking an asset management approach allows systems to hone their operations and maintenance planning by prolonging asset life and improving decisions about asset rehabilitation, repair, and replacement. Systems are able to use resources when and where they are needed most ensuring maintenance on critical assets can be done and there is enough money to do it.

AM is a scalable, thoughtful approach to systems management and can be applicable to any size system. It can help with coordination across an organization to help ensure that the right work is done in the right order at the right time. 

Not sure where to start, feeling intimidated? Come to one of the free training sessions offered by the Local Assistance Unit (LAU). Asset management will be presented this summer during the State Revolving Fund (SRF) Regional Workshops in partnership with the Department of Local Affairs and the Grants and Loans Unit. Additionally, the LAU will be rolling out an asset management course as part of the regular course offerings in 2025. The Asset Management course curriculum will review the 5 core criteria of asset management and demonstrate how to apply each of them to your system. You will learn how to get started and review some tools to assist you in developing an asset management plan. No need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to AM, there are many tools and templates available that fit the needs of every sized system. 

Join us!

Asset Management: A Management Framework and the associated toolkit will be presented as part of the SRF Regional Workshops scheduled for:

• July 11, 2024 - Alamosa, CO - Adams State University 
• Register Here
• July 23, 2024 - Akron, CO - Akron Senior & Community Center 
• Register Here

The workshop will cover topics related to SRF basics, funding options for drinking water and waste water infrastructure, asset management planning and tools, current and upcoming regulations and much more.   

Can’t make a workshop and need assistance with asset management or capacity development?

The Colorado Department of Public Health (CDPHE) Water Quality Control Division (WQCD) has free capacity coaching available for public water systems through the Local Assistance Unit (LAU). A PWS can request assistance by filling out the Coaching Assistance Form. 

➽Angela Green Garcia, Drinking Water Training Specialist 

Recent Cyber Attacks: What is Phishing and Steps to Protect Your System

What is phishing?

Cybercriminals use various tools to commit crimes against the public and private sectors. One of the main avenues of cybercrime is through phishing. Phishing occurs when criminals try to get users to open harmful links, emails, or attachments that could request personal  information or infect devices. Phishing messages or “bait” usually come in the form of an email, text, direct message on social media, or phone call. These messages are often designed to look like they come from a trusted person or organization, to prompt a response. They use urgent, emotional, or threatening language to encourage recipients to take quick action 

- This paragraph adapted from CISA “Recognize and Report Phishing” webpage.

How have phishing attacks affected the water sector?

In recent the past year a cyber attack was attempted against a public water system through phishing messages. The cybercriminals pulled information from a state public health agency's public facing website that included water system operator's email addresses. The cybercriminal then created an email that appeared to come from the state health department claiming issues with the operator's license or public water system information. The attacker utilized state logos and health department titles in the email subject line and header to give the email the appearance of legitimacy. The recipients were urged to click on a link to "correct" the issue. Immediately upon discovery, the state issued communication that the email was a phishing attempt. The phishing attempt was not successful as nobody clicked the link. 

How can you avoid phishing attacks?

1. Train and Recognize. 

Take advantage of the various state and federal training resources to help your staff look for these common signs:

• Urgent or emotionally appealing language, especially messages that claim dire consequences for not responding immediately
• Requests to send personal and financial information
• Untrusted, shortened URLs
• Incorrect email addresses or links, like “amazan.com”
• A common sign used to be poor grammar or misspellings although in the era of artificial intelligence (AI), some emails will now have perfect grammar and spellings, so look out for the other signs.

Phishing Training Resources: 

• CISA - Teach Employees to Avoid Phishing 
• CISA - Anti-Phishing Training Program Support
• CIAC - Cyber Unit Information and Contact 

2. Resist

If you suspect phishing, resist the temptation to click on links or attachments that seem too good to be true and may be trying to access your personal information. Instead, report the phish to protect yourself and others. Typically, you’ll find options to report near the person’s email address or username. You can also report via the “report spam” button in the toolbar or settings.

3. Delete

Delete the message. Don’t reply or click on any attachment or link, including any “unsubscribe” link. Just delete.

4. Report 

Reporting phishing if there is no action taken and/or no impact to the system

• Use reporting features that are built into Microsoft Outlook and other cloud email platforms, as well as report spam directly to Microsoft, Apple, and Google, as applicable. Reporting suspicious phishing activity is one of the most efficient methods for protecting organizations as it helps email service providers identify new or trending phishing attacks.
• Report any suspicious emails or emails from unknown addresses asking you to click on links to your IT group/person (as applicable).

Reporting phishing emails if employee clicks on link and your system experiences impact 

• CISA urges organizations to promptly report phishing incidents to CISA at report@cisa.gov or call the 24/7 response line at (888) 282-0870.
• To report spoofing or phishing attempts (or to report that you've been a victim), file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), or contact your local FBI Field Office to report an incident.
• State, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) government entities can report to the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) by emailing SOC@cisecurity.org or calling (866) 787-4722
• Please note: if the phishing email results in a cyberattack that affects your water system’s ability to bill customers or operate. Please follow the division’s Guidance: Respond and Report Cyberattacks. 

How can you identify a CO state email?

The CDPHE wants to encourage you and your facility to engage in the above four actions to avoid phishing attempts. And the division wants to supply you with  information on how to recognize a real CO state email from a fake phishing email. 

➽ Kyra Gregory Drinking Water Training Specialist 

OpCert Program: Updated TU Matrix

The previous version of the TU Topic Matrix (“the matrix”) had not been updated since 2018 and was due for a refresher. The Water Wastewater Operator Certification Board’s current contractor, Colorado Certified Water Professionals (CCWP) sought and obtained board approval to update the matrix with two goals in mind: 

1. To update and streamline the tool to make it easier for operators and trainers to use and to ensure it aligns with Regulation 100; and
2. To encourage further education on topics specific to an operator’s discipline. 

There are two categories for TU topics: Core and Flexible (“Flex”) 

• Core TUs are those course materials that cover topics that are directly applicable to aspects of water and wastewater facility operations that may affect public health and the environment, or the need to maintain compliance with established requirements. A few examples are physical, chemical, or biological treatment, disinfection, and hydraulics. 
• Flex TUs are training that is not essential for an operator to perform their routine job duties but is useful in the performance of those duties. A few examples of these are safety courses (OSHA), natural and manmade disasters, and technical writing.

The updated matrix reduces the Flex TU topics down to these 3 categories: 

1. Administrative Related Topics - including but not limited to planning, customer service, computer software, technical writing
2. Emergency Preparedness and Response - including but not limited to National Incident Management System (NIMS), Incident Command System (ICS), natural and manmade disasters, threat and vulnerability assessments
3. Safety Program Topics - including but not limited to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) topics, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), risk management

Effective January 1, 2024, all safety, management, and emergency management courses are now approved for Flex TUs instead of Core TUs. 

Please note that all TUs earned prior to January 1, 2024, will retain the 2023-approved TU classification and values. For example, if an operator completed a PPE class in 2023, he or she will be able to use those 2023 TUs to meet the core training unit requirement for upcoming renewals.

This update to the matrix will be rolled out in three phases. The emergency management and safety courses were the first to be updated, the next phase will be general maintenance and equipment operators courses, and lastly, the final phase will be for those courses covering each individual discipline (water treatment/distribution; wastewater treatment/collections). The target for completion of all updates is October 1, 2024. 

For questions on the updates to the TU matrix, feel free to contact CCWP info@coloradocwp.com or Jessica Morgan cdphe.facilityoperator@state.co.us. 

➽ Jessica Morgan, Facility and Operator Outreach and Certification Board Liaison

Meeting Training Needs: Our Next and Better Normal Approach

The Safe Drinking Water Program operates under a Culture of Health umbrella. We take our responsibility seriously and make every effort we can to support public water systems and the operators that help make safe tap water available to the public every day. Among the services we provide are coaching and training for water systems and operators. During the COVID-19 pandemic these services almost always had to be done remotely. There are many advantages to this learning modality including reduced travel time and convenience. But some people learn better in person and some topics are better covered in person also. As the pandemic subsided we shifted to mixed modes of offering coaching and training services in our Local Assistance Unit. We believe this shift fits with our Culture of Health by maximizing opportunities for water systems and operators to get the coaching and training they need in the most efficient and effective manner for them and our staff. The information below summarizes some recent activities in our Next and Better Normal way of doing things.  

Summary of recent coaching and training services late 2022: 

• The team provided a “Monitoring and Operating for Regulatory Compliance” webinar training session on September 7. The webinar training was attended by 8 water professionals from 7 drinking water systems. The team provided a “Monitoring and Operating for Regulatory Compliance” in-person training session on October 5 in Limon. The in-person training was attended by 16 water professionals from 12 drinking water systems.
• The team provided a “Building Resilience in your Water/Wastewater System” in-person training session on September 20 in Steamboat Springs. The in-person training was attended by nine water professionals from five public water systems. 
• The team provided a “Sanitary Survey Preparation” in-person training session on September 21 in Steamboat Springs. The in-person training was attended by ten water professionals from nine drinking water systems. The team provided a “Sanitary Survey Preparation” webinar training session on October 19. The webinar training was attended by 13 water professionals from 11 drinking water systems.
• The team provided a “Monitoring and Operating for Regulatory Compliance” webinar training session on November 2. The webinar training was attended by  26 water professionals from 22 drinking water systems. The team provided a “Monitoring and Operating for Regulatory Compliance” in-person training session on December 7 in Trinidad. The in-person training was attended by 8 water professionals from 6 drinking water systems.
• The team provided a “Building Resilience in your Water/Wastewater System” in-person training session on December 8 in Colorado Springs. The in-person training was attended by 5 water professionals from 4 public water systems. 
• The team provided a “Sanitary Survey Preparation” in-person training session on November 15 in Ft Morgan. The in-person training was attended by 23 water professionals from 20 drinking water systems. The team provided a “Sanitary Survey Preparation” webinar training session on December 21. The webinar training was attended by 24 water professionals from 24 drinking water systems.

The division has been tracking the number and cumulative total one-on-one coaching and group training events for more than a decade. The graph below summarizes these data. Since we have about 2,100 public water systems in Colorado, and not all have received coaching assistance, we obviously get a lot of “repeat customers.” You will notice a decline in one-on-one in-person events due to the ramp up of the webinar approach (the blue bar). We believe that our overall approach is greatly enhanced since incorporating the lessons learned from the pandemic. 

The division also tracks water systems that make performance improvements after receiving coaching assistance services from us. The data for 2022 as so far reported through December are summarized below. The 2022 annual running monthly average is 82% of all systems that received one-on-one assistance are making at least one improvement.

To request customized one-on-one on-site coaching assistance or other training assistance from the local assistance unit Google search “CDPHE training opportunities” and click on “Training opportunities, recognition, and resources for water systems” or click here to visit https://cdphe.colorado.gov/dwtrain.   

➽ Ron Falco, P.E. Safe Drinking Water Program Manager

➽ Armando Herald, Local Assistance Unit manager

Highlights of the CCWP and Operator Certification Board websites

The Colorado Certified Water Professionals (CCWP) website contains a wealth of information to answer frequently asked questions about the operator certification program. From the home page, you can move to two other main sections: one dealing with the CCWP Portal and the other concerning certification and other operator issues. The home page also includes links to:

• Contact information for the CCWP office
• Search engine for looking up certified operators 
• Course catalog for training opportunities approved for continuing education credit
• List of jobs boards that post certified operator positions

The CCWP Portal page provides links to:

• The CCWP Portal Log In
• Free, online courses approved to meet the mandatory regulatory training requirement
• Video tutorials to help operators and course providers navigate the portal and enter data 

The CCWP Program section answers the most common certification and operator questions. It links to pages that: 

• Provide step-by-step instructions for becoming certified in Colorado, including information about:
• Submitting applications through the CCWP Portal
• Fees
• Scheduling exams
• Remote testing option
• Exam preparation
• PSI test center guidance for exam candidates
• Explain the certification options and process for operators coming to Colorado from other states to seek reciprocity 
• Detail the requirements for upgrading certificates
• Explain the criteria and process for certificate renewals
• Provide information about accommodations for military and veterans, including how credit is calculated for military training and experience

The CCWP Program section links to a page for operators in responsible charge. From this page, ORCs can find information to help with the development of written delegation plans for subordinate operators, as well as information about the required written agreement between ORCs and facility owners. There is also a link to ORC contact update forms.

From the CCWP Program page, you can open a link to a listing of contract operators who provide services in Colorado. Finally, the CCWP Program page includes information and a form for operator misconduct complaints.

The Water and Wastewater Facility Operators Certification Board maintains its own website. In addition to meeting and hearing information, the board’s website posts the following documents you may be interested in:

• Current version of Regulation 100 
• Colorado Certified Water Professionals Code of Conduct
• WWFOCB board’s formal policies, guidance and procedures

➽ Nancy Horan, Facility and Operator Outreach and Certification Board Liaison

Upcoming EPA Webinar: Tips for Supply Chain Challenges

Tips to Prepare for and Respond to Supply Chain Challenges

May 26, 2022

12:00-1:00 PM MDT

Click here to register for the free webinar

Recent disruptions caused by the pandemic, various climate events, and unexpected equipment failures have had downstream consequences for water and wastewater utilities trying to procure treatment chemicals and other critical supplies.

Join the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a webinar on new resources to prepare for and respond to chemical and equipment supply chain disruptions. Through a real-world scenario, speakers will demonstrate the following:

• How utilities can understand their supply chain better using the new Water Treatment Chemical Suppliers and Manufacturers Locator Tool (above)
• Key best practices for future supply chain challenges
• How to access updates on potential and ongoing supply chain disruptions through EPA's website
• Ways to tap into EPA’s technical assistance to resolve supply chain challenges

This webinar is offering CEU’s for pre-approved states.

Training Opportunity: WaterNow State Revolving Fund

The Safe Drinking Water Program is sharing a training opportunity on behalf of our training partners WaterNow. The webinar will take place February 10, 2022 at 11am MT and registration is free. Click here to register. 

 “WaterNow is excited to bring to you a webinar to deepen local Colorado water leaders' understanding of the fundamental mechanics of the State Revolving Fund program and to dig into the details about how the flexibility of SRF loans can help finance innovative, climate & drought resilient water infrastructure projects. We will also cover the complementary loan and grant programs offered by the Colorado Water Conservation Board. 

Our webinar will provide background on funding offered by Colorado's SRF program and CWCB for local elected and appointed officials, as well as utility management and staff, to empower them with the know-how to consider these financing mechanisms for their next water infrastructure project. 

Our panel of experts will provide in-depth reviews of the SRF program to provide insight into community-specific application of the SRF requirements. We'll also, of course, leave plenty of time for your questions.

Our speakers include:

- Jim Griffiths, Finance Director, Colorado Water Resources & Power Development Authority

- Matt Stearns, Project Development Engineer, Colorado Water Conservation Board

- Victoria Arling, Colorado Basin Program Manager, WaterNow Alliance

- Caroline Koch, Water Policy Director, WaterNow Alliance”

➽ Kyra Gregory, Drinking Water Training Specialist

Test Your Emergency Planning: Upcoming CoWARN Functional Exercise

Click here to register for the free event
Click here to view the FE agenda 

The Colorado Water and Wastewater Agency Response Network (CoWARN) is hosting a free virtual EPA-sponsored communication-based functional exercise (FE) for water and wastewater system owners and operators, emergency management staff, and response partners from local, state and federal agencies. The virtual FE will provide an opportunity for participants to exercise emergency response capabilities in response to a hypothetical winter storm scenario affecting water and wastewater systems. Visit http://www.cowarn.org/ for more information about this mutual aid network. Once registered you will receive a link to join the event, which will use the Zoom virtual platform. Training units will be offered for the training for drinking water and wastewater operators. The FE facilitators, Horsley Witten Group (EPA Contractor), will contact you to discuss the FE in further detail. 

Who should attend?
This FE is open to CoWARN member and non-member utilities and response partners (e.g., emergency management, healthcare facilities) interested in learning more about water sector mutual aid.

Contact information:
CoWARN related questions can be directed to Kyra Gregory (CoWARN administrator), Colorado Department of Health and Environment, by email kyra.gregory@state.co.us. 
Functional Exercise related questions can be directed to Will Keefer (wkeefer@horsleywitten.com) of the Horsley  Witten Group (EPA Contractor) who is assisting with the planning and facilitation of the event.  

Request for input from members: 
As a part of the functional exercise on 3/22 the CoWARN steering committee would like to engage with CoWARN members that that requested a CoWARN activation in the last 5 years. If you are interested in speaking about your experience at the functional exercise to share lessons learned please reach out to CoWARN's administrator Kyra Gregory at kyra.gregory@state.co.us.

Inspection Year 22 Begins October 1, 2021

It’s that time of the year again to start a new inspection year for sanitary surveys. The Water Quality Control Division (WQCD) has primacy in Colorado to conduct sanitary survey inspections of public water suppliers covering the Eight (8) Elements of a Sanitary Survey. The inspection year runs on a federal fiscal year which starts October 1st and ends on September 30th. Inspection year 2022 (IY22) starts October 1, 2021 and the Field Services Section has 476 sanitary surveys planned for IY22. We continue to conduct sanitary surveys using our COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures with the two part remote file review, followed by the in person inspection. 

When is my Sanitary Survey?

Regulation 11.38(2) outlines the Sanitary Survey frequency requirements as once every three (3) years for Community Water Systems and once every five (5) years for Non-Community water systems. Please remember that these are minimum frequencies, and that the division has the authority to conduct sanitary survey inspections at any time.

You may ask, “we are overdue for a sanitary survey, what do we do?” First of all, do not panic, the WQCD has a backlog of suppliers due for sanitary surveys due to historic resource constraints and the COVID-19 pandemic. Please reach out to the Field Services Section email at cdphe_wqcd_fss_questions@state.co.us if you need to talk to someone about your sanitary survey schedule. A member of the Field Services Section will respond to let you know if you are scheduled for a sanitary survey this year or if it is delayed.

I am scheduled to have a Sanitary Survey, how do I get ready?

The WQCD has many documents to help prepare for the sanitary survey on our website. A great resource to take advantage of is the free Sanitary Survey Preparation training from the Local Assistance Unit. It’s a 3.0 hour course, you get 0.3 TUs and can register by selecting your date. 

Do you need additional help beyond the basic sanitary survey preparatory class? Are there special treatment issues you could use help on? Please reach out for one-on-one customized coaching and assistance. A coach will come to your facility to take a look and discuss your specific needs. Training units are available, depending on time spent with the coach. Please use the Online training request to register. For more information please see the Local Assistance Unit website.

What changes do I need to be aware of?

EPA Region 8 performed a review of the CDPHE WQCD drinking water program to determine if CDPHE is in compliance with the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR). This review included sanitary survey letters and entry of sanitary survey findings into SDWIS. The EPA evaluation found that the historic practice of downgrading Significant Deficiencies to Observations if resolved prior to the letter issuance is not acceptable and must be discontinued. Therefore, in IY22 starting October 1, 2021, if a significant deficiency is identified during the Sanitary Survey Site Visit, CDPHE must cite it as a Significant Deficiency even if it was resolved the day of the sanitary survey. If the supplier is proactive and resolves it during the sanitary survey or before the sanitary survey letter is issued, we still have to cite the significant deficiency but will make sure to memorialize the resolution in the sanitary survey letter. The supplier will also need to include it in their Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). With this in mind, it will be critical that water system operators do a walkthrough of the facilities before the Sanitary Survey site visit date to identify any significant deficiencies and resolve them. A future Aqua Talk article will be coming that identifies the most frequently cited significant deficiencies and violations. We understand that this is a big change, but a necessary change to maintain compliance with our primacy agreement with EPA. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me at heather.young@state.co.us.

Thank you for all your efforts to protect public health and we look forward to seeing you at your next sanitary survey.

➽ Heather Young, PE, CWP, Field Services Section Manager

Facility Reclassification: Make sure you have an ORC with the correct level of certification!

In November 2018, the Water and Wastewater Facility Operators Certification Board updated the criteria for facility classification in Regulation 100. These revisions are important because treatment facility and distribution/collection system classification establishes the minimum certification level for operators who act as the certified operator(s) in responsible charge (ORC). 

All facilities are required to have an operator certified at the appropriate level on file with the department who is performing the required duties as specified in Regulation 100. To change operators, a contact form must be submitted to the department (links below for drinking water and wastewater). The division has gathered information and resources to assist operators and facilities meet the ORC requirements for their systems: 

Upgrade operator certificate through examination

• CDPHE website explains the process of sitting for exams to advance your certificate 
• There are no longer any exam cycles. Instead submit an application for an exam through the CCWP portal. Your applications will be processed within 10 business days 
• Having issues with your CCWP portal? Contact the CCWP portal office at info@coloradocwp.com 719-225-7339 or view their tutorial videos.
• Schedule your exam with PSI.
• You will receive an email notification when your exam application is approved with instructions to schedule your exam with PSI. Follow the directions. You have the option to take your exam at a PSI testing center.
• ​Locate PSI testing centers
• Note: Having a hard time finding somewhere to get tested? Here are some creative options: 
• There are 8 PSI testing centers in Colorado. If the closest doesn't have capacity check another. 
• You can take the CO exam at PSI testing centers in neighboring states. 
• Self -proctored exam - You have the option to take a remotely proctored exam, if your equipment, environment, internet connection, and internet browser meet the requirements.
• Compatibility check: You must confirm that the testing computer is compatible for remote proctoring. Click here and use Google Chrome Browser to complete an audio/video check, webcam check and system check
• Study guides:
•  ABC's website provides Need to Know Criteria for exams
• American Water Works Association (AWWA): Principles and Practices of Water Supply Operations Series
• California Sacramento State University, Office of Water Programs: Operator Training Courses
• Water Environment Federation (WEF): Select study guides from the left panel of the web page
• National Environmental Training Center for Small Communities
• New Mexico wastewater study manual (free download)
• Kentucky wastewater treatment manual (free download)

Hire a contract operator until your ORC tests up: 

• List of certified contract operators providing service in Colorado  
• There must be a written agreement between the ORC and the facility owner, per Regulation 100.10.1(c).
• Resources:
• ORC Hiring and Contracting Guide
• Register for free, on-demand, orientation to Contracting Guide training video
• Template for agreement between permanent (employee) ORC and facility
• Template for contract between contract ORC and facility

Be sure to keep designated ORC contact info up to date with division 

• Drinking water facility contact update form
• Wastewater facility contact update form

Any additional questions

• If you have additional questions  please contact: 
• Drinking water: contact your facilities compliance officer. To find your compliance officer visit the Compliance Assurance website and select your county from the drop down list. 
• Wastewater: contact your facilities compliance officer. To find the compliance officer appropriate for the permit type, please see the list on the last page of the DMR Guidance document on the Clean Water Guidance website.

Do you think your classification is incorrect?

• To find the information on which your facility classification is based:
• Drinking water: Use the drinking water monitoring plan generator form and select your treatment processes. You will then receive an emailed template that lists your facilities treatment specifications the division has on file. 
• Wastewater: contact David Kurz david.kurz@state.co.us to discuss what the division has on file for your facility
• To learn more about facility classification visit the division’s facility classification website and the factsheet
• To find the criteria for classification in Regulation 100: 
• Drinking water: 100.4
• Distribution: 100.8
• Waste water: 100.5
• Collection: 100.9
• If you think your facility classification was made in error please contact:
• Drinking water: Tyson Ingels tyson.ingels@state.co.us
• Wastewater: David Kurz david.kurz@state.co.us  

➽ Kyra Gregory Drinking Water Training Specialist

ORC Hiring and Contracting Guide

A new resource for owners and administrators of water and wastewater facilities serving <100,000 persons 

The Water Quality Control Division is excited to make a new resource available to water and wastewater facilities serving fewer than 100,000 persons. The purpose of the ORC Hiring and Contracting Guide is to:

• Promote better understanding of owner and operator in responsible charge (ORC) responsibilities;
• Provide tools to help facility hiring or contract managers select qualified ORCs that will be a good fit for their systems; and
• Help facility hiring or contract managers write effective agreements that clearly articulate all ORC duties and responsibilities.

The ORC Hiring and Contracting Guide is organized into four distinct sections which relate to, and support, each other, but which can stand alone to meet a facility’s specific need. 

Section 1 – Responsibilities Table

• The Responsibilities Table lists facility and ORC responsibilities under 9 category headings. The two-column format makes it easy to compare and contrast related responsibilities.

Section 2 – Interview Tool

• The Interview Tool suggests questions a hiring or contracting manager can ask to help evaluate candidates’ qualifications, experience, availability, etc.

Section 3 – Topics for Written Agreements

• The Topics for Written Agreements section discusses a number of topics that may be useful and appropriate for written agreements between facility owners and their ORCs. The agreement with a contract operator in responsible charge may include more items than an agreement with an employee who serves as the ORC, but all written agreements should establish clear expectations and include a comprehensive list of the ORC’s duties.

Section 4 – List of Potential ORC Duties

• The List of Potential ORC Duties can be used by facility owners to evaluate the needs of their systems and identify the specific duties their ORC will need to perform.

The ORC Hiring and Contracting Guide empowers facility owners to knowledgeably select the best candidates for the role of ORC and to negotiate fair, clear and effective agreements with their ORCs.

Interested persons can find the Guide under “Resources” on the division’s “Training opportunities and resources for water systems” webpage. (Google search: “CDPHE training opportunities.”) Moreover, the division is offering free training to help interested persons navigate the Guide and better understand how to apply it to their specific situations. Registration for the training is also available on the division’s “Training opportunities and resources for water systems” webpage. (Google search: “CDPHE training opportunities.”)

➽ Nancy Horan, Facility and Operator Outreach and Certification Board Liaison

Coaches' Classroom

Free online water and wastewater courses available

Mandatory Regulatory Training

On September 25, 2018, the Water and Wastewater Facility Operators Certification Board adopted a new requirement for certified operators: completing “an approved regulatory training course.” This requirement must be met every three years (100.14.5(b)). 

The board adopted Board Guidance 19-1 in June 2019, which established guidelines for the mandatory regulatory training (MRT) requirement and defined specific learning objectives for the MRT courses. The guidance did not apply to courses approved for calendar year 2019, but it does apply to courses submitted for approval in 2020.

The guidance established that there are two MRT tracks, one for water treatment and distribution operators and one for wastewater treatment, industrial wastewater treatment, and collections operators. 

The guidance also explained that approved MRT courses must include specific minimum content developed by the division. This significantly narrowed the universe of approved MRT courses for 2020. 

To address operators’ need to complete mandatory regulatory training, the board determined that free versions of each MRT course should be available online. Indigo Water Group was awarded a contract to develop the 2020 versions and host them on its website. The Colorado Certified Water Professionals (CCWP) web includes a Mandatory regulatory training courses page with direct links to each course, which can be taken on demand. 

Training units will be awarded through the CCWP Portal within a couple of days of completing an MRT course. Operators must claim the training units before the CCWP Portal will recognize that the MRT requirement has been met. 

If you need assistance finding the links to the MRT courses or using the CCWP Portal, please contact CCWP Office staff. They’re ready to help.

➽ Nancy Horan, operator certification board liaison