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Technical training courses

Drinking Water Distribution Systems

Discover how to ensure safe and reliable water services with this course, which also matches the guidelines of Risk-Based Drinking Water Quality Management Systems and Circular LWU18.

About the course

Safe and reliable drinking water services are fundamental to the health of our communities. The maintenance of these services safely and reliably to meet community expectations, government requirements relies on a skilled and competent workforce and improved technologies. Ongoing training is essential to maintain the skills and keep up to date of developments are required to meet these challenges.

The course is aligned with requirements for Risk Based Drinking Water Quality Management Systems that LWUs have already developed and Circular LWU18.

Drinking Water Management System (DWMS) What needs to be done?Circular LWU18 - Effective disinfection and security of distribution system

Water suppliers should review the effectiveness of the management system and its implementation, at least annually, to ensure that it maintains currency. A record of this review should be kept.

A complete review of all management systems should occur every four years in line with the review of the IWCM Strategy or Strategic Business Plan.

The scheduled dates for these reviews should be included in the DWMS document.

Each NSW LWU needs to ensure that water supply systems achieve the following three key barriers:

  • Barrier 1 – Effective disinfection to kill, inactivate or   remove pathogens.
  • Barrier 2 – Ensure distribution system integrity to prevent   contamination.
  • Barrier 3 – Maintain free chlorine residual.

LWUs should carry out initially a comprehensive examination and review, and then annual review and examination of distribution system integrity.

Topics covered

The topics are chosen to help water utilities to meet the requirement of their DWMSs and Circular LWU 18.

Effective Disinfection

  • Disinfection processes.
  • Ct value, turbidity, chlorine demand and pH.
  • Maintaining a free chlorine residual in water.
  • Verification monitoring program and field tests.
  • Number of required samples and location.
  • Summary Report requirement required by Circular LWU 18.
  • Response protocol for E. Coli detections.
  • Assessing system performance for management of THMs.
  • Management of incidents and emergencies.

Integrity of Distribution System

  • Roofing of reservoirs.
  • Cross connections.
  • Water losses, breakage of pipes and super-chlorination.
  • Lime leaching, CaCO3 precipitation and corrosion of pipes.
  • CCPP software and its application.
  • Copper corrosion and management guidelines.
  • Mains cleaning.

Length of course

This is a 2 day course.

Who should attend?

Water distribution system operators, engineers and managers.

Assessments

A short examination will be conducted on the final day.

Resulting qualification

A Certificate of Completion will be issued to all successful attendees.

Course details

More information on course dates, locations and costs can be found in the course schedule.

What is included?

Course notes, lunch, morning tea and afternoon tea.

What is not included?

Writing material, accommodation, other meals not specified, travel to and from the course.

How to nominate for the course

Complete an online form or download a nomination form (PDF, 135.59 KB) and submit it by email to water.lwutraining@dpie.nsw.gov.au

Apply now

The department will send confirmation of receipt of your nomination via email within one week. Venue details, the program and a timetable will be sent to all participants approximately four weeks before the course. Please provide details of any special dietary needs on nomination.