2-Day Water Operator Course
Practical Water Treatment Operations & Control
Duration: 2 Days
Delivery: On-site or workshop format
Format: Interactive, practical, operator-focused
Training Type: Non-accredited professional training
Course Overview
This 2-day course is designed for water treatment operators responsible for the safe production, monitoring, and control of drinking water systems.
The course focuses on practical plant operation, risk awareness, and operator decision-making — with a strong emphasis on public health protection and compliance.
Training is delivered using real-world examples, operational scenarios, and operator-written reference material.
Who Should Attend
Water treatment plant operators
Operators working in small or regional systems
Operators new to water treatment roles
Maintenance staff supporting water operations
Supervisors seeking stronger operational understanding
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the purpose and behaviour of key water treatment processes
- Recognise operational risks that can impact water quality
- Apply practical process control and monitoring techniques
- Respond effectively to incidents and abnormal events
- Strengthen compliance and audit readiness
- Make confident operational decisions to protect public health
Course Materials
Each participant receives:
- Australian Water Treatment Operator’s Guide (primary reference text)
- Supporting handouts and practical examples
- Certificate of Completion
DAY 1 — Water Treatment Fundamentals & Process Control
Water Treatment Fundamentals
- The role of water treatment in public health
- Source water types and risks
- Catchment to consumer overview
- Operator responsibilities and accountability
Raw Water Quality & Risk
- Physical, chemical, and microbiological risks
- Seasonal and weather-related impacts
- Source water variability
- Operator awareness and response
Coagulation, Flocculation & Clarification
- Why these processes exist
- How they actually work
- Jar testing concepts (operator-level)
- Common operational issues and responses
Filtration Processes
- Rapid gravity and pressure filtration
- Filter performance indicators
- Backwashing fundamentals
- Common filter problems and operator actions
Process Monitoring & Control
- Key operational parameters
- Interpreting trends and alarms
- Avoiding over-correction
- Practical decision-making for operators
Practical Scenarios & Discussion
- Real plant examples
- Operator case studies
- Group problem-solving exercises
DAY 2 — Disinfection, Compliance & Incident Response
Disinfection & Public Health Protection
- Disinfection principles
- Chlorination fundamentals
- Contact time and residuals
- Common disinfection failures
- Operator monitoring and response
Distribution System Awareness
- Post-treatment risks
- Storage and reticulation considerations
- Maintaining water quality to the customer
- Operator responsibilities beyond the plant
Incident & Emergency Response
- Water quality incidents
- Equipment failures
- Power outages and emergencies
- Incident escalation and communication
- Operator actions under pressure
Compliance & Audit Readiness
- Understanding licence and regulatory obligations
- Monitoring and reporting requirements
- Documentation and record-keeping
- Preparing for audits and inspections
- What regulators actually look for
Final Scenarios & Open Discussion
- Participant-nominated issues
- Site-specific challenges
- Q&A based on real operational experience
- Practical takeaways for returning to site
Assessment & Recognition
This course may include:
- Knowledge checks
- Scenario-based discussions
- Practical operational exercises
Participants receive:
- Certificate of Completion
- Recognition of CPD hours (where applicable)
This course is non-accredited and does not issue AQF qualifications.
Training Fees & Pricing Structure
Course Fee (Per Participant)
2-Day Water Operator Course
$980 per participant (ex GST)
Includes:
- Two days of facilitated training
- Course materials and handouts
- Australian Water Treatment Operator’s Guide (take-home reference)
- Certificate of Completion
- Recognition of CPD hours (where applicable)
Minimum Participant Numbers
To run a course, a minimum of 6 participants applies.
If fewer than 6 participants are available:
- The course may still proceed by agreement
- The client may elect to pay the minimum course fee equivalent to 6 participants
Minimum course fee: $5,880 ex GST
Numbers
Maximum Participant
To maintain quality
Travel & Accommodation (Additional)
For on-site delivery outside the trainer’s home region, the following applies:
Airfare
Economy Kilornetere Rate
Accommodation
Mid-Range Business Standard
Meals & Incidentals
Per Dem Allowance
Transfers / Hire
Airport Vehicle if required
All travel and accommodation costs are:
Quoted in advance
•
At cost
•
Fully transparent
No travel charges apply for local delivery within the trainer's base region.
Venue & Equipment
Client to provide (where possible):
- Training room
- Tables and seating
- Projector or screen
Alternatively, venue hire can be arranged and costed separately if required.
Invoicing & Payment Terms
- Invoiced prior to course delivery
- Standard payment terms: 14 days
- Purchase orders accepted (council standard)
