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Wastewater Operator Resources

Wastewater operators are encouraged to visit the Operator Certification Information Center for information concerning operator licensing, exams, and related information. Additional resources are available below.


DEP Publications


Spreadsheets

All of the following are DEP-developed spreadsheets for use by operators and consultants. These spreadsheets were developed using Microsoft Excel 2007; the spreadsheets may not function as intended in previous versions of Excel.

  • Operator Tools (macro-enabled Excel)
    Unit conversions, geometric mean calculator for fecal coliform, sludge production estimates, F/M Ratios, Nitrification – Alkalinity calculator, and others. Each calculator is on a separate worksheet.
  • Chapter 94 Spreadsheet (macro-enabled Excel)
    Use to facilitate development of annual Chapter 94 reports.
  • WET Analysis Spreadsheet (Excel)
    Use to evaluate Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) test results for NPDES permit compliance.

Energy Efficiency

Wastewater treatment facilities use a significant amount of electrical power.

An understanding of how electricity is consumed and how the power company calculates the charge is critical to saving energy. DEP's Energy Efficiency Information Sheet (PDF) will help you, as an operator, gain this understanding.


Asset Management

Asset management is a framework being widely adopted as a means to pursue and achieve sustainable infrastructure. It is the practice of managing infrastructure capital assets to minimize the total cost of owning and operating them while delivering the desired service levels.

A high-performing asset management program incorporates detailed asset inventories, operation and maintenance tasks, and long-range financial planning to build system capacity, and it puts systems on the road to sustainability. DEP's Asset Management Information Sheet (PDF) provides more information on this topic.


Training Materials

Training Modules

DEP has a selection of Training Modules that are available for your review and download. These modules cover laboratory operations, drinking water, and wastewater system operations.

Training modules are intended to serve as student workbooks for use by approved training sponsors to develop pre-certification classroom training.

DEP now distributes these modules directly to non-certified operators for use as self-study guides for the certification exams. Please be aware that this is not the intended purpose for which these modules were developed, and their effectiveness as self-study guides has not been evaluated.

Course Materials

Responsibilities of Clean Water Professionals, DEP Course ID # 7122
This course includes an introduction to Operator Best Practices, Protecting & Maintaining your System, Utilizing Resources Wisely, Laws, Rules and Regulations that Impact Wastewater Operators, Understanding your NPDES Permit, Security and Emergency Planning for Wastewater Operators, and Public Education.

Wastewater Instructional Videos

The Department's YouTube channel includes a Wastewater Instructional Videos page where you can access a variety of wastewater related videos on topics including nitrification, denitrification, and safety. Continue to check back for new videos.