Technical training courses for local water utilities

This course covers fundamental knowledge of wastewater and its treatment. The understanding and practical skills gained in completing this course are essential for the effective operation and performance of basic treatment works (for example primarily pond based and trickling filter plants).

Topics covered

• Legislation; collection systems.
• Primary, secondary and tertiary treatment processes.
• Technologies covered in this course include trickling filters, oxidation ponds, aerated lagoons and basic activated sludge processes.

Length of course

This is a 5 day course.

Who should attend?

Sewage treatment works operators, engineers and managers.

Course delivery and assessment

• A 5-day workshop including:
  • worksheets completed in tutorial sessions held during the course.
  • visit(s) to a treatment plant including practical sessions covering operational monitoring and testing.
  • a written theory exam.
• an on-site competency assessment held at the operator's own treatment works.

Resulting qualification

A Certificate of Completion – Basic Wastewater Treatment Operations will be issued by the department to successful candidates. This certificate is applicable for operating a basic wastewater treatment plant (pond and trickling filter based systems). This course is a prerequisite for Part 2 – Advanced Wastewater Treatment Operations course. Details below.

Course details

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

Pre-preparation to attend course

It is strongly recommended that operators have a minimum of 4-6 weeks full time experience on a sewage treatment works prior to attending the course. It is also recommended that operators review the manual and mathematics tutorial examples provided. Course notes will be supplied for course study and future reference.

What is included?

Course notes and on-site examination at the operator's own treatment works. Morning tea and afternoon tea will be provided for the 5 day workshop.

What is not included?

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

How to apply for the course

Complete an online form or download a nomination form 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. 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.

This qualification recognises the attainment of general competencies in water industry treatment specialising in wastewater and covers skills required to monitor, operate and control treatment processes within an advanced wastewater treatment plant (for example activated sludge-based system).

Topics covered

• Basic chemistry.
• Chemical dosing systems (solution feed and dry feed systems) and chemical safety.
• Operation and control of activated sludge systems (continuous and intermittent processes).
• Nutrient removal systems.
• Tertiary treatment systems including disinfection and effluent filtration.
• Operation and control of solids handling and stabilisation treatment systems.
• Testing and sampling for operational control.

Length of course

This is a 5-day course.

Who should attend?

Sewage treatment works operators, engineers, scientists and managers.

The material covered in this course is essential for plants using chemical dosing systems and/or operating biological systems for the control of nitrogen and phosphorus.

Course delivery and assessment

• A 5-day workshop including:
  • worksheets completed in tutorial sessions held during the course.
  • visit(s) to a treatment plant including practical sessions covering operational monitoring and testing.
  • a written exam.
• an on-site competency assessment held at the operator's own treatment works.

Resulting qualification

A Certificate of Completion – Advanced Wastewater Treatment Operations will be issued by the department to successful candidates. This certificate is applicable for operating an advanced wastewater treatment plant (e.g. activated sludge and chemical based dosed systems).

Course details

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

Course pre-requisites

Course pre-requisites include successful completion of the Part 1 - Basic Wastewater Treatment Operations course. Details above.

What is included?

Course notes, workplace visit to the operator's own treatment works and safety equipment (PPE) for workshop practical sessions. Morning tea and afternoon tea will be provided for the 5 day workshop.

What is not included?

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

How to apply for the course

Complete an online form or download a nomination form 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. 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.

This course covers fundamental knowledge and practical skills essential for effective and efficient operation of a comprehensive range of chemical dosing systems.

Topics covered

• Competencies required to operate chemical dosing systems in a water treatment works.
• Understanding of water treatment dosing equipment.
• Knowledge and practical skills essential for day-to-day chemical dosing operations, including disinfection, coagulant, coagulant aids, acid, alkali, activated carbon and oxidants.

Length of course

It includes 5-day face-to-face sessions and an onsite assessment on the trainee’s treatment works.

Who should attend?

Water treatment works operators, engineers and managers.

Course delivery and assessment

The course delivery activities include:

• A 5-day face-to-face workshop including:
  • worksheets completed in tutorial sessions held during the course
  • practical sessions on chemical dosing and testing including Jar Testing
  • visit to a treatment plant including operational monitoring procedures
  • a written exam with mathematics and knowledge components
• an onsite assessment is carried out to check the understanding of the trainee.

Resulting qualification

A Certificate of Completion - Chemical Dosing Systems will be issued by the department to successful candidates. This course is a pre-requisite for the Part 2 – Water Treatment Operations course. Details below.

Course details

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

Pre-preparation to attend course

Candidates should undertake a minimum of 4 weeks full time experience in a treatment plant under the supervision of a senior operator before attending the course. Candidates should also read the training manual and attempt the tutorial examples on mathematics provided. Candidates need to practice maths skills using calculator before coming for the training.

What is included?

Course notes and ongoing support for completion of your project at the operator's own treatment works. Morning tea and afternoon tea will be provided for the 5 days.

What is not included?

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

How to apply for the course

Complete an online form or download a nomination form 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. 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.

This qualification recognises the attainment of general competencies in water industry treatment specialising in drinking water and covers skills required to monitor, operate and control treatment processes within a water treatment plant.

Topics covered

• Competencies required to operate a water treatment works.
• Understanding of water treatment unit processes.
• Knowledge and practical skills essential for the daily operation of treatment works.
• Knowledge to systematically identify and rectify treatment problems.

Course notes will be supplied for pre-course study and future reference.

Length of course

It includes a 5-day face-to-face session, an onsite assessment and completion of a project in the trainee’s treatment works.

Who should attend?

Water treatment works operators, engineers, scientist and managers.

Course delivery and assessment

The course delivery activities include:

• A 5 day face-to-face workshop including:
  • worksheets completed in tutorial sessions held during the course
  • visit to a treatment plant including practical sessions covering operational monitoring and testing
  • practical exam including Jar Testing
  • a written exam on knowledge and maths
• an on-site assessment held at the operator's own treatment works
• a project assignment to be submitted by the trainee (typical duties of an operator in their own treatment works).

Resulting qualification

A Certificate of Completion - Water Treatment Operations will be issued by the department to each successful candidate.

Course details

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

Course pre-requisites

Completion of the Part 1 - Chemical Dosing Systems course. Details above.

What is included?

Course notes, workplace visit to the operator's own treatment works and safety equipment (PPE) for workshop practical sessions. Morning tea and afternoon tea will be provided for the 5 days.

What is not included?

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

How to apply for the course

Complete an online form or download a nomination form 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. 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.

It is essential for all water treatment works operators, supervisors, and water and sewerage managers to understand the current requirements of treatment operations, technology and to regularly update their skills. Under Element 7 of the Framework for Management of Drinking Water Quality (Australian Drinking Water Guidelines), water utilities have an obligation to ensure employee awareness and to provide appropriate training for water treatment works operators, supervisors and managers.

Topics covered

The seminar provides up to date information on current and emerging water treatment and water quality issues and new technologies for the treatment of drinking water.

The seminar is focused on current treatment issues and will involve a site visit, open forum, troubleshooting and workshop sessions and will cover topics such as:

• Drinking Water Quality Management System.
• Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
• Up to date information from recent boil water alerts in NSW.
• Effective disinfection of a water supply.
• Iron and manganese removal.
• Algae and algal toxins.
• Cryptosporidium and Giardia.
• The department Circular LWU18 for maintaining security of water distribution systems.

If you would like to include any other topic, please advise us accordingly. However, ample opportunity will be provided to ask water treatment related questions in the open forum session.

Length of course

This is a 2-day course.

Who should attend?

Water treatment works operators, supervisors and managers. Councils should ensure that all treatment works operators attend at least one update seminar every five years.

Resulting qualification

A Certificate of Attendance will be issued to all participants.

Course details

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

What is included?

Seminar notes and handouts, morning tea and afternoon tea.

What is not included?

Writing material, calculator, safety equipment (PPE), accommodation, other meals not specified and transport to and from the course.

How to apply for the course

Complete an online form or download a nomination form 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. 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.

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 above.

What is included?

Course notes, morning tea and afternoon tea.

What is not included?

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

How to apply for the course

Complete an online form or download a nomination form 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. 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.

The Water Treatment for Engineers course provides knowledge and practical skills for a supervising engineer or manager of water treatment plant.

Topics covered

• Understanding of water treatment processes.
• Treatment chemicals safety.
• Knowledge and skills for the operation of treatment works.
• Knowledge and skills to identify and rectify treatment problems.

Course notes will be supplied for study and future reference.

Length of course

This is a 3-day course.

Who should attend?

Water treatment plant supervising engineers and managers.

Assessments

A short examination will be conducted on the last 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 above.

Pre-preparation to attend course

It is recommended that attendees undertake some experience in a treatment works to familiarise themselves with the treatment process before attending the course and review the supplied training notes.

What is included?

Course notes, morning tea and afternoon tea.

What is not included?

Writing material, calculator, safety equipment (PPE), accommodation, other meals not specified, transport to and from the course.

How to apply for the course

Complete an online form or download a nomination form 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. 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.

NSW local water utilities are required to implement an appropriate liquid trade waste policy; issue an approval under the Local Government Act 1993 for each liquid trade waste discharger to its sewerage system; and to implement best-practice sewerage and trade waste pricing. These requirements comprise the NSW Framework for Regulation of Sewerage and Trade Waste, which is set out in the Liquid Trade Waste Management Guidelines 2021.

This overview course is part of the Liquid Trade Waste Regulation course. More information on the full course can be found below.

On course completion, you’ll understand liquid trade waste regulations and the concurrence process.

Topics covered

• Legislation applicable to trade waste regulation (Self-guided module)
• Wastewater - definition, treatment plants and networks (Self-guided module)
• Council policy for the discharge of liquid trade waste to the sewerage system
• Sewer and liquid trade waste charging overview (Self-guided module)
• Requirements for acceptance of liquid trade waste into the sewerage system
• The concurrence process and completing requests
• Waste pre-treatment processes (Self-guided module)
• Practical demonstration of a LTW approval

Length of course

This is a 9-hour online course delivered over 3 days in MS Teams. Some modules will be required to be completed in your own time.

Who should attend?

Managers and Council officers with involvement in trade waste regulation, council administration staff processing sewerage and trade waste bills or development applications.

Resulting qualification

A Certificate of Participation – Overview of Liquid Trade Waste Regulation will be issued by the department to successful candidates.

Course details

• Day 1 Wednesday 13 August 2025, from 9am to 12pm
• Day 2 Thursday 14 August 2025, from 9am to 12pm
• Day 3 Wednesday 20 August 2025, from 9am to 12pm

What is included?

Liquid Trade Waste Regulation course notes, 3-day online presentation with practical exercises and access to self guided modules.

What is not included?

Face-to-face workshop participation.

How to apply for the course

Complete an online form or download a nomination form 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. 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.

NSW local water utilities are required to implement an appropriate liquid trade waste policy; issue an approval under the Local Government Act 1993 for each liquid trade waste discharger to its sewerage system; and to implement best-practice sewerage and trade waste pricing. These requirements comprise the NSW Framework for Regulation of Sewerage and Trade Waste, which is set out in the Liquid Trade Waste Management Guidelines 2021.

This course allows for the attainment of general competencies in trade waste and covers the skills required in regulations of trade waste.

Topics covered

• Legislation applicable to trade waste regulation (Self-guided module)
• Wastewater - definition, treatment plants and networks (Self-guided module)
• Council policy for the discharge of liquid trade waste to the sewerage system
• Sewer and liquid trade waste charging overview (Self-guided module)
• Requirements for acceptance of liquid trade waste into the sewerage system
• Waste pre-treatment processes (Self-guided module)
• Compliance monitoring and inspection
• Auditing of trade waste discharges
• Investigating trade waste incidents
• Practical demonstration of a LTW approval
• Work health and safety (Self-guided module)

Length of course

This course consists of 12 hours over 4-day online in MS Teams and a 2-day face-to-face workshop. Some modules will be required to be completed in your own time.

Who should attend?

Trade waste officers, environmental health officers, wastewater engineers, other officers involved with assessment, approvals and/or inspections of trade waste discharges.

Course delivery and assessment

The course delivery includes:

• 4-day online training
• Practical exercises completed in tutorial sessions
• Module assessments via online questions and assignments
• 2-day face-to-face workshop.

Resulting qualification

A Certificate of Participation – Liquid Trade Waste Regulation will be issued by the department to successful candidates.

Course details

Online training

• Day 1 Wednesday 13 August 2025, from 9am to 12pm
• Day 2 Thursday 14 August 2025, from 9am to 12pm
• Day 3 Wednesday 20 August 2025, from 9am to 12pm
• Day 4 Thursday 21 August 2025, from 9am to 12pm

Face-to-face workshop

• Albury, Wednesday 17 September and Thursday 18 September 2025

What is included?

Course notes, lunch, morning tea, afternoon tea and transport for the site visits will be provided for the 2-day face-to-face workshop.

What is not included?

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

How to apply for the course

Complete an online form or download a nomination form 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. 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.

It is essential for all local water utility officers involved with trade waste to understand the current requirements of trade waste regulation and to update their skills. Water utilities have an obligation to ensure employee awareness and to provide appropriate training.

Topics covered

The seminar provides up to date information on emerging trade waste issues and treatment technologies.

The complete seminar program will be provided following consultation with LWU officers.

Participants will be given with an opportunity to present any trade waste related topic at the seminar. Also, time will be allocated for open forum sessions.

Length of course

This is a half day seminar.

Who should attend?

Council trade waste officers, environmental health officers, wastewater engineers, other officers involved with assessment, approvals and/or inspections of trade waste discharges, council administration staff processing sewerage and trade waste bills or development applications.

Course details

Online, Thursday 12 June, from 9am to 12pm

What is included?

Seminar notes.

How to apply for the course

Complete an online form or download a nomination form 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. 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.

Fee free training in water operations

Skilled and competent operators are vital to provide essential water and sewerage services in regional NSW and to managing drinking water quality. Currently there is a critical shortage of formally trained water operators in NSW.

We have partnered with Training Services NSW to offer fee-free vocational training placements, across the state to tackle the shortage of skilled water operators in regional areas.

The courses include:

• Full qualifications
  • Certificate II in Water Industry Operations
  • Certificate III in Water Industry Operations
  • Certificate IV in Water Industry Operations
• Part qualifications may be considered including
  • Water sampling and testing
  • Wastewater sampling and testing
  • Water network maintenance
  • Commissioning or re-commissioning water assets.

Course details can be found at Skills NSW.

Local water utilities should ensure that any training is chosen to match the needs of their staff. For advice on how to select the right qualification and units to match your needs contact water.lwutraining@dpie.nsw.gov.au.

Other courses may be funded for staff interested in industry training and for supervisors managing trainees, to understand assessment or to gain presentation skills, literacy and numeracy support and mentoring skills, for example:

• Full qualification
  • Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

Skill sets

• Enterprise Trainer and Assessor
• Workplace Supervisor Skill Set
• Assessor Skill Set
• Statement of Attainment in Training and Assessment (Adult Language, Literacy and Numeracy Skills and Resources/Support for Vocational Foundation Skills).

Training is available across a range of programs including:

• School-based traineeships
• Trade pathways for experienced workers
• Pre-employment skills
• Support programs for Aboriginal students.

How much will it cost students? The program is offering fee free training to reduce barriers for people across regional NSW accessing training and support so it will not cost them anything.

Who is eligible for the placements? The placements are designed to boost training and employment opportunities in regional NSW for school leavers, Aboriginal and First Nations students, new industry entrants and existing water operators.

Where can they do the placements? Training is delivered by approved Registered Training Organisations across a range of locations in NSW. To find out about providers who can deliver training in your area visit Skills NSW.

More information

For more information about training courses, providers and costs, including fee free, visit Skills NSW - Discover and compare courses

We’ll email confirmation of placement in the course.

1. Fees are outlined on the course schedule.
2. Purchase order numbers are to be provided on the registration form. If no purchase order number is provided, the nomination form will be deemed to be a purchase order.
3. An invoice will be issued in accordance with the purchase order.

1. Changes and cancellations: No cancellation fee will apply if a cancellation request is received by email at least two weeks prior to commencement of the course. Changes to nomination must be submitted by email at least two weeks prior to commencement of the course. Acceptance of requested changes is subject to our discretion.
2. Course Termination/Postponement: All courses are subject to minimum participant numbers. While we endeavour to run all courses as scheduled, we reserve the right to cancel or postpone any course. If such action is necessary, we’ll aim to provide reasonable notice and alternative arrangements for registered participants.

Course timetable may vary.

1. All candidates require basic math skills. It can benefit candidates if they have done a basic math skills course before coming to the course.
2. Candidates attending the Part 1 - Chemical Dosing Systems or the Part 1 - Basic Wastewater Treatment Operations courses require a minimum of four weeks full-time experience at a treatment works under supervision.

Delivery of the course does not include any accommodation. Meals (unless specified) and travel to and from the course are the responsibility of the participant’s employer.