Workshop offered for water and wastewater system operators

The Guam Environmental Protection Agency (Guam EPA) in partnership with U.S. EPA and Guam Waterworks Authority is currently offering trainings this week about water and wastewater systems.

The free, one day workshops are being offered to increase the skills and knowledge of those working on Guam’s water and wastewater systems. More than 45 people are registered to take attend the workshop each day. The workshops began today and continue through Friday, March 9.

“These workshops give individuals operating our water and wastewater systems additional knowledge to do their jobs effectively,” said Acting Administrator of Guam EPA, Eric M. Palacios. “We are happy to have so many operators in attendance. This information is key to ensuring our water is safe to drink, and our wastewater is handled in an safe manner that protects our natural resources.”

Attendees are learning about water and wastewater maintenance, the responsibilities of those running the systems and what type of management structures are needed to maintain an effective water system.

There will also be a five day Water and Wastewater Operators Training Workshop from March 19 to March 23. This training is offered to help prepare operators for the upcoming Water and Wastewater Operators Certification Exam. The exam will be offered on Thursday, March 29, 2012. Application forms for this workshop are available from the Safe Drinking Water Program.

The Water and Wastewater Operators Exam is required by Guam Code Annotated Chapter 52. This section requires personnel employed to work on public or private potable water supply or wastewater systems to be certified.

For more information about the Safe Drinking Water Program, or the exams, please contact Angel Marquez at 475-1628 or Tammy Jo Anderson Taft at 475-1646, 988-7582 or email TammyJoAnderson.Taft@epa.guam.gov.