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Water Workforce Development Tribune
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New Apprenticeship Track Starting in October
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CRWA is launching it's next Water & Wastewater Apprenticeship track in October 2025. This two-year, earn-while-you-learn program combines 4,000 hours of on-the-job training with 307 hours of related technical instruction to prepare apprentices for state certification exams and successful careers in the water industry.
Tracks available include:
- Water Operations Specialist
- Wastewater Operations Specialist
Apprentices will also earn certifications in Backflow Testing, OSHA-10, and more. Tuition is $1,500/year, and financial assistance may be available through county or employer support.
New Track Starts October 14th, 2025
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Upcoming Workforce Trainings
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Water Treatment Certification Review
AWE Water Treatment O&M
Sampling Basics
AB54
Water Treatment Certification Review
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New Training Schedule
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Certification review training with the California Rural Water Association (CRWA) helps water and wastewater professionals prepare for important state exams. These training courses cover key topics like water distribution, water treatment, and wastewater operations in a clear and easy-to-understand way. CRWA instructors have real-world experience and provide helpful tips, study tools, and firsthand examples to make learning easier. This kind of focused training boosts confidence and improves the chances of passing the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) certification exams.
Another benefit of CRWA’s certification review classes is the chance to earn IACET/REHs Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or SWRCB contact hours. These hours are often required to renew state licenses, helping operators stay in good standing. The training also offers a fantastic opportunity to meet and connect with others in the water industry. Whether someone is new to the field or looking to move up in their career, CRWA’s training programs provide the knowledge, support, and resources needed to succeed.
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Farewell Donny Breedlove: Thank You for Your Service to CRWA
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After years of dedicated service, CRWA would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Donny Breedlove, who recently concluded his role as a trainer with the California Rural Water Association.
Donny brought not only technical knowledge but a deep passion for teaching, mentoring, and uplifting water professionals across California. Whether it was leading backflow certification classes, assisting systems with cross-connection safety, or helping to launch CRWA’s first mobile hands-on backflow training unit, Donny approached every project with care and commitment.
His work helped ensure that rural water systems across the state remained compliant, knowledgeable, and supported—and his ability to connect with both new apprentices and seasoned operators made him a trusted and respected figure in the water community.
Thank you, Donny, for your time, your expertise, and your unwavering dedication to CRWA’s mission. You have left a lasting mark on our organization and on the many communities you’ve served. We wish you all the best in your next chapter.
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Distribution Certification Review Class
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On July 9–10, 2025, CRWA had the opportunity to conduct a Distribution 1 & 2 Certification Review class in the beautiful town of Portola, California. The training was hosted at the Gold Mountain Community Services District’s training facility, nestled in the scenic Feather River Valley.
The class included six attendees, whose experience ranged from just six months in the industry to nearly twenty years. The General Manager of Gold Mountain CSD expressed interest in hosting certification review classes on a regular basis—two to four times a year—recognizing the benefit it could bring not only to his staff but to many other nearby systems in the region.
Participants reported feeling significantly more confident and prepared to pass their certification exams by the end of the course. As always, instructor Darin encourages all attendees to reach out via email, text, or phone to share their results after taking the exam.
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Total Coliform Rule and Sampling Techniques Training
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On June 24, Michael Sims with the California Rural Water Association (CRWA) conducted training on the Total Coliform Rule and Sampling Techniques to water system personnel at Morongo Band of Mission Indians Emergency Operations Center. By attending this class, the attendee’s/water operators will receive their Certificate of Completion as a Certified Coliform Sampler as required by Title 22, implemented by the State of California’s Office of Water and the State Water Resources Control Board.
Michael has been with CRWA since 2006, and has conducted training for hundreds, if not thousands, of Operators and Board Members. He also trains with the Apprenticeship Program and works extensively with Source Water Protection, Leak Detection, SUSP, and helps with the Circuit Riding Program with technical assistances and the Department of Water Resources Drought Preparedness, Conservation and Water Efficiency.
As a valued employee with CRWA, Michael goes beyond the call of duty when it comes to assisting our/California’s Rural Water Systems, ensuring the small water system voices are heard and their technical assistance needs met. He is well skilled in determining the system needs and serves as an expert on issues that plague these small systems.
Future classes to look forward to and register for are the Boil Water Order Class projected for December 2025, date to be announced, which will be held at the Mojave Water Agency.
Michael will also be instructing on Conservation through Metering and Automation with Mapping, in conjunction with iFlow at the Mojave Water Agency on September 3, 2025.
Please contact CRWA to register for these classes and to find out what other classes are offered in other locations. And, if your system needs technical assistance, please let us know. CRWA and its employees are here to help meet your needs.
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Palomar Mountain Mutual Water Company
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 | On July 3, 2025, the California Rural Water Association (CRWA) Circuit Rider Abel Silva responded to an urgent technical assistance request from the Palomar Mountain County Water District (PMCWD) in San Diego County, which reported a critical water loss of approximately 55,000 gallons per day over four days, risking depletion of its water supply. PMCWD, established in 1925, serves 195 service connections with two wells and four storage tanks (one 40,000-gallon and three 10,000-gallon tanks, totaling 70,000 gallons), and its pumps were operating at maximum capacity to maintain service. Silva, working with PMCWD technician Justin Davis, conducted a systematic leak audit using visual inspections and an FCS Touch Pro ground microphone. The investigation identified a minor leak on the Cal Fire property, which was insufficient to account for the reported loss. With further investigation a significant rupture in a 3-inch PVC main line was detected by a loud rumbling sound and a visible stream of water emerging from the ground. The main line was repaired on July 4, 2025, restoring storage tank levels to optimal capacity and saving an estimated $11,500 in avoided costs, while the Cal Fire leak awaits repair pending approval from San Diego County Fire. The swift intervention by the CRWA Circuit Rider program stabilized PMCWD’s system, underscoring the critical role of technical assistance in rural water districts and the importance of ongoing maintenance and training to ensure long-term reliability. |
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