Fundamentals of Water Operations (May 2026)

May 7, 2026 - May 28, 2026

The Fundamentals of Water Operations Training is a hands‑on, four‑day introduction to one of the most critical, stable, and impactful career fields in our region. Participants will learn how water systems work and about the essential roles of the people who run them. Each Thursday in May, you’ll tour drinking water, wastewater, and small‑system facilities; try lab and field activities; and get an inside look at the full “river‑to‑tap‑to‑river” cycle. You’ll also learn about the wide range of career paths—from plant operations and lab work to engineering, and Tribal Nation water stewardship—and work directly with experienced operators mentors who will guide you toward internships, summer jobs, and next steps towards certification.

This training is free for its first year only, making it an ideal on‑ramp into a high‑demand, well‑paid profession with strong advancement potential and a community ready to support your success.

Illustrative schedule below - topics and site visits may change

Dates for 2026	Topics	Engaged Learning & Site Visits
May 7	Exploring careers, pathways, opportunities within water operations How do water systems work? The water system cycle, from collections to distribution	Municipal drinking water plant In-class science experiments Mentorship matching
May 14	Tribal Nations water operations and pathways State and federal regulatory frameworks Water operations in practice: wastewater treatment, collections systems and system controls	Santa Rita Water Reclamation Facility
May 21	Small systems fundamentals: how small systems operations differ from large systems Next steps in a water operations career	Small systems tour
May 28	Public and environmental health; public relations and leadership responsibilities in water operations Wrapping up and celebrating completion	Putting knowledge to the test with scenarios and case studies

This Project RUN training is a collaborative effort between FLC@Work, the Fort Lewis Water Center, City of Durango and the La Plata Economic Development Alliance.

Full course description