Professionals in any water-related industry should pursue wastewater education, water management education and training or farm water management classes to keep up with constantly-changing federal and state regulations concerning water sources. You'll often find that certification in your field requires a certain number of continuing education hours each year, but earning those credits shouldn't be a problem when you consider the many facets of water and wastewater management.

As you explore your options for education in water management, focus your search on the areas in which your skills need the most updating:

1. Stormwater and septic education

2. Solid waste and wastewater training

3. General water management courses

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find a water management training course offered by a private training company

Investigate wastewater and water management schools for working professionals in the field who need continuing education credits. Complete an individual water management class or comprehensive training in agricultural water management, urban storm water management and wastewater treatment. These private water management schools are helpful for professionals who need a general refresher, or those who are just starting out in a specialized area of water management.

I recommend: Review the course offerings at Engitech Inc. Environmental Training and Environmental-Training.com.

Complete wastewater management training geared toward specific industries

Companies which specialize in training in water management these days will often tailor their course offerings to professionals in certain fields. Operations such as livestock feedlots or dairy farms, industrial manufacturing sites and sludge treatment facilities, will all have different concerns when it comes to surface water nonpoint source pollutant management and total maximum daily loads on local water sources. Seek out industrial wastewater management courses that will help your company formulate a specific plan for neutralizing runoff pollutants that could potentially enter public water sources.

I recommend: Use Environmental Protection Agency-approved training sites such as Environmental Expert.com and the Water Education Foundation to find courses that will help you address your specific professional needs.

Utilize federal wastewater and septic training

Perhaps the largest area of need when it comes to water management training is for urban wastewater treatment professionals who need stormwater management and septic training to address the impact of urban areas on groundwater resources. Those needs are being addressed by the federal government, in large part, and you can find inexpensive and free training resources for you and your entire staff through government sites.

I recommend: Visit the water management school run by the Environmental Protection Agency, Watershed Academy. Or, pick up some timely continuing education classes offered by the Texas Engineering Extension Service.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Water management education and training isn't just for water professionals. Farmers, ranchers, golf course managers and park superintendents all need to keep up with changing federal laws that regulate design of such facilities to promote effective runoff containment and nonpoint source pollutant prevention.