scope:

Preface

A safe, reliable drinking water supply is one of the most important resources for a community. Sufficient quantities of water must always be available at adequate pressure, and the water must be safe for human consumption at all times. A water distribution operator is legally and morally responsible to see that these goals are accomplished.

The distribution operator is typically the first line of contact between the general public and the water utility. Therefore, they must conduct public contacts in a manner that will maintain a good image of the utility and instill customer confidence in the service being provided.

The approach for this fourth edition was to ensure that it included the operator certification knowledge requirements included in the Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) Need-To-Know criteria. In addition, operator requirements for several state certification boards (e.g., California, Pennsylvania, and Texas) were also added where there were differences. Any topics regarding these certification requirements that were not already included in the previous edition of the book were added. All of the numerous references and illustrations were reviewed and updated.

In addition, several new chapters were added to cover topics that have emerged since publication of the last edition. The regulatory review chapter was revised extensively. New chapters were added describing the management approach to distribution system operation and the operational practices operators can use to improve system performance. The disinfection of pipelines and storage facilities is now included as its own chapter. The math calculations that distribution system operators need to know are also included.

The result of these additions and revisions make this book an indispensable companion reference for water distribution system operations personnel. Every water system operator should have a copy to use when preparing for certification exams as well as for everyday use. In order to maintain the publication at a reasonable size, some subjects receive only superficial coverage. However, sources of additional, specific information are available elsewhere. The publications referenced at the end of each chapter are available from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and other sources at nominal cost.

In addition to this book, operators should have an up-to-date copy of their state's public water supply regulations. Although basic requirements for water system operation are dictated by regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act, in many cases states have modified the federal regulations and some may actually be more stringent. Each state also has many additional requirements that can only be found by reviewing the state regulations.

Finally, many thanks are extended to David Plank, Gay Porter DeNileon, and Melissa Valentine at AWWA for their help and support during the publication process. And a special thanks to Marcellus Jones, Jr. for his review of this book.