ISWS supports professionals working across the water sector — from public health staff and small system operators to researchers and state agencies. Our training programs help ensure that drinking water and wastewater system managers keep safety, sustainability, and community health in mind.
ISWS leads three national education programs: Water Operator, Private Well Class, and Decentralized Wastewater.
Water Operator
WaterOperator.org is a national resource hub for small system operators. Each year, the site aggregates over 11,000 training events and more than 17,000 free resources from hundreds of organizations, making it easy for operators to stay current on best practices, regulations, and technical updates.
Online Courses
Through a contract with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, WaterOperator.org offers self-paced online classes that provide license renewal credit for water operators in Massachusetts and select other states. Current classes include:
- Source Water Protection in Massachusetts
- Groundwater and Well Care for Public Water Systems
- Basic Cybersecurity Measures for Water and Wastewater Systems in Massachusetts
All courses are free, and additional offerings are under development.
Private Well Class
The Private Well Class offers free online and in-person training for environmental health professionals and others who work with private well owners. Continuing education credit is available through:
- The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA)
- The Illinois Licensed Environmental Health Practitioner (LEHP) program
Credits are available for attending webinars and the annual Private Well Conference.
Private Well Help Center
Operated through PrivateWellClass.org, the Private Well Help Center provides technical assistance for professionals fielding questions from residents or working with private water systems. The Help Center offers searchable FAQs around the clock, with live chat and hotline support available during business hours.
Private Well Hotline: 866-945-0699
Supporting private well owners in your community? Share our Water Wells page for homeowner-facing guidance, records, and self-paced training.
Decentralized Wastewater
DecentralizedWastewater.org supports wastewater professionals through curated training, technical resources, and policy updates. The program promotes sustainable wastewater management to protect environmental health, with a focus on accessibility and education for areas not served by centralized systems.
Learn More
ISWS programs are designed to strengthen the knowledge and tools of those working to protect water resources. Whether guiding private well owners or managing a small public system, you will find resources to support your work. For public-facing materials and records requests, visit our Water Wells page.