New Mexico Rural Water Association
ERG Training Program Ends on 7/1/10
Some of NMRWA's current training classes are implemented with grant funding (ERG) from the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) - Drinking Water Bureau, which allows reimbursement for eligible training expenses. Mileage reimbursement for qualified students is possible, and in some cases, reimbursement for lodging and meal expenses. Eligible classes are those trainings sponsored by NMED and marked * on on our Training Schedule and the application forms are at the bottom of this page.
This program is specifically targeted to small system water operators - this means systems serving less than 3,301 persons, according to the USEPA definition. Only small system operators of community water systems (CWS) and non-transient, non-community water systems (NTNCWS) are eligible for expense reimbursement. A primary goal of the program is to increase the number of systems with certified operators in New Mexico. Training will focus on the following water certification levels: Small System, Advanced Small System, Water Class 1, Water Class 2, and Water Sampling Technician.
Training sessions will be free and located throughout the state in order to be as convenient as possible for operators and aspiring operators. Instructors will provide course material on CD free of charge to students. Mock exam sessions will be held in order to give students the test-taking skills they need to successfully pass the certification exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will all NMRWA training sessions be eligible for
reimbursement?
No, only classes sponsored by NMED are eligible. NMRWA
will continue to offer training sessions under other programs, which cannot
qualify for reimbursement. Eligible classes are marked with * on on our Training Schedule.
Who is eligible for reimbursement?
Water system operators or persons seeking their certification may submit
eligible expenses for reimbursement. Students must be attending the classes
on behalf of a water system serving less than 3,301 persons. Tribal water
system representatives are eligible.
What expenses are eligible for reimbursement?
Persons meeting the above criteria may be reimbursed for mileage to and
from the training session only. Mileage will be determined using map miles
from your house (or other point of origin) to the training session. Only
one person per vehicle may claim mileage expenses - if you carpool to the
training, only one of you can be reimbursed! Mileage reimbursement is
currently set at $0.40 per mile.
Unpaid volunteer operators or system representatives may also receive reimbursement for actual meal and lodging expenses, up to limits set by the State. For most areas, lodging expenses may not exceed $85 per night (including all taxes and fees), and meal expenses may not exceed $30 per day. These expenses will reimbursed based on actual costs - so you must provide receipts showing the amount you spent on meals and lodging!
We will also be providing reimbursement for certification exam fees for all eligible salaried and unpaid operators or system representatives. You may receive reimbursement for exam fees up to three times from this program.
A complete set of rules covering expense reimbursement is available at the training sessions and at the bottom of this page.
How many people can each system send to the training sessions?
Anyone may attend the training sessions and receive operator
certification credit, depending on space limitations. Only two persons per
eligible water system may receive reimbursement.
Do I have to attend the entire training session to receive
reimbursement?
Yes. Some sessions are multi-day sessions. You must be present for all
portions of the class, or you will not be eligible for reimbursement of
expenses. You will still receive operator certification credits for the
hours you are in attendance, if you cannot stay for the entire training
session. We are required to enforce this provision of the program, so be
sure you make it back on time from lunch!
How long will it take to receive my reimbursement check?
All paperwork will be submitted to NMRWA and we request
reimbursement from NMED at the beginning of each month. Upon approving our
invoice, NMED will issue us a check. We are not allowed to reimbursement
anyone before receiving payment from NMED. All checks will be issued by
NMRWA to the address you give us on the reimbursement form. Realistically,
this process can take up to two or more months.
What happens if I lose my receipts or I cannot complete the
paperwork?
No exceptions or allowances will be made for incomplete or incorrect
applications. Receipts must be originals, so hang on to your receipts! NMRWA staff will make every effort to assist you in completing the paperwork correctly. It is your
responsibility to read and follow the rules.
Who should I contact if I have more questions?
Ron Schwarzwalder is the trainer for this program and Susanne Lischer is the Training Coordinator. They can be reached by calling the office at 1-800-819-9893.
Registration for Classes
Please call the office or use the online form to register for classes.
Program Forms
 |
Operator Expense Reimbursement Form |
|
Rules for Operator Certification Expense Reimbursement Program |
|
List of Eligible Water Systems under 3,300 Population |
|
Training Session Evaluation Form |
Training Topics
Operator Certification Fundamentals - this course will teach participants the skills and knowledge that they need to successfully pass the operator certification exam. Instructors will provide study materials on CD, and will work with individual students as necessary to increase proficiency. The length of the course is 2.5 days.
Mock Exam Sessions - training sessions will familiarize students with the "Need to Know" exam criteria and develop test-taking skills. This half day session is held at the end of the Operator Certification Fundamentals course.
Continuing Education for Operators - one day "certification renewal" courses are offered to operators seeking credits to renew their certifications. These training sessions will be similar to the sessions currently offered by NMRWA. Courses titles: Basics of Disinfection, Distribution Systems, Operator Certification Refresher.
Ground Water Rule - one day course covers all the ins and outs of the EPA's Ground Water Rule and how this rule is interpreted and regulated by NMED.
Water System Math - this half day course will assist operators in complying with the mathematics needed for disinfection, flow rates, and other water-related calculations.
Water System Security - this half day course will discuss how to protect water systems from accidental contamination, vandalism, and terrorist acts.