RURAL WATER E-NEWS …………………………….……….….……………………………. 4/8/2026
Hands-On PVC Pipe Joining for Water and Wastewater Operators ~ April 15, 2026 ~ WRWA Technology Center, Plover, WI ~ Hands-On PVC Pipe Joining for Water and Wastewater Operators (3 Municipal Water/3 Wastewater Credits) | Wisconsin Rural Water Association
2026 Water Supply Regulatory Affairs Seminar Set for May 6th ~ The annual Regulatory Affairs seminar is set for Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Warner Park in Madison. This year featuring a group discussion on Data Centers-Experiences with Proposed Data Centers. This should be interesting to many that are getting involved with this new phenomenon. See the attachment for registration details.
Gov. Evers Signs Bipartisan Bills to Unlock Over $125 Million to Fight PFAS Contamination Statewide ~ Gov. Tony Evers today signed two bipartisan bills, Assembly Bill 130, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 200, and Assembly Bill 131, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 201, which, together, facilitate the release of the $125 million in stalled PFAS investments. Press Release: Gov. Evers Signs Bipartisan Bills to Unlock Over $125 Million to Fight PFAS Contamination Statewide
EPA’s Water Sector Cybersecurity Evaluation Program is offering FREE cybersecurity assessments for drinking water and wastewater systems. Performing a cybersecurity assessment can reduce the risk of a cyber-attack by up to 45%! This isn’t just a checklist — utilities that participate receive:
• A structured evaluation of potential vulnerabilities
• A risk mitigation template tailored to their system
• Actionable guidance to strengthen overall cybersecurity posture
Request your free assessment here: https://www.epa.gov/cyberwater/forms/epas-water-sector-cybersecurity-evaluation-program
EPA moves to designate microplastics and pharmaceuticals as contaminants in drinking water ~ The Environmental Protection Agency proposed Thursday to include microplastics and pharmaceuticals on a list of contaminants in drinking water for the first time, a step that could lead to new limits on those substances for water utilities. EPA moves to designate microplastics and pharmaceuticals as contaminants in drinking water
More than half way to the moon, the Artemis II astronauts are grappling with a toilet problem ~ The crew of the Orion spacecraft appeared on a live NASA feed and gave the audience a surprise demonstration of dumping their wastewater into space More than half way to the moon, the Artemis II astronauts are grappling with a toilet problem | National and World News | channel3000.com
If you’re planning to take your DNR operator exams in Rice Lake, Plover, or Madison at the end of May ~ be sure your application is postmarked by May 1, 2026. We’ve received reports that some post offices are delaying postmarks until mail reaches a regional processing hub—potentially a day or two after you drop it off. To avoid missing the deadline, plan to send your application early or request a hand-applied postmark at the counter when you mail it.
Wastewater Operator Certification Exam Application (3400-837) [PDF]
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/sites/default/files/topic/OpCert/3400-837_2026_FINAL.pdf
Municipal Waterworks Operator Certification Exam Application (3400-838) [PDF]
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/sites/default/files/topic/OpCert/3400-838_2026_FINAL.pdf
Small Water System Operator Certification Exam Application (3400-839) [PDF]
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/sites/default/files/topic/OpCert/3400-839_2026_FINAL.pdf
Solid Waste Disposal Facility Operator Certification Exam Application (3400-840) [PDF]
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/sites/default/files/topic/OpCert/3400-840_2026_FINAL.pdf
Septage Service Operator Certification Exam Application (3400-841) [PDF]
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/sites/default/files/topic/OpCert/3400-841_2026_FINAL.pdf
Pump Installer Personal License Exam Application (3400-843) [PDF]
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/sites/default/files/topic/OpCert/3400-843_2026_FINAL.pdf
Quote: “Dr. McCoy: Where is the Captain’s Log? Spock: In the captain’s bathroom.” ~ Chris’s first space toilet joke – September 1966