The Springfield Water and Sewer Commission (Commission) offers up to three scholarships per semester for Introduction to Becoming a Public Water System Operator or Concepts and Practices of Basic Drinking Water Treatment. Successful completion of one of these courses can be the first step towards a new lifelong career!
Scholarships Available for the Following Fall 2025 Courses:
Introduction to Becoming a Public Water System Operator
Course offered by Massachusetts Water Works Association (MWWA)
Fridays, 7:30 AM -11:00 AM via Zoom; September 26, 2025 – October 24, 2025
Introductory course for individuals with little or no drinking water experience; Prepares students for he Grade 1 Treatment and Grade 1 Distribution Water Operator Examinations, and the Very Small System (VSS) Water Operator Examination. Click here for more information.
Concepts and Practices of Basic Drinking Water Treatment
Course offered by Massachusetts Water Works Association (MWWA)
Tuesdays, 7:30 AM -11:00 AM via Zoom; September 23, 2025 – December 16, 2025
Intended for students with some knowledge of the drinking water process and interest in further pursuing a career as a licensed water operator. Course prepares students to sit for the Treatment 2 (T2) water treatment state licensing exam (required to work as a licensed water operator). Click here for more information.
Click here to download the Fall 2025 scholarship application form. Applications due by Friday August 29, 2025.
The scholarship covers the tuition and cost of books (approximately $475 for the Intro Course/$1,100 for Basic Drinking Water Treatment).
Preference will be given to Hampden County residents.
All course participants must have access to a computer with a camera and microphone throughout the entire class.
Download the Application Form
Click here to download the application form.
How to Complete Application
Please review all directions and criteria. Eligible applicants should download and complete an application form. The application includes a short essay. Supporting documents, such as a resume or a separate document for the typed essay, can also be included.
How to Submit Application
Completed applications for the fall 2025 session are due by Friday, August 29, 2025 at 5:00 PM.
On the application select the course you are interested in enrolling in.
Submit your completed application, including any attachments and supporting documents, to the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission via email info@waterandsewer.org.
Application submission by email is strongly encouraged. Mailed applications will be accepted, however, please note that completed application forms must be received by the Commission by the application deadline. The address for mailing applications is Springfield Water and Sewer Commission, PO Box 995, Springfield MA 01101-0995 ATTN: Educational Outreach Manager.
For more information about the scholarship or about the water treatment plant operator profession, please contact the Commission at info@waterandsewer.org.
There is currently a high demand for new drinking water treatment plant operators both in the Springfield region and throughout the state. Drinking water treatment operators run and maintain drinking water treatment plants through the operation of computerized treatment systems as well as hands-on maintenance of mechanical components. Drinking water treatment is a rewarding profession that is ever-responding to new conditions such as climate change, scientific and technological advances, and new governmental regulations. Residents of Western Massachusetts considering or seeking a new career can also look to drinking water treatment as an essential, non-outsourceable profession that offers competitive pay and robust benefits while serving on the front lines for the local community.
More information on the course, water treatment training and licensure, and student testimonials is available here.