Pump Systems Fundamentals for Water & Wastewater Operators

A practical operator-focused introduction to centrifugal pumping systems commonly encountered in drinking-water and wastewater facilities. The course explains the purpose of a pump system, how suction and discharge conditions affect operation, common indicators of abnormal performance, cavitation awareness, routine observations, and a structured approach to deciding when an issue can be handled through normal operating checks versus when it should be escalated for maintenance.

What you’ll learn

• Identify the main parts and purpose of a basic pumping system.
• Explain how suction conditions, discharge conditions, flow, and head affect pump operation at a practical level.
• Recognize common warning signs of abnormal pump operation, including loss of prime, restricted flow, cavitation symptoms, vibration, leakage, and overheating.
• Apply a simple operator troubleshooting sequence before escalating an equipment problem.
• Distinguish routine observation and operating checks from maintenance tasks that require qualified personnel or facility-specific procedures.

Course outline

1. Course Orientation
2. Section 1 — Pump System Basics
3. Knowledge Check 1
4. Section 2 — Suction, Discharge, Flow and Head
5. Knowledge Check 2
6. Section 3 — Recognizing Abnormal Operation
7. Knowledge Check 3
8. Section 4 — Routine Operator Checks and Escalation
9. Practical Operator Scenario
10. Final assessment

Who this course is for

North Carolina drinking-water and wastewater operators.

Prerequisites: None