Join the Rural Indigenous Committee for their next meeting on July 1, 2026 at 1:00pm PHX/MST.
Registration or questions: casandrastouder@gmail.com
Water Distribution-Level 1 Operator Certification Training Course, in Flagstaff, Arizona, March 30 – April 10, 2026, (Event ID #26002-blended) (REG. FULL)
Water Distribution-Level 1 Operator Certification Training Course, in Flagstaff, Arizona, March 30 – April 10, 2026, (Event ID #26002-blended) *REGISTRATION FULL*
Part 1 Meets: Monday through Friday (On-Line)
Dates: March 30 – April 3, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST)
Part 2 Meets: Monday through Friday (In-Person)
Dates: April 6 – 10, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Local Time)
Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
Click here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click here: Electronic Registration - FULL
Click here: Application for Water Certification
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 1: Federal Regulations Exam Module for Water Distribution
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 2: Water Distribution Operator Class I
How Comprehensive Community Planning Helps Tribes
Planning can empower tribal governments to make informed decisions about issues in their tribes based on discussions with stakeholders in their community. It can ensure that issues are understood and that priorities can be agreed upon, and create an appreciation for how issues are related to each other. When tribal citizens participate in the government’s planning process, it can help a tribe to unify around a particular goal. A cohesive and unified tribal nation can foster a stronger environment for economic opportunities for all segments of its society.
Tribal Utility Management Certification Training Course, in Billings, Montana, August 31 – September 11, 2026, (Event ID #26003-blended)
Tribal Utility Management Certification Training Course, in Billings, Montana,
August 31 – September 11, 2026, (Event ID #26003-blended)
Part 1 Meets: Monday through Friday (on-line)
Dates: August 31st – September 4th, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Pacific Daylight Time)
Part 2 Meets: Monday through Friday (in-person)
Dates: September 7th – 11th, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Local Time)
Location: TBD
Click here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click here: Electronic Registration
Click here: Application for Tribal Utility Management
Click here: Need to Know for Exam: Tribal Utility Management
Water Treatment-Level 1 Operator Certification Training Course, in Yuma, Arizona, May 4-15, 2026, (Event ID #26004-blended)
Water Treatment-Level 1 Operator Certification Training Course, in Yuma, AZ, May 4-15, 2026, (Event ID #26004-blended)
Part 1 meets: Monday through Friday (on-line)
Dates: May 4-8, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST)
Part 2 meets: Monday through Friday (in-person)
Dates: May 11-15, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Local Time)
Click here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click here: Electronic Registration
Click here: Application for Water Certification
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 1: Federal Regulations Exam Module for Water Treatment
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 2: Water Treatment Operator Class I
3Ts for Sampling Tribal School and Childcare Facility Drinking Water for Lead Live On-line Training Course, May 28, 2026, (Event ID #26101)
3Ts for Sampling Tribal School and Childcare Facility Drinking Water for Lead Live On-line Training Course, May 28, 2026, (Event ID #26101)
Meets: On-line
Dates: May 28, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. Pacific Time
Water Treatment-Levels 2 & 3 Operator Certification Training Course, in Billings, Montana, June 15-26, 2026, (Event ID #26005-blended)
Water Treatment – Levels 2 & 3 Operator Certification Training Course, in Billings, Montana, June 15-26, 2026, (Event ID #26005-blended)
Part 1 meets: Monday through Thursday (on-line)
Dates: June 15 – 18, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST)
Part 2 meets: Monday through Friday (in-person)
Dates: June 22 – 26, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Local Time)
Click here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click here: Electronic Registration
Click here: Application for Water Certification
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 1: Federal Regulations Exam Module for Water Treatment
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 2: Water Treatment Operator (Class II or Class III)
Wastewater Treatment-Level 1 Operator Certification Training Course, in Camp Verde, Arizona, August 17-28, 2026, (Event ID #26006-blended)
Wastewater Treatment-Level 1 Operator Certification Training Course, in Camp Verde, Arizona, August 17-28, 2026, (Event ID #26006-blended)
Part 1 Meets: Monday through Friday (on-line)
Dates: August 17-21, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST)
Part 2 Meets: Monday through Friday (in-person)
Dates: August 24-28, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Local Time)
Location: Camp Verde, Arizona
Click here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click here: Electronic Registration
Click here: Application for Wastewater Certification
Click here: Need to Know for Exam: Wastewater Treatment Operator Class I
Wastewater Lagoons Training Course, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, June 15-26th, 2026, (ID #26008-blended)
Wastewater Lagoons Operator Certification Training Course, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, June 15-26, 2026, (Event ID #26008-blended)
Part 1 Meets: Monday through Thursday (on-line)
Dates: June 15-18, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST)
Part 2 Meets: Monday through Friday (in-person)
Dates: June 22-26, 2026
Time: Monday–Thursday | 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Friday | 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (Local Time)
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Click here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click here: Electronic Registration
Click here: Application for Wastewater Certification
Click here: Need to Know for ITCA Wastewater Lagoons Exam
Water Distribution-Level 1 Operator Certification Training Course, in Flagstaff, Arizona, July 6 – 17, 2026, (Event ID #26009-blended)(REG. FULL)
Water Distribution-Level 1 Operator Certification Training Course, in Flagstaff, Arizona, July 6 – 17, 2026, (Event ID #26009-blended) *REGISTRATION FULL*
Part 1 Meets: Monday through Friday (On-Line)
Dates: July 6 – 10, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST)
Part 2 Meets: Monday through Friday (In-Person)
Dates: July 13 -17, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Local Time)
Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
Click here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click here: Electronic Registration – FULL
Click here: Application for Water Certification
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 1: Federal Regulations Exam Module for Water Distribution
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 2: Water Distribution Operator Class I
Cross-Connection & Backflow Prevention Certification Training Course, in Tempe, Arizona, June 22-26, 2026, (Event ID #26010, in-person)(REG. FULL)
Cross-Connection & Backflow Prevention Certification Training Course, in Tempe, Arizona, June 22-26, 2026, (Event ID #26010, in-person) *REGISTRATION FULL*
In-person meets: Monday through Friday
Dates: June 22 – 26, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Local Time)
Optional Exam Session: Hands-on Practical Exam
Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Click here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click here: Electronic Registration - FULL
Water Treatment-Level 1 Operator Certification Training Course, in Portland, Oregon, September 28-October 9, 2026, (Event ID #26020-blended)
Water Treatment-Level 1 Operator Certification Training Course, in Portland, Oregon, September 28-October 9, 2026, (Event ID #26020-blended)
Part 1 meets: Monday through Friday (on-line)
Dates: September 28-October 2, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST)
Part 2 meets: Monday through Friday (in-person)
Dates: October 5-9, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Local Time)
Click here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click here: Electronic Registration
Click here: Application for Water Certification
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 1: Federal Regulations Exam Module for Water Treatment
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 2: Water Treatment Operator Class I
Water Distribution-Level 1 Operator Certification Training Course, in Eureka, California, August 10 – 21, 2026, (Event ID #26012-blended)
Water Distribution-Level 1 Operator Certification Training Course, in Eureka, California, August 10 – 21, 2026, (Event ID #26012-blended)
Part 1 Meets: Monday through Friday (On-Line)
Dates: August 10 – 14, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST)
Part 2 Meets: Monday through Friday (In-Person)
Dates: August 17-21, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Local Time)
Location: Eureka, California
Click here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click here: Electronic Registration
Click here: Application for Water Certification
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 1: Federal Regulations Exam Module for Water Distribution
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 2: Water Distribution Operator Class I
Asset Management & Utility Finance Training Course, in Phoenix, Arizona, August 11 – 13, 2026, (Event ID #26011-in-person)
Asset Management & Utility Finance Training Course, in Phoenix, Arizona,
August 11 – 13, 2026, (Event ID #26011-in-person)
Meets: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (in-person)
Dates: August 11 – 13, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Local Time)
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Click here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click here: Electronic Registration
Water Distribution – Levels 2 & 3 Operator Certification Training Course, in Bernalillo, New Mexico, July 27 – August 7, 2026, (Event ID #26013-blended)
Water Distribution – Levels 2 & 3 Operator Certification Training Course, in Bernalillo, New Mexico, July 27 – August 7, 2026, (Event ID #26013-blended)
Part 1 meets: Monday through Friday (on-line)
Dates: July 27 – 31, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST)
Part 2 meets: Monday through Friday (in-person)
Dates: August 3 – 7, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Local Time)
Location: Bernalillo, New Mexico
Click here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click here: Electronic Registration
Click here: Application for Water Certification
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 1: Federal Regulations Exam Module for Water Distribution
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 2: Water Distribution Operator (Class II or Class III)
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Federal Regulations Training Course, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, June 30 – July 10, 2026 (Event ID #26014-Blended)
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Federal Regulations Training Course & Operator Certification Exam Sessions, in Santa Fe, NM, June 30 – July 10, 2026 (Event ID #26014-blended)
Part 1 meets: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (on-line)
Dates: June 30, July 1, and July 2, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST)
Part 2 meets: Monday through Friday (in-person)
Dates: July 6 – 10, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Local Time
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Click Here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click Here: Electronic Registration
Click Here: Application for Water Operator Certification
Click Here: Need to Know for Water DISTRIBUTION FedReg Exam
Click Here: Need to Know for Water TREATMENT FedReg Exam
National Workgroup Summit for Personnel of Tribal Water & Wastewater Utilities, September 14-18, 2026, in Mesa, Arizona (Event ID #26015-18, in-person)
National Workgroup Summit for Personnel of Tribal Water & Wastewater Utilities, September 14-18, 2026, in Mesa, Arizona (Event ID #26015-18, in-person)
- Training for Personnel of Tribal Water/Wastewater Utilities
- Water/Wastewater Federal Regulations Training Workshops
- Utility Resilience Training Workshops
- Utility Management & Finance Training Workshops
- 2026 Operator of the Year Award Ceremony
- Operator Certification Paper-Booklet Exam Session
- Travel Expense Reimbursement Stipends Available
Meets: Monday through Friday (in-person)
Dates: September 14-18, 2026
Times: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (local time)
Location: Mesa, Arizona
Description
Since 1983, the Tribal Water & Wastewater Utilities Workgroup meetings have been a forum for personnel of Tribal water and wastewater utilities to share ideas and concerns with peers, attend short training sessions, and contribute directly to the continuing development and planning of the certification, training, and technical assistance services provided by the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. (ITCA).
As professional water/wastewater utility and environmental staff, your feedback is vital to maintaining the quality and effectiveness of the National Tribal Water & Wastewater Operator Certification Program at ITCA. You are encouraged to participate in the roundtable sharing session and bring ideas or suggestions to the meeting. The ITCA Program is your program and all input and suggestions are welcomed. The Tribal Water Utilities Workgroup meetings help ensure that these services are genuinely “by tribes and for tribes.”
Click here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click here: Electronic Registration
Click here: Application for Certification and Need to Know Exam Criteria
Addressing Maternal Health Disparities in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities
American Indian and Alaska Native women face maternal mortality rates two to three times higher than white women, driven by systemic inequities and under-resourced care. Over 90% of these deaths—often linked to mental health and hemorrhage—were preventable, underscoring the urgent need for culturally competent, data-informed solutions.
Addressing Maternal Health Disparities in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities
Nomination Request for the 2026 Operator of the Year
Nomination Request for the 2026 Operator of the Year Award for Personnel of Tribal Water/Wastewater Systems
Have you noticed a dedicated water/wastewater operator working in Indian Country who:
- Goes above and beyond assigned job duties?
- Lends support to co-workers or staff members?
- Provides assistance to another utility?
- Volunteers within the community?
- Consistently goes the extra mile?
Here is your chance to recognize and celebrate the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of Tribal water and wastewater personnel who safeguard public health and the environment. The Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. (ITCA), through its National Tribal Water Systems Programs, is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Operator of the Year Award, honoring outstanding professionals serving Tribal communities across Indian Country.
A committee of volunteer Tribal water and wastewater operators will review the nominations and select the recipient of the 2026 Operator of the Year Award. All nominees and the selected winner will be announced and formally recognized at the Awards Ceremony on September 18, 2026, held during the National Tribal Water Utilities Workgroup Meeting.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for nomination:
- The nominee must currently work at a Tribal water or wastewater system serving fewer than 5,501 people.
- The system must be located on Federal Trust Tribal lands (Indian reservations) within the ITCA National Tribal Water Systems Programs service area, which includes United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Regions 5 through 10.
- A utility manager may be nominated if they consistently perform the day-to-day operations and maintenance duties of a small, rural Tribal water or wastewater system.
Nominations that do not meet the eligibility criteria may be determined ineligible during the pre-screening process.
Nomination Deadline: July 10, 2026
How to Nominate an Operator
Complete the attached Nomination Form and return it to ITCA by one of the following methods:
Email: TWSInfo@itcaonline.com
Fax: (602) 258-4825, or
Mail: Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc.
NATIONAL TRIBAL WATER SYSTEMS PROGRAMS
Attention: Anisa Flores
2214 North Central Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
Click Here: 2026 Operator of the Year Nomination Packet
Click Here: USEPA Regional Map
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Federal Regulations Training Course & Operator Certification Exam Sessions, in Parker, Arizona, September 30-October 9, 2026 (Event ID #26019-blended)
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Federal Regulations Training Course & Operator Certification Exam Sessions, in Parker, Arizona, September 30-October 9, 2026 (Event ID #26019-blended)
Part 1 meets: Wednesday through Friday (on-line)
Dates: September 30-October 2, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST)
Part 2 meets: Monday through Friday (in-person)
Dates: October 5-9, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Local Time
Location: Parker, Arizona
Click Here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click Here: Electronic Registration
Click Here: Application for Water Operator Certification
Click Here: Need to Know for Water DISTRIBUTION FedReg Exam
Click Here: Need to Know for Water TREATMENT FedReg Exam
Water Operator Math Live On-line Training Course, November 30-December 11, 2026, (Event ID #26021)
Math for Drinking Water Operators Live On-line Training Course, November 30-December 11, 2026, (Event ID #26021)
Meets: Sequential Lessons Daily (on-line)
Dates: November 30, December 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 (in 2026)
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST)
Click here: Electronic Registration
Request for Public Comment – WIC
Do you have thoughts or feedback about WIC?
Each year, ITCA WIC develops a plan for providing services. The plan explains how the federal WIC funds will be used to provide healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to other services to qualified families served by ITCA local agencies in Arizona. As ITCA works on refining the program plan for next year, you are invited to submit your comments on WIC services. Please share your comments on:
- What changes are needed to ITCA WIC services?
- Are there any unmet needs or barriers for families that may qualify for WIC or are participating in WIC?
- What changes are needed to authorized foods or the food package?
How to submit comments:
E-mail: WICadmin@itcaonline.com
Mail:
ITCA WIC
Attn: WIC Director
2214 N. Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Comments provided before June 30, 2026, will be considered in the planning process. WIC is a federally funded nutrition program for income eligible pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children under the age of five. To learn more about ITCA WIC, go to: http://www.itcaonline.com/wic.
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
1. mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
2. fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
3. email:
program.intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
The Need to Do More Than Screen
A Mother’s Story: Beyond the Checklist
Emily Johnson’s story sheds light on Postpartum Anxiety and suicidal thoughts and how screening alone isn’t alone isn’t enough. Her experience highlights the urgent need for invlusive, culturally responsive mental health care that truly supports all birthing people. Read her story.
A Mother’s Story: Postpartum Anxiety and Suicidal Thoughts and the Need to Do More Than Screen
Indian Health Service access and health insurance coverage associated with higher quality perinatal care among American Indian and Alaska Native people
A new School of Public Health study finds that perinatal care among AI/AN people is insufficient for many, but access to Indian Health Service care and health insurance coverage may help.
Water Distribution-Level 1 Operator Certification Training Course, in Camp Verde, Arizona, March 17-28, 2025, (Event ID #25003-blended), Region 9 Priority
Water Distribution-Level 1 Operator Certification Training Course, in Camp Verde, Arizona, March 17-28, 2025, (Event ID #25003-blended), Region 9 Priority
Part 1 Meets: Monday through Friday (on-line)
Dates: March 17-21, 2025
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Pacific Daylight Time)
Part 2 Meets: Monday through Friday (in-person)
Dates: March 24-28, 2025
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Local Time)
Location: Camp Verde, Arizona
Click here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click here: Electronic Registration
Click here: Application for Water Certification
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 1: Federal Regulations Exam Module for Water Distribution
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 2: Water Treatment Operator Class I
