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Monday, October 7, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. This optional free pre-conference workshop is open to all operators. Separate registration is required!
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Tuesday, October 8, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 9, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00
p.m.
Rooms 230, 232 and 234
Wastewater Certification Review Session
MDEQ Staff
No CECs
This session prepares operators to take the certification exam. The certification exam will be offered at the conference on Thursday, October 10, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Note: Operators participating in the review session must (a) register for the Fall Water School and (b) register to take the exam directly through MDEQ before attending the review session.
Tuesday, October 8, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 9, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00
p.m.
Ballroom B and C
Water Certification Review Session
MDEQ Staff
No CECs
This session prepares operators to take the certification exam. The certification exam will be offered at the conference on Thursday, October 10, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Note: Operators participating in the review session must (a) register for the Fall Water School and (b) register to take the exam directly through MDEQ before attending the review session.
Tuesday, October 8, 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Ballroom A
Opening General Session: Things Every Operator Should Know
Speaker: Lisa Kaufman, MDEQ
0.1 Dual CECs
Join the opening general session to hear and learn about water school training opportunities and a review from MDEQ staff about the roles and responsibilities all operators must protect their communities and public health.
Tuesday, October 8, 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Ballroom A
Hach Training: Portable Turbidity with EPA Method 180.1
Jon Thomas, Hach Company Senior Learning Facilitator
0.1 Dual CECs
This one-hour training seminar addresses portable turbidity analysis with EPA Method 180.1. Students will learn about the theory of nephelometry, sampling techniques, analysis techniques, and how to operate a portable turbidimeter (Hach 2100Q) through presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences.
Tuesday, October 8, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Ballroom A
Hach Training: Laboratory Turbidity with EPA Method 180.1
Jon Thomas, Hach Company Senior Learning Facilitator
0.2 Dual CECs
This two-hour training seminar addresses laboratory turbidity analysis with EPA Method 180.1. Students will learn about the theory of nephelometry, sampling techniques, analysis techniques, and how to operate a portable turbidimeter (Hach TL2300) through presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences.
Tuesday, October 8, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Ballroom A
Hach Training: Laboratory Turbidity with EPA-Approved Hach Method 10258
Jon Thomas, Hach Company Senior Learning Facilitator
0.2 Dual CECs
This two-hour training seminar addresses online turbidity analysis with EPA-approved Hach Method 10258. Students will learn about the theory of nephelometry and how to operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot an online turbidimeter (Hach TU5200) through presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences.
Tuesday, October 8, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Ballroom A
Hach Training: Process Turbidity with EPA-Approved Hach Method 10258
Jon Thomas, Hach Company Senior Learning Facilitator
0.2 Dual CECs
This two-hour training seminar addresses process turbidity analysis with EPA Approved Hach Method 10258. Students will learn about the theory of nephelometry and how to operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot an online turbidimeter (Hach TU5400sc with sc4500). Students will learn via presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences.
Tuesday, October 8, 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Ballroom D
Chinook Water System Lessons Learned
Jeff Ashley, Morrison-Maierle
0.1 Water CECs
A review of the lessons learned during the design, construction, and operation of the Chinook, Montana, water system.
Tuesday, October 8, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Ballroom D
Thompson Falls Wastewater System Lessons Learned
Carrie Gardner and Paul Karcher, Great West Engineering
0.1 Wastewater CECs
A review of the lessons learned during the design, construction, and operation of the Thompson Falls, Montana, wastewater system.
Tuesday, October 8, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Ballroom D
Sun Prairie Village Wastewater System Lessons Learned
Craig Nowak, Morrison-Maierle
0.1 Wastewater CECs
Sun Prairie Village is a rural subdivision eight miles west of Great Falls in Cascade County. The subdivision is primarily residential, with a population exceeding 1200 residents. The Sun Prairie Village County Water and Sewer District provides water and sanitary sewer service. The water and sewer infrastructure were constructed in the mid-1970s. The wastewater system includes 35,000 feet of collection piping, two lift stations, and a treatment facility. This presentation highlights the project from initial development through construction and a few months of treatment performance. This entails the Preliminary Engineering Report, funding acquisition and some funding luck, site challenges, extraordinary designs, construction challenges, and equipment acquisition challenges.
Tuesday, October 8, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Ballroom D
Lagoon Treatment Processes and Interactive Process Troubleshooting
Rika Lashley, Morrison-Maierle
0.2 Wastewater CECs
This Workshop consists of two parts. Part 1 will cover the primary biological treatment processes occurring in a wastewater treatment lagoon system, including BOD removal, nitrification, denitrification, and sludge processes. Primary tools for assessing lagoon process health and responding to upsets will be described. Part 2 will occur in small groups that will work on diagnosis and response strategies to unhealthy or undesirable lagoon conditions as obtained from case studies. Guidance will be provided throughout the group work phase, and a summary of all case studies will be provided at the end.
Tuesday, October 8, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Ballroom D
Collection Systems and Lift Stations
AWWA Training Services
0.2 Wastewater CECs
Collection systems are crucial for transporting wastewater to treatment facilities, emphasizing the need for meticulous operation to prevent blockages, I&I, and overflows. Lift stations are an important system component used to pump wastewater to higher elevations. Central to lift stations are pumps whose components require regular maintenance to ensure optimal functioning. Proper maintenance, including routine inspections and addressing wear and tear, is vital for sustaining pump longevity and preventing disruptions in the wastewater transport process.
Tuesday, October 8, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Procrastinator Theater
MDEQ Water Quality Regulatory Update
Tatiana Davila, MDEQ
0.1 Wastewater CECs
This session will review current and proposed drinking water quality regulations and guidance.
Tuesday, October 8, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Procrastinator Theater
MDEQ Water Regulatory Update
Gino Pizina and Dianne Jordan, Morrison-Maierle
0.1 Water CECs
This session will review current and proposed drinking water regulations and guidance.
Tuesday, October 8, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Procrastinator Theater
Filter Operations
AWWA Training Services
0.2 Water CECs
Filter Operations provides training on the operation and maintenance of filtration systems essential for ensuring safe drinking water. Attendees will learn about various filters, such as rapid sand and multimedia filters, focusing on their operation and performance optimization principles. The course covers maintenance practices, including routine inspections, backwashing procedures, and troubleshooting common issues to maximize filter efficiency and longevity. At the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain reliable drinking water filtration systems in compliance with regulatory standards.
Tuesday, October 8, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Procrastinator Theater
Water Storage Tank Operation and Maintenance
AWWA Training Services
0.2 Water CECs
Water storage tanks are a water distribution system's most visible and valuable assets. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting potable water tanks is imperative to providing safe drinking water that meets federal and state regulations.
Tuesday, October 8, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Room 233
“What the ...?”
Jason Fladland, MDEQ
0.1 Dual CECs
Historical pictures of what can go wrong and how to respond.
Tuesday, October 8, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Room 233
Critical Decisions
Michael Kropp, MDEQ
0.1 Dual CECs
Tools to manage critical decision-making in water and wastewater systems.
Tuesday, October 8, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Room 233
Your Comprehensive Financial Plan: Proactive Reserve and Rate Strategy
David Carlson, AE2S
0.1 Dual CECs
Financial planning fundamentals for water and wastewater systems.
Tuesday, October 8, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Room 233
How Can We Afford This?
Autumn Coleman, DNRC Conservation Resource Development Division
0.1 Dual CECs
Lessons learned from historic investments in water and sewer infrastructure in Montana.
Tuesday, October 8, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Room 233
GIS Mapping and Applications to Asset Management
Devin Beal, State Field Manager, Montana Midwest Assistance Program (MAP)
0.2 Dual CECs
This session will explore the use of GIS to map utility infrastructure and its connection to asset management. It will also include a demonstration of GIS equipment and data collection.
Tuesday, October 8, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Room 235
Analyzing and Improving Pump Performance
Chad Morgan, Peak Water Services
0.4 Dual CECs
The workshop will provide advanced training in analyzing and troubleshooting pumps and rotating equipment used in water and wastewater systems. This hands-on workshop will provide operators with information to improve the performance, efficiency, and longevity of critical process equipment. Note: This workshop will be repeated on Wednesday, October 9, from 8:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. in Ballroom D.
Wednesday, October 9, 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Ballroom A
Hach Training: Portable Chlorine with Photometry
Jon Thomas, Hach Company Senior Learning Facilitator
0.2 Dual CECs
This two-hour training seminar addresses portable chlorine analysis. Students will learn about the theory of photometry, sampling techniques, analysis techniques, quality control with standard solutions, and how to operate a portable colorimeter (Hach DR300) through presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences.
Wednesday, October 9, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Ballroom A
Hach Training: Process Chlorine with Photometry
Jon Thomas, Hach Company Senior Learning Facilitator
0.2 Dual CECs
This two-hour training seminar addresses process chlorine analysis by photometry. Students will learn about the theory of photometry and how to operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot an online chlorine analyzer (Hach CL17sc with sc4500) through presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences.
Wednesday, October 9, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Ballroom A
Hach Training: Portable Chloramination with Photometry
Jon Thomas, Hach Company Senior Learning Facilitator
0.2 Dual CECs
This two-hour training seminar addresses portable chloramination analysis by photometry. Students will learn about the theory of photometry and how to operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot a portable analyzer (Hach SL1000) to measure total chlorine, free chlorine, monochloramine, free ammonia, total ammonia, pH, etc. Students will learn through presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences.
Wednesday, October 9, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Ballroom A
Hach Training: Process pH
Jon Thomas, Hach Company Senior Learning Facilitator
0.2 Dual CECs
This two-hour training seminar addresses process pH analysis. Students will learn about the theory of potentiometry and how to operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot an online pH sensor (Hach pHD sc with sc4500) through presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences.
Wednesday, October 9, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Ballroom D
Analyzing and Improving Pump Performance
Chad Morgan, Peak Water Services
0.4 Dual CECs
The workshop will provide advanced training in analyzing and troubleshooting pumps and rotating equipment used in water and wastewater systems. This hands-on workshop will provide operators with information they can use to improve the performance, efficiency, and longevity of critical process equipment. Note: This is a repeat of the workshop on Tuesday, October 8, from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. in Room 235
Wednesday, October 9, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Ballroom D
Preliminary Wastewater Treatment
AWWA Training Services
0.2 Wastewater CECs
This training introduces foundational concepts and practices essential for the initial phase of wastewater treatment processes. Participants will explore screening, grit removal, and primary sedimentation techniques to remove large solids, debris, and grit from incoming wastewater streams. The course emphasizes the importance of these preliminary processes in protecting downstream treatment units, improving overall treatment efficiency, and complying with environmental regulations. Participants will gain practical insights into equipment selection, operational considerations, and maintenance practices critical for effective preliminary treatment in wastewater management systems.
Wednesday, October 9, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Ballroom D
Biosolids Handling
AWWA Training Services
0.2 Wastewater CECs
Participants will learn essential techniques such as sludge dewatering, composting, and thermal drying tailored to the scale and resources of small systems. The course emphasizes regulatory compliance, cost-effective solutions, and sustainable practices to ensure safe handling and beneficial reuse of biosolids, fostering environmental stewardship within local communities.
Wednesday, October 9, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Procrastinator Theater
Cyber Security Workshop
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
0.4 Dual CECs
The National Cyber Exercise Program’s CISA workshop will help increase your organization’s resilience by assessing and validating capabilities and identifying areas for improvement. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) defines cyber resilience as “the ability to anticipate, withstand, recover from, and adapt to adverse conditions, stresses, attacks, or compromises on systems that use or are enabled by cyber resources.” Workshop participants can participate in tabletop exercises relevant to water and wastewater utilities.
Wednesday, October 9, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Procrastinator Theater
Mastering Water Disinfection Essentials
AWWA Training Services
0.2 Water CECs
Providing safe drinking water requires a multi-barrier approach that includes protecting source water from contamination, appropriately filtering, treating raw water, and ensuring safe distribution of treated water to consumer taps. This course examines disinfectants' properties and effectiveness in meeting treatment goals. It introduces important water/chlorine chemistry concepts and explores the need to disinfect water main breaks. Understanding these relationships is important for calculating dosing requirements and monitoring for success. Lessons learned will promote optimizing the disinfection process and ensuring public safety.
Wednesday, October 9, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Procrastinator Theater
Optimizing Water Distribution Best Practices
AWWA Training Services
0.2 Water CECs
Distribution system operators who perform various duties, such as operating and maintaining a drinking water distribution system and appurtenances, require knowledge of various processes, procedures, and equipment. The primary goal is simple: reliably deliver high-quality water in sufficient quantities to meet user needs. Achieving this goal can be complex. This session will provide distribution system O&M best practices to help you achieve your systems’ goals.
Wednesday, October 9, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Room 233
Advancing Maintenance Management in Utilities
Kurt Vause and Dave Weihrauch
0.4 Dual CECs
The morning session of this workshop will cover the basics of maintenance management systems (horizontal/linear and vertical/plant assets), including terms and definitions, asset life cycles, maintenance approaches, and governance of an asset management program. Workshop participants will better understand their asset data and how asset data supports existing/upcoming regulatory requirements. This workshop is for attendees unfamiliar with the basics of advanced practice.
Wednesday, October 9, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Room 233
Advancing Maintenance Management in Utilities
Kurt Vause and Dave Weihrauch
0.4 Dual CECs
The afternoon portion of the workshop will focus on applying advanced maintenance management practices for attendees familiar with and knowledgeable of the basics of maintenance management systems. Topics covered include asset inventories and condition assessment practices (vertical or linear assets), using CMMS and other analytical tools to mine operational and maintenance data, and integrating operational and maintenance data with capital planning to build better capital plans. Participants will engage in real-world exercises to illustrate these topics.
Wednesday, October 9, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Room 235
PRV Operation and Maintenance
Mike Uthe and Pete Brown, Mueller Water Products
0.4 Water CECs
Part 1, Control Valves: This section will explain the operation, maintenance, and selection of control valves prevalent in most distribution systems. It will also review the hydraulic fundamentals of these valves and the most used pilots. A hands-on session with different pilot setups to protect water system assets and save water will conclude the session.
Part 2, Underground Pipes: This section reviews the options available for testing and monitoring the largest asset in water networks—the pipes. It will cover leak detection and condition assessment methods and temporary and permanent monitoring for water quality, pressures, and flows.
Wednesday, October 9, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Room 235
Skills Required for Effective Leadership: Leadership Challenges
Nilaksh Kothari, Preferred Consulting LLC, and Craig Woolard, Montana State University
0.2 Dual CECs
Leaders come in all shapes, sizes, and forms. Some people become leaders by choice or ambition, while others accept the role by necessity. Regardless of the circumstances or the individual, at any position in the organization, leaders work with people by leading people. This means being "in charge," which requires a base level of skills necessary for leadership. This interactive workshop will offer insights from experienced water and wastewater utility leaders about the fundamental leadership challenges, such as developing a vision and empowering employees encountered in water and wastewater utilities. Leaders at all levels in public or private utility organizations will benefit.
Wednesday, October 9, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Room 235
Skills Required for Effective Leadership: Key Skills Required for Leadership
Nilaksh Kothari, Preferred Consulting LLC, and Craig Woolard, Montana State University
0.2 Dual CECs
Leaders come in all shapes, sizes, and forms. Some people become leaders by choice or ambition, while others accept the role by necessity. Regardless of the circumstances or the individual, at any position in the organization, leaders work with people by leading people. This means being "in charge," which requires a base level of skills necessary for leadership. This interactive workshop will offer insights from experienced water and wastewater utility leaders and a roadmap to set emerging and seasoned leaders on a path to success. The workshop will provide insights on building effective leadership skills for a more efficient and productive workplace. The focus will be on the skills to effectively negotiate and deal with elected officials and governing boards. The workshop is designed specifically for water and wastewater operators in formal or informal leadership positions in their organizations.
Thursday, October 10, 8:00 – 12:00 p.m.
Ballroom B and C
Water and Wastewater Certification Examinations
No CEC’s
Operators registered with MDEQ before Water School will take the certification exams.
Thursday, October 10, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Ballroom A
Water Pumping System Fundamentals
AWWA Training Services
0.2 Water CECs
Water pumping systems are intricate networks designed to move water from one location to another, ensuring a steady supply for various needs such as irrigation, municipal use, or industrial processes. At the heart of these systems are pumps, which use mechanical energy to lift and push water through pipes and channels. Although operators may not be involved with the actual design or selection of pumps and motors, they must understand how they function for efficient operation. A better understanding of pump operations will make troubleshooting and decisions concerning routine maintenance and minor repairs much easier to monitor and perform.
Thursday, October 10, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Ballroom D
Wetland Treatment Systems
Chris Allen, Plummer, Inc., Otto Stein, Montana State University
0.2 Wastewater CECs
This presentation will provide an overview that includes the process flow, treatment mechanisms, and potential applications for two wetland-based pilot systems under construction at the Bozeman Water Reclamation Facility. The systems test three primary wetland applications: 1) cold season nitrification, 2) primary wastewater treatment, and 3) tertiary treatment. The workshop will consist of a presentation and a tour of the pilot facility currently operating at the Bozeman Water Reclamation Facility.
Thursday, October 10, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Ballroom D
Wetland Treatment Systems: Pilot Plant Site Visit and Tour
Chris Allen, Plummer, Inc., Otto Stein, Montana State University
0.2 Wastewater CECs
Workshop participants will tour the pilot system constructed at the Bozeman Water Reclamation Facility to see firsthand how wetland treatment systems are designed, constructed, and operated.
Thursday, October 10, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Procrastinator Theater
Groundwater and Wells: Operation and Maintenance
Dave Weihrauch, H2O Compliance Strategies
0.4 Water CECs
This session presents the operator’s perspective on stewardship of community water system production wells through established operation and maintenance practices. The session will discuss groundwater fundamentals, well drilling processes, water well maintenance and performance, well rehabilitation, and source water protection.
Thursday, October 10, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Room 233
Skills Required for Effective Leadership: Effective Communication
Nilaksh Kothari, Preferred Consulting LLC, and Craig Woolard, Montana State University
0.2 Dual CECs
Leaders come in all shapes, sizes, and forms. Some people become leaders by choice or ambition, while others accept the role by necessity. Regardless of the circumstances or the individual, at any position in the organization, leaders work with people by leading people. This means being "in charge," which requires a base level of skills necessary for leadership. This interactive workshop will offer insights from experienced water and wastewater utility leaders and a roadmap to set emerging and seasoned leaders on a path to success. The workshop will focus on the skills to effectively communicate with various audiences. The workshop is designed specifically for water and wastewater operators in formal or informal leadership positions in their organizations.
Thursday, October 10, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Room 233
Skills Required for Effective Leadership: Dealing with Difficult People
Nilaksh Kothari, Preferred Consulting LLC, and Craig Woolard, Montana State University
0.2 Dual CECs
Leaders come in all shapes, sizes, and forms. Some people become leaders by choice or ambition, while others accept the role by necessity. Regardless of the circumstances or the individual, at any position in the organization, leaders work with people by leading people. This means being "in charge," which requires a base level of skills necessary for leadership. This interactive workshop will offer insights from experienced water and wastewater utility leaders and a roadmap to set emerging and seasoned leaders on a path to success. The workshop will focus on the skills to effectively deal with “difficult” people (employees, customers, supervisors, etc.) commonly encountered in utility operations.
Thursday, October 10, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Room 235
Operation and Troubleshooting SCADA and Instrumentation Systems
James Sletten and Ross Hanson, AE2S
0.4 Dual CECs
This workshop will provide a general overview of how modern control systems operate, key terms, and cybersecurity, and provide detailed information on:
Thursday, October 12, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Big Sky Water Reclamation Facility
Big Sky Water Reclamation Facility Tour
Ron Edwards, Big Sky Water and Sewer Authority, and Scott Buecker, AE2S
0.2 Wastewater CECs
Tour Big Sky’s new membrane bioreactor wastewater reclamation facility and hear a presentation on its unique design and operational aspects.
