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Workshop & Session Summaries

Preliminary schedule. Please check back often for additions and changes.

Tuesday, May 26

Pre-Conference Workshop: Operator Math Training

Provided Free of Charge by the Midwest Assistance Program (MAP)
This optional free pre-conference workshop is open to all operators.

Wednesday, May 27

Opening General Session – Montana’s Snowtel System: What Water Systems Need to Know

8:00 – 9:00 am
Room AT-139

Description pending.

DEQ Capacity Development Sessions

9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Room AT-205

Description pending.

DEQ Wastewater Sessions

9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Room AT-208

Description pending.

DEQ Water Sessions

9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Room AT-139

Description pending.

Wastewater Certification Review Session

9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Room AT-205
MDEQ Staff
No CECs

This session prepares operators to take the certification exam on the last day of the conference.  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. 

Water Certification Review Session

9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Room AT-203
MDEQ Staff
No CECs

This session prepares operators to take the certification exam on the last day of the conference.  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.

Biological Treatment Processes – An Interactive Overview

1:00 – 3:00 pm
Room AT-208
Rika Lashley, Morrison and Maierle
0.2 Wastewater CEC

Skills Required for Effective Leadership: Leadership Challenges

1:00 – 3:00 pm
Room AT-205
Nilaksh Kothari, Preferred Consulting LLC, and Craig Woolard, Montana State University
0.2 Dual CEC

  • Understanding leadership roles and responsibilities
  • Navigating leadership challenges and decision-making 
  • Building trust and credibility with teams
  • Ability to influence and innovate
  • Interactive real-world scenarios
  • Leadership challenge model

Unidirectional Flushing of Water Systems

1:00 – 3:00 pm
Room AT-139
Dave Weihrauch
0.2 Water CEC

Unidirectional flushing is an operations-focused training session designed to help water system personnel understand how distribution system flushing improves water quality, protects infrastructure, and supports regulatory compliance. The session explains why conventional hydrant flushing is often ineffective and demonstrates how controlled, high-velocity unidirectional flushing removes sediment, corrosion products, and chemical buildup within water mains.

Participants learn the hydraulic principles behind flushing velocity requirements, including flow calculations, detention time concepts, and system pressure limitations. The course walks through planning procedures such as isolating distribution loops, sequencing valve operations, and mapping flushing zones to ensure water moves through mains in a single controlled direction.

Operational topics include flow measurement using pitot devices, estimating discharge rates, interpreting AWWA guidance, and understanding the relationship between flushing practices and corrosion-control programs such as phosphate treatment. Safety practices, crew training, and public communication strategies are also emphasized to support successful field implementation.

By the end of the session, participants understand how a structured flushing program functions as a preventive maintenance tool that improves water quality, reduces customer complaints, and protects distribution system assets.

Membrane Bioreactors

3:00 – 4:00 pm
Room AT-208
Scott Buecher, AE2S
0.2 Wastewater CEC

Description pending

Skills Required for Effective Leadership: Leading Change

3:00 – 5:00 pm
Room AT-205
Nilaksh Kothari, Preferred Consulting LLC, and Craig Woolard, Montana State University
0.2 Dual CEC

Description pending

Understanding and Troubleshooting Chlorination Systems

3:00 – 5:00 pm
Room AT-139
Chad Morgan, Peak Water Services
0.2 Water CEC

Description pending

Process Intensification Options for Wastewater Treatment  

4:00 – 5:00 pm
Room AT-208
Kelsey Wagner, AE2S
0.2 Wastewater CEC

Description pending

Thursday, May 28

Advancing Maintenance Management in Utilities - Inventory Documentation

8:00 – 10:00 am
Room AT-205
Kurt Vause and Todd Helgeson
0.2 Dual CEC

This session will discuss what is normally included in an asset inventory and why.  It will include time for attendees to develop an inventory using free online tools. This effort will either use prepared materials or real information from the attendee.

Groundwater Wells — Groundwater Fundamentals and Well Construction

8:00 – 10:00 am
Room AT-202
Dave Weihrauch and Doug Hunter
0.2 Water CEC

This session introduces the fundamentals of groundwater systems and production well design. Participants learn how aquifer geology, grain-size distribution, and hydrogeologic conditions control groundwater movement and well performance. The session explains key components of water wells, including casing, screens, gravel packs, and radial collector wells, and demonstrates how construction decisions influence long-term efficiency.

Real-world examples from Montana wellfields are used to illustrate how site geology and design choices affect yield, reliability, and operational lifespan. Emphasis is placed on understanding wells as engineered systems interacting with natural aquifers.

Key Topics:

  • Aquifer characteristics and groundwater flow
  • Grain-size analysis and formation properties
  • Well construction components and design principles
  • Screen selection and installation considerations
  • Introduction to well efficiency concepts

Rotating Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting

8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Room AT-207
Chad Morgan, Peak Water Services
0.4 Dual CEC

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. 

Wastewater Certification Review Session

8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Room AT-205
MDEQ Staff
No CECs

This session prepares operators to take the certification exam on the last day of the conference.  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. 

Water Certification Review Session

8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Room AT-203
MDEQ Staff
No CECs

This session prepares operators to take the certification exam on the last day of the conference.  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.

Advancing Maintenance Management in Utilities - Condition Assessment

10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Room AT-205
Kurt Vause and Todd Helgeson
0.2 Dual CEC

This session will review the different types of condition assessment, from data analytics to base physical condition to advanced tools that are used to assess the condition of both vertical (facility assets) and horizontal assets (pipe, valves, etc.) We will discuss why it is important to track the data over time. We will also do an exercise doing an assessment of assets, either from prepared materials or from real attendee information.

Groundwater Wells — Well Hydraulics, Testing, and Performance Evaluation

10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Room AT-202
Dave Weihrauch and Doug Hunter
0.2 Water CEC

This session focuses on how wells behave during pumping and how performance is measured and evaluated. Participants learn how drawdown, specific capacity, and aquifer response reflect both design quality and operational conditions. Regulatory testing requirements and field data interpretation are reviewed using actual well logs, aquifer test records, and pumping test examples.

The session demonstrates how operational data can diagnose developing problems before major capacity loss occurs.

Key Topics:

  • Static vs. pumping water levels
  • Drawdown and specific capacity concepts
  • Yield and drawdown testing requirements
  • Interpretation of aquifer test data
  • Using performance history to evaluate well condition

Advancing Asset Management in Utilities – Level of Service and Operations

1:00 – 3:00 pm
Room AT-205
Kurt Vause and Todd Helgeson
0.2 Dual CEC

This session will review the fundamentals of utility level of service concepts and how they relate to operation and maintenance practices.  We will discuss how these concepts create improved communication with stakeholders throughout the utility and community.  This will also include an exercise to develop a basic level of service framework based on prepared materials but targeted toward the attendee’s own community.

Groundwater Wells — Well Hydraulics, Testing, and Performance Evaluation

1:00 – 3:00 pm
Room AT-202
Dave Weihrauch and Doug Hunter
0.2 Water CEC

This session examines the physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms that reduce groundwater well performance over time. Participants explore how pumping conditions alter groundwater chemistry, including carbon dioxide degassing and carbonate precipitation at the well screen. The role of mineral scaling, sediment intrusion, corrosion, and microbial biofouling is explained using field examples and water chemistry data.

The session emphasizes diagnostic thinking — identifying the root cause of decline rather than treating symptoms.

Key Topics:

  • Carbon dioxide release and carbonate scaling
  • Mineral deposition and clogging processes
  • Biofouling and microbial activity in wells
  • Iron and manganese oxidation mechanisms
  • Indicators of declining performance and increasing energy costs

Pretreatment

1:00 – 3:00 pm
Room AT-207
AWWA
0.2 Duak CEC

Description pending.

Advancing Asset Management in Utilities – Rehabilitation and Replacement

3:00 – 5:00 pm
Room AT-205
Kurt Vause and Todd Helgeson
0.2 Dual CEC

This session will combine the information developed and reviewed in the previous three sessions to develop a rehab/replacement plan.  We will discuss the “what/why/when” questions related to replacement planning as well as methods for developing a logical framework.  The goal of this session is to create a connection between the boots on the ground and the funding approval and allocation process. If the attendees have their information, then this will use that information.  If not, it will be done using prepared materials.

Biosolids Handling

3:00 – 5:00 pm
Room AT-207
AWWA
0.2 Wastewater CEC

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.

Groundwater Wells — Well Development, Rehabilitation, and Preventive Maintenance

3:00 – 5:00 pm
Room AT-202
Dave Weihrauch and Doug Hunter
0.2 Water CEC

The final session presents practical strategies for restoring and maintaining well performance. Mechanical redevelopment methods, chemical treatment approaches, and advanced rehabilitation technologies are reviewed, with emphasis on matching treatment methods to specific clogging mechanisms. Participants learn how chemistry and mechanical energy work together to remove mineral and biological deposits effectively.

The session concludes with guidance on preventive maintenance planning, monitoring practices, and long-term asset management strategies to extend well life and reduce operational costs.

Key Topics:

  • Principles of well development and redevelopment
  • Mechanical cleaning methods (surging, airlift, force application)
  • Chemical rehabilitation and bio dispersant use
  • Advanced rehabilitation technologies
  • Preventive maintenance and performance monitoring
  • Specific capacity tracking and maintenance planning

Friday, May 29

Certification Testing

8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Room AT-203 & Room AT-205

Description pending.

Kalispell Area Wastewater Plant Tour and Discussion

8:00 am – 12:00 pm
On-Site (TBD)

Description pending.

Water and Wastewater System Safety

8:00 – 10:00 am
Room AT-207
AWWA
0.2 Dual CEC

If you think accidents only happen to someone else, think again. They happen to everyone, including you, and they often can be prevented. It's impossible to discuss safety too often or too much. Join us as we work with you to build safety awareness and provide safety practices that will help you mitigate hazards in the workplace.

Proposed workshop outline:

  • The importance of plant safety
  • Identifying potential hazards in the plant
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety gear
  • Chemical safety and handling
  • Electrical safety
  • Confined space entry
  • Safety culture and communication

Water Distribution System Operations – Valves, Pipes and Equipment

8:00 – 10:00 am
On-Site (TBD)
Richard Steckel 
0.2 Water CEC

This workshop will cover the critical elements in the operation of water distribution systems.

Topics include:

  • Regulations – compliance with disinfection,
    lead and copper and system overviews
  • Disinfection
  • Disinfection By-Products
  • Lead and Copper
  • System oversight
  • Boil Water Notice
  • Preventative maintenance
  • Valve exercising
  • Hydrant maintenance
  • Flushing
  • Reservoir management
  • Leak detection
  • Cross connections
  • Pressure management
  • Hydraulic grade lines
  • Booster stations
  • Pressure regulating stations
  • Reservoirs
  • Safety
  • Confined space
  • Hazardous atmospheres
  • Trenching
  • SCADA and automation
  • System improvements
  • Master planning
  • Incremental improvements
  • Capital improvements
  • Disaster planning
  • Plan
  • Practice
  • Recovery
  • Documentation
  • SOPs
  • Email
  • Plan reviews
  • Functional narratives
  • Checklists
  • Record keeping

 

Pumps and Lift Stations

10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Room AT-207
AWWA
0.2 Wastewater CEC

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.

Water Distribution System Operations – System Management and Maintenance

10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Room AT-202
Richard Steckel 
0.2 Water CEC

For distribution system operators performing various duties, operating and maintaining a drinking water distribution system and appurtenances requires knowledge of a broad range of processes, procedures, and equipment. The primary goal is simple: 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.