Water School Schedule
REGISTER | SCHEDULE/WORKSHOPS | PRESENTERS | TESTING | HOTELS | PARKING | RESOURCES
REGISTER | SCHEDULE/WORKSHOPS | PRESENTERS | TESTING | HOTELS | PARKING | RESOURCES
Tuesday, October 14, 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Ballroom A
Hach Training: Portable Chlorine Analysis
Jon Thomas, Hach Company Senior Learning Facilitator
0.2 Dual CECs
This training seminar addresses portable chlorine analysis. Students learn about the
theory of measurement and how to operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot a
portable colorimeter. Students learn via presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on
experiences.
Tuesday, October 14, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Ballroom A
Hach Training: Online Chlorine Analysis
Jon Thomas, Hach Company Senior Learning Facilitator
0.2 Dual CECs
This training seminar addresses online chlorine analysis. Students learn about the
theory of measurement and how to operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot an
online chlorine analyzer. Students learn via presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on
experiences.
Tuesday, October 14, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Ballroom A
Hach Training: Portable pH Analysis
Jon Thomas, Hach Company Senior Learning Facilitator
0.2 Dual CECs
This training seminar addresses portable pH analysis. Students learn about the theory
of measurement and how to operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot a portable
pH sensor. Students learn via presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences.
Tuesday, October 14, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Ballroom A
Hach Training: Online pH Analysis
Jon Thomas, Hach Company Senior Learning Facilitator
0.2 Dual CECs
This training seminar addresses online pH analysis. Students learn about the theory
of measurement and how to operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot an online
pH sensor. Students learn via presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences.
Water Certification Review Session
Tuesday, October 14, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Wednesday, October 15, 8:00 a.m. -
12:00 p.m.
Ballroom B
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 Wednesday, October 15, from 1:00 p.m. to
5:00 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.
Wastewater Certification Review Session
Tuesday, October 14, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Wednesday, October 15, 8:00 a.m. -
12:00 p.m.
Ballroom C
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 Wednesday, October 15, from 1:00 p.m. to
5:00 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 14, 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Ballroom D
Introduction to Water and Wastewater System Technology
AWWA
0.2 Dual CECs
Most water and wastewater utilities rely on supervisory control and data acquisition
(SCADA) systems to operate their water supply, treatment, and distribution systems,
as well as their wastewater collection and treatment systems. With the integration
of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, these systems have evolved to offer enhanced
process control capabilities. These advancements complement traditional SCADA systems
by improving operational efficiency, system reliability, and responsiveness. As a
result, many modern water and wastewater treatment facilities rely on a combination
of SCADA and IoT-based process control systems, and operations and maintenance staff
heavily depend on these technologies to perform their jobs.
Learning Outcomes:
Tuesday, October 14, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Ballroom D
Electrical Systems
AWWA
0.2 Dual CECs
This course provides water and wastewater operators with a practical understanding
of electricity as it applies to the water industry. Participants will explore the
fundamentals of electrical systems, with a focus on how electricity is generated,
transmitted, and distributed from the grid to facility equipment. The course will
cover key electrical basics, including voltage, currents, resistance, and power. It
will also explain how these principles underpin the operation of pumps and control
systems in water and wastewater infrastructure. Special emphasis will be placed on
electrical safety, including hazard recognition, a high-level example of lockout/tagout
procedures, and safe working practices around electric equipment. By the end of the
session, operators will be better equipped to understand, communicate, and safely
interact with the electrical components of their systems.
Tuesday, October 14, 1:00 - 5:00 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 the information they need to improve the performance,
efficiency, and longevity of critical process equipment. Note: This workshop will
be repeated on Wednesday, October 15, from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. in Ballroom D
Tuesday, October 14, 8:00-9:00 a.m.
Procrastinator Theater
PFAS Rule Updates
Neal Murray, MDEQ Public Water Supply Bureau
0.1 Water CECs
Tuesday, October 14, 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Procrastinator Theater
PFAS Sampling and Montana Manganese Study Update
Neal Murray and Ella Gaffney, MDEQ Public Water Supply
0.1 Water CECs
Tuesday, October 14, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Procrastinator Theater
AWOP Presentation
Mike Kropp and Josh Seekins, DMEQ Capacity Development
0.1 Dual CECs
Tuesday, October 14, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Procrastinator Theater
All you need to know about NetDMR and FACTS
Gina Self and Wendy Simons, MDEQ Water Protection Bureau
0.1 Wastewater CECs
Tuesday, October 14, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Procrastinator Theater
NDMR’s Capacity Development
Jason Fladland, MDEQ Capacity Development
0.1 Dual CECs
Tuesday, October 14, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Procrastinator Theater
DMR Calculation and Reporting Guidance
Dan Freeland, MDEQ Water Protection
0.1 Wastewater CECs
Tuesday, October 14, 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Procrastinator Theater
What’s Required for MDEQ Engineering Review and Approval?
Jennifer Ramsey and Mike Abrahamson, MDEQ Engineering
0.1 Dual CECs
Tuesday, October 14, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Procrastinator Theater
Pressure Control System Maintenance-
Mike Kropp, MDEQ Capacity Development
0.1 Dual CECs
Tuesday, October 14, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Room 235
Hands-on Pressure Regulating Valve Training
Nate Avitt and Ted Lindgren, Mueller Water Products
0.4 Water CECs
Note: All sessions will start in Room 235 and then move to the mobile lab located
next to the Norm Asbjornson Engineering Building. A duplicate session will be held
from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14.
This session will provide operators with hands-on training from product experts, during
which they will learn how to set and adjust pressure-reducing, pressure-sustaining,
and altitude valves, and gain valuable troubleshooting knowledge. The course will
be conducted using a mobile lab using 100 psi of real water pressure in a safe and
controlled environment. The mobile training lab enables operators to visualize how
control valves help resolve common system issues, including over- or under-pressurization,
excessive water leakage, inadequate storage tank turnover, cavitation, water hammer,
and surge.
Tuesday, October 14, 1:00–5:00 p.m.
Room 235
Hands-on Pressure Regulating Valve Training
Nate Avitt and Ted Lindgren, Mueller Water Products
0.4 Water CECs
Note: All sessions will start in Room 235 and then move to the mobile lab located
next to the Norm Asbjornson Engineering Building. This is a duplicate of the session
held from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14.
This session will provide operators with hands-on training from product experts, during
which they will learn how to set and adjust pressure-reducing, pressure-sustaining,
and altitude valves, and gain valuable troubleshooting knowledge. The course will
be conducted using a mobile lab using 100 psi of real water pressure in a safe and
controlled environment. The mobile training lab enables operators to visualize how
control valves help resolve common system issues, including over- or under-pressurization,
excessive water leakage, inadequate storage tank turnover, cavitation, water hammer,
and surge.
Tuesday, October 14, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Room 233
Performance Management in Water Systems
Robert Cheng
0.2 Water CECs
Water utilities have a responsibility to provide safe, reliable water to their communities,
often in an environment of increasing regulatory pressures, higher expectations of
service from the public, and reduced resources (decreased funding). The Partnership
for Safe Water Program (Partnership) was designed to help utilities in this effort.
Like AWWA standards, which provide quality assurance for water treatment products,
consumables, and processes, the Partnership provides a framework that guides utilities
toward excellence in their operations, resulting in the best possible water quality
in support of the mission to protect public health. A collaboration among six well-respected
water industry organizations—AWWA, EPA, Association of State Drinking Water Administrators
(ASDWA), Water Research Foundation (WRF), Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies
(AMWA), and National Association of Water Companies (NAWC)—generated this framework.
It provides guidance on performing a utility self-assessment that identifies areas
of strength as well as areas for improvement, removing any barriers to delivering
the highest quality water to customers. Foundational to the Partnership principles
is the reliance on optimizing existing processes first, rather than resorting to more
costly system upgrades. This workshop will provide the audience with general Partnership
concepts for drinking water treatment and distribution.
Tuesday, October 14, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Room 233
Performance Management in Wastewater Systems
Robert Cheng
0.2 Wastewater CECs
Water and wastewater utilities have a responsibility to provide safe, reliable water
to their communities, often in an environment of increasing regulatory pressures,
higher expectations of service from the public, and reduced resources (decreased funding).
The Partnership for Safe Water Program (Partnership) was designed to help utilities
in this effort. Like AWWA standards, which provide quality assurance for water treatment
products, consumables, and processes, the Partnership provides a framework that guides
utilities toward excellence in their operations, resulting in the best possible water
quality in support of the mission to protect public health. A collaboration among
six well-respected water industry organizations—AWWA, EPA, Association of State Drinking
Water Administrators (ASDWA), Water Research Foundation (WRF), Association of Metropolitan
Water Agencies (AMWA), and National Association of Water Companies (NAWC)—generated
this framework. It provides guidance on performing a utility self-assessment that
identifies areas of strength as well as areas for improvement, removing any barriers
to delivering the highest quality water to customers. Foundational to the Partnership
principles is the reliance on optimizing existing processes first, rather than resorting
to more costly system upgrades. This workshop will provide the audience with general
Partnership concepts for wastewater treatment.
Tuesday, October 14, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Room 233
Treatment Certification Review
MDEQ Staff
No CECs
Test preparation session
Test preparation session for operators taking the certification exam
Wednesday, October 15, 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Ballroom A
Hach Training: Laboratory Turbidity Analysis
Jon Thomas, Hach Company Senior Learning Facilitator
0.2 Dual CECs
This training seminar addresses laboratory turbidity analysis. Students learn about
the theory of measurement and how to operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot
a laboratory turbidity analyzer. Students learn via presentations, demonstrations,
and hands-on experiences.
Wednesday, October 15, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Ballroom A
Hach Training: Online Turbidity Analysis
Jon Thomas, Hach Company Senior Learning Facilitator
0.2 Dual CECs
This training seminar addresses online turbidity analysis. Students learn about the
theory of measurement and how to operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot an
online turbidity analyzer. Students learn via presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on
experiences.
Wednesday, October 15, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Ballroom A
Introduction to Wastewater
AWWA
0.4 Wastewater CECs
This course is designed to provide an overview of the concepts, processes, and technologies,
as well as the importance of wastewater treatment for environmental and public health.
It discusses the importance of wastewater to one’s water, the stages of treatment,
resource and recovery, and the regulatory framework that governs these processes.
Learning outcomes include
Wednesday, October 15, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Ballroom D
SCADA Fundamentals
James Sletten, 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:
Wednesday, October 15, 1:00 - 5:00 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 the information they need to improve the performance,
efficiency, and longevity of critical process equipment. Note: This workshop is a
repeat of the session held on Tuesday, October 14, from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. in Ballroom
D
Wednesday, October 15, 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Procrastinator Theater
MSU/DEQ Emerging Contaminant Project
Mari Eggers, MSU, and Nicklas Kiekover
0.1 Dual CECs
Wednesday, October 15, 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Procrastinator Theater
Where Does My Permit Limit Come From?
Troy Clift, MDEQ Water Quality
0.1 Wastewater CECs
Wednesday, October 15, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Procrastinator Theater
Spray Irrigation for Treated Wastewater Effluent: Application and Design
Pete Behrends, MDEQ Engineering
0.1 Wastewater CECs
Wednesday, October 15, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Procrastinator Theater
Drinking Water Jeopardy
Lisa Kaufmann, MDEQ Public Water Supply
0.1 Water CECs
Wednesday, October 15, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Procrastinator Theater
Advancing Maintenance Management in Utilities - Inventory Documentation
Kurt Vause, Todd Helgeson, and Dave Weirauch
0.2 Dual CECs
This session will cover the contents of an asset inventory and why these items are
included. Attendees will have time to create an inventory using free online tools.
This activity will utilize either prepared materials or real information provided
by the attendees.
Wednesday, October 15, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Procrastinator Theater
Advancing Maintenance Management in Utilities - Condition Assessment
Kurt Vause, Todd Helgeson, and Dave Weirauch
0.2 Dual CECs
This session will review the different types of condition assessment, ranging from
data analytics to base physical condition, as well as advanced tools used to assess
the condition of both vertical (facility assets) and horizontal assets (pipes, valves,
etc.). We will discuss why it is important to track the data over time. We will also
conduct an exercise assessing assets, using either prepared materials or real information
from the attendees.
Wednesday, October 15, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Room 235
Water Distribution System Operations
Richard Steckel, Water Distribution Solutions, LLC
0.2 Water CECs
This workshop will cover the critical elements of operating water distribution systems.
Topics include:
Wednesday, October 15, 10:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m.
Room 235
Water Distribution System Operations - Part 2
Richard Steckel, Water Distribution Solutions, LLC
0.2 Water CECs
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 system’s goals.
Wednesday, October 15, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Room 235
Jar Testing
AWWA
0.2 Dual CECs
Jar testing is an invaluable tool in the water treatment industry for optimizing the
coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation processes. It is a laboratory-scale simulation
of coagulation and flocculation processes used to determine optimal chemical dosages
and mixing conditions. It helps in predicting the performance of full-scale treatment
processes. The lab component will be held in the Environmental Engineering Lab in
Cobleigh 207.
Learning outcomes include:
Wednesday, October 15, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Room 235
Understanding DBPs and DBP Control
AWWA
0.2 Dual CECs
Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) are chemical compounds that form when disinfectants,
such as chlorine, chloramine, or ozone, react with naturally occurring organic matter
and inorganic substances in water during the disinfection process. This course examines
the types of DBPs, their formation processes, potential health risks, regulatory guidelines,
and methods for controlling and reducing their formation in water treatment systems.
Learning outcomes include.
Wednesday, October 15, 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Room 233
Groundwater Well Systems – Aquifers
Dave Weihrauch, Doug Hunter, and Scott Riegert
0.1 Water CECs
Aquifers, the sources of their waters, and groundwater transport characteristics.
Wednesday, October 15, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Room 233
Groundwater Well Systems – Aquifer exploration
Dave Weihrauch, Doug Hunter, and Scott Riegert
0.1 Water CECs
Aquifer exploration, drill rig types and their applications, evaluation of extracted
drilling materials, and water production well design.
Wednesday, October 15, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Room 233
Groundwater Well Systems – Water well records and their use
Dave Weihrauch, Doug Hunter, and Scott Riegert
0.1 Water CECs
Montana water well records, site considerations for Public Water System production
wells, and related State of Montana regulations.
Wednesday, October 15, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Room 233
Groundwater Well Systems – Monitoring wells
Dave Weihrauch, Doug Hunter, and Scott Riegert
0.1 Water CECs
Monitoring well performance and the influence of well design, construction, and water
chemistry on water production.
Wednesday, October 15, 1:00 - 3:00 p.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
This session will enhance your understanding and ability to communicate effectively
internally with colleagues in your workplace. Additionally, attendees will learn to
communicate effectively with the public, regulators, and other stakeholders. A focus
of the training will be crucial communications.
Wednesday, October 15, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Room 233
Skills Required for Effective Leadership: Strategic Leadership
Nilaksh Kothari, Preferred Consulting LLC, and Craig Woolard, Montana State University
0.2 Dual CECs
This session will focus on participants to learn how to build an effective strategic
plan that aligns with the overall mission and vision of the organization (city and/or
utilities). Strategic planning is an activity of an organization's leaders that sets
priorities, focuses energy, and allocates resources to ensure that all stakeholders
are working towards a common goal, aligned with intended outcomes/results, and adjusts
as needed.
NOTE OFFSITE LOCATIONS
Thursday, October 10, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Bozeman Water Reclamation Facility Training Room – 2245 Springhill Rd, Bozeman, MT
Advancing Asset Management in Utilities – Level of Service and Operations
Kurt Vause and Todd Helgeson
0.2 Dual CECs
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 enhance communication with stakeholders across 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 attendees’ own communities.
Thursday, October 10, 10:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m.
Bozeman Water Reclamation Facility Training Room – 2245 Springhill Rd, Bozeman, MT
Advancing Asset Management in Utilities – Rehabilitation and Replacement
Kurt Vause and Todd Helgeson
0.2 Dual CECs
This session will combine the information developed and reviewed in the previous three
sessions to develop a rehabilitation and replacement plan. We will discuss the “what/why/when”
questions related to replacement planning as well as methods for producing 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
provided their information, we will use it. If not, we will use prepared materials.
Thursday, October 16, 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Bozeman Water Facility Training Room – 814 N Bozeman Ave, Bozeman, MT
Groundwater Well Systems – Well rehabilitation
Dave Weihrauch and Scott Riegert, H2O Compliance Strategies, LLC, Doug Hunter, consultant
0.1 Water CECs
Well rehabilitation methods and selecting appropriate applications based on water
chemistry analysis and well-specific characteristics.
Thursday, October 16, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Bozeman Water Facility Training Room - 814 N Bozeman Ave, Bozeman, MT Groundwater
Well Systems – Well Rehabilitation Case Study
Dave Weihrauch and Scott Riegert, H2O Compliance Strategies, LLC, Doug Hunter, consultant
0.1 CECs
Preparing a well rehabilitation Request for Proposal (RFP), contractor selection,
contract compliance, and case study reviews.
Thursday, October 16, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Bozeman Water Facility Training Room - 814 N Bozeman Ave, Bozeman, MT Groundwater
Well Systems – Well Pumps
Dave Weihrauch and Scott Riegert, H2O Compliance Strategies, LLC, Doug Hunter, consultant
0.1 CECs
Water well pumps and motors: selection, installation, performance evaluation, pump
curve basics, efficiency, and operational cost considerations.
Thursday, October 16, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Bozeman Water Facility Training Room - 814 N Bozeman Ave, Bozeman, MT Groundwater
Well Systems – Well Q&A
Dave Weihrauch and Scott Riegert, H2O Compliance Strategies, LLC, Doug Hunter, consultant
0.1 CECs
Review of well logs and data from Montana’s Ground-Water Information Center, discussion
of past, present, and future utility operations, and interactive Q&A.
Pre-Conference Workshop – Provided Free of Charge by the Midwest Assistance Program
(MAP)
Monday, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Ballroom B
Midwest Assistance Program (MAP) Operator Math Training
Midwest Assistance Program
This optional free pre-conference workshop is open to all operators.
Wastewater Certification Review Session
Tuesday, October 14, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Wednesday, October 15, 8:00 a.m. -
12:00 p.m.
Ballroom C
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 Wednesday, October 15, from 1:00 p.m. to
5:00 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.
Water Certification Review Session
Tuesday, October 14, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Wednesday, October 15, 8:00 a.m. -
12:00 p.m.
Ballroom B
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 Wednesday, October 15, from 1:00 p.m. to
5:00 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.