Calendar of Events - Idaho Rural Water Association

Lagoon Treatment Process & Algae Control with Toni Glymph Martin - Online

We are excited to announce that we have invited Wastewater Microbiologist Toni Glymph Martin to provide 6-hours of FREE exceptional training. The participants will learn the role of bacteria, protozoa, metazoa and algae in the lagoon treatment process.  The course will focus on the role of algae and how to identify the different types of algae.  The participant will also gain an understanding of conditions that contribute to algal blooms along with possible corrective actions.

Instructor: Toni Glymph Martin, Wastewater Microbiology Solutions
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Available: 0.6 Wastewater, Treatment, Laboratory Analyst
Cost: FREE
Location: Live Virtual

These textbooks are available from Wastewater Microbiology Solutions and are a great resource, but are not required. Click on the books to read a description and see pricing.

Wastewater Treatment I/II Certification Review - Coeur d'Alene & Online - 12/17 & 12/18/2025

• Types of treatment units, their purpose, and operation
• Treatment equipment operation and maintenance
• Treatment plant monitoring, evaluation, and adjustment
• Wastewater operator safety, security, and administrative procedures
• Sampling and laboratory procedures
• Test taking tips and procedures

 (The Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants textbook is not required but is recommended).


NEW Dates: Wednesday, December 17th and Thursday, December 18th
Instructor: Casey Fisher, Idaho Rural Water Association
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Earned: 1.2 Wastewater and Lagoon Operation and Maintenance
Cost: $240 IRWA Members/ $420 Non-Members
Lunch is on your own.

(Please note, this class will provide 6 hours of Lagoon Operation and Maintenance CEUs that are needed for Very Small Wastewater System Operators. The Certification Math Review class should be taken in conjunction with this course if you are preparing to take an exam.)

Webinar Wednesday! WaterISAC: Cyber Resilience for Rural Water and Wastewater Systems- Online

It is estimated that over 90% of the more than 50,000 community water systems and approximately 17,000 wastewater systems in the U.S. are rural or small municipal systems serving populations of less than 10,000. These rural utilities face the same ongoing challenges as large utilities do - those related to aging infrastructure, severely limited funding, and the need to comply with (non-cyber) regulations. However, for rural utilities these legacy issues result in cybersecurity rarely (if ever) making the to-do list. This session will set the stage with a threat briefing on the cyber threats impacting water and wastewater utilities and emphasize the importance of maintaining at least a high-level awareness of the cyber threat environment. We’ll then discuss a few basic (no-cost and low-cost) actions that rural utilities can do (and stop doing) to improve the safety, cybersecurity, and overall resilience of their systems.

Instructor: Jennifer Lyn Walker, WaterISAC
Continuing Education Units: 0.2 Drinking Water/Wastewater
Cost: Free
Location: Online using Teams
 

Certification Math Review - Boise/Online

• Review of materials and supplies needed for exam
• How to use the provided formula sheets during your test
• Math basics – units of measurement, fractions, decimals, percent
• Common measurements in the wastewater and drinking water industry – volume, area, concentration, flow, pressure
• Basic dimensional analysis problems – problem solving, strategies, resources and tools

Find It, Fund It, Fix It: Modern Approaches to System Reliability - Coeur d'Alene

Webinar Wednesday! The Importance of Electrical System Maintenance - Online

This presentation will explore the critical role of proactive electrical system maintenance in ensuring operational efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance. We will discuss common challenges faced by the industry, such as electrical failures, power quality issues, and the impact of harsh environmental conditions on equipment longevity. The presentation will highlight best practices for preventive maintenance, including regular inspections, testing of electrical components, and implementation of predictive maintenance technologies.  By showcasing real-world case studies, we will demonstrate how a robust maintenance strategy can prevent costly down times, enhance system performance, and extend the lifespan of critical assets. Attendees will gain insights into the latest advancements in maintenance technologies and learn practical tips for developing an effective electrical maintenance plan tailored to the unique needs of the water and wastewater sector.

Instructor: Adam Wahler, AE2S
CEUs: 0.1 Drinking Water/Wastewater
Cost: Free to IRWA Members / $40 Non-Members
Location: Online using Teams

Find It, Fund It, Fix It: Modern Approaches to System Reliability - Lewiston

Wastewater Collection I/II Certification Review - Pocatello & Online

This is a review course for operators preparing to take a Level I or II Wastewater Collections exam. This class is based off the ABC material that the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses uses to create its licensing exams. You will receive handouts showing specific topics to study and go through example test questions for each topic. A breakdown of exam topics will be given.
Topics include:

• Equipment operation, evaluation, and maintenance

• Lift station operation and maintenance

• Collection system monitoring, evaluation, and adjustment

• Wastewater operator safety, security, and administrative procedures

• Test taking tips and procedures

Certification Math Review should be taken in conjunction with this course; this class does not include calculations.
Sacramento State training manuals are a sought-after resource for operators preparing for state certification. This training manual was developed to serve the needs of operators in a variety of ways, including: as a self-paced, independent-study distance learning course, and as a textbook in traditional college and university classes (often taught by experienced operators). The goal is to provide you with an understanding of basic operational and maintenance concepts for wastewater collection systems and with an understanding of basic collection systems and with the ability to analyze and solve problems when they occur. â€‹

If desired, the Operation and Maintenance of Wastewater Collection Systems textbooks - Volume 1 and Volume 2 are available for purchase at checkout for $110 each.


Instructor: Craig Sturman, Idaho Rural Water Association
Contiuing Education Units (CEUs) Available: 0.6 Wastewater and Collection
Cost: $125 IRWA Members / $215 Non-Members

ERP & RRA Best Practices & Cyber Security Tools for Success - Boise & Online

Water Treatment I/II Certification Review - Boise & Online

This is a review course for operators preparing to take a Level I or II Drinking Water Treatment exam. This class will be taught in-person in Boise and online at the same time. This class is based off the ABC material that the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) uses to create its licensing exams. You will receive handouts showing specific topics to study and need-to-know criteria for each.
Topics include:
•    Drinking water treatment methods
•    Equipment operation and maintenance
•    Source water characteristics
•    Laboratory process descriptions, sampling technique, and analysis
•    Drinking water operator safety, security, and administrative procedures
•    Test taking tips and procedures
Students may purchase the AWWA training manuals WSO Water Treatment, Grade 1 or WSO Water Treatment, Grade 2 for a discounted rate. Manuals are recommended but not required.


Instructor: Kerry Huss, Idaho Rural Water Association
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Available: 0.6 Drinking Water
Cost: $125 IRWA Members/$215 Non-Members
Lunch is on your own.

 Land Application - Online

In this course you will join the IRWA Apprenticeship Training Program. the class will be held two mornings.
Course Objectives and Goals
The course will explore how land application systems fulfill critical environmental and public health mandates.
Goal of Land Application Systems:
●    Protect waters of the state, including surface water and groundwater.
●    Safeguard public health through controlled treatment and application processes.
●    Preserve the environment by preventing contamination from improperly managed recycled water.
●    Provide an effective method of treatment that supports beneficial water reuse.
Recognized Benefits of Land Application
Students will learn about the significant advantages associated with properly designed and operated land application systems.
●    Eliminates the need for recycled water discharge into sensitive surface water bodies.
●    Provides recycled water as the primary irrigation source, allowing for beneficial nutrient utilization by crops (fertigation).
●    Properly sited and operated systems offer exceptional treatment and renovation of recycled water as it percolates through the soil.
●    Can serve as a sustainable source of aquifer recharge under certain environmental and regulatory conditions.
Potential Risks of Mismanagement
A significant focus will be placed on identifying and preventing the hazards associated with poor management practices.
●    Over application of recycled water may cause runoff or leaching, potentially contaminating surface water and groundwater.
●    Improperly managed constituents—such as nutrients, metals, pathogens, salts, and other elements—can cause serious environmental and public health problems.
●    The course will stress that mismanagement can lead to negative consequences despite the system's inherent benefits, necessitating a strong understanding of best management practices (BMPs).

Dates: This class will be offered on Wednesday, January 28th and Friday, January 30, 2026 - Please plan on attending both days.
Time: 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM Mountain Time or 7:30 AM - 11:00 AM Pacific Time
Instructor: Tom Romesberg, IRWA
CEUs: 0.6 Wastewater

Cost: $125 IRWA Members / $215 Non-Members
Location: Online with the Apprentices

Backflow Assembly Tester Re-Certification Course - Boise 

Water and Wastewater Polymers Explained - Online

Control Valves in Action: Hands-On Training for Water Professionals - Coeur d'Alene

This course gives operators and engineers a practical understanding of Automatic Control Valve function, application, and maintenance. Topics include basic hydraulics, control valve function, pilot systems, common applications, and strategies for operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Participants will disassemble and rebuild valves and pilots, and observe and experiment with live pressures in an interactive flow lab. You’ll leave with a solid grasp of how control valves function in water systems, sharper troubleshooting skills, and the confidence to keep your valves operating at their best.

Instructor: Patrick Miller and Raymond Velasquez, Cimco-GC Systems
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Available: 0.6 Drinking Water
Cost: $125 members / $215 non-members
Lunch is not provided.