Participants will explore key component of cross-connection control programs including ordinances, customer outreach, hazard survey protocols, backflow prevention assemblies, and compliance tracking. The class emphasizes cost-effective strategies, funding considerations, and real-world examples to help ensure program sustainability and regulatory compliance. Attendees will leave with actionable steps and tools to assess their current program and build a roadmap for improvement.
Instructor: Gary McLaren, HydroCorp Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Available: 0.3 Drinking Water Cost: $60 for IRWA Members/$105 for Non-Members Location: Live Virtual more info...
7/14/2026
1:00 PM - 4:30 PM Mountain Time or 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM Pacific Time
Webinar Wednesday! Basics of Liquid Analytics in Water and Wastewater for Operators - Online
Liquid analytics is the measurement, monitoring, and interpretation of liquid properties to ensure process stability, compliance, and efficiency. This includes inline sensors, automated analyzers, and lab tests. Join us for this webinar where we will discuss biological, chemical, and physical core parameters. In addition, essential instruments and technologies including in-line senors, mounting, automated analyzers and sampling.
Instructor: Abram Griffiths, Field Instruments & Controls, Inc. CEUs: 0.1 Drinking Water/Wastewater Cost: Free to IRWA Members / $40 Non-Members Location: Online using Teams Webinar
Metering Technology 101 - 1 hour Instructor: Tim Loosier, Kamstrup
This foundational module introduces participants to modern metering technologies, including static vs. mechanical meters, material considerations (metal vs. composite), and advanced features such as pressure monitoring and leak detection. Using Kamstrup battle cards and field examples, the session will demystify metering quality standards and help utilities make informed technology choices. The goal is to equip attendees with the knowledge to evaluate and select metering solutions that align with operational goals and long-term sustainability.
AMI Deployment Journey - 1 Hour Instructor:Brad DeLange, HD Fowler Automation and Metering
This session provides a comprehensive overview of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) deployment process, from initial planning to full-scale implementation. Participants will explore key decision points, stakeholder engagement strategies, and lessons learned from real-world deployments. The module emphasizes how utilities can navigate the complexities of AMI adoption, including network selection, meter technology choices, and integration with existing systems. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of where to start and how to build a roadmap tailored to their utility’s needs.
Instructors: Brad DeLange, HD Fowler Company & Tim Lossier, Kamstrup CEUs: 0.2 Drinking Water Cost: Free! Lunch is included! Class Size: Registration is limited to 30 people! Sign up today! Class sponsored by: American Water Works Association Pacific Northwest Section Southwest Idaho Subsection
Join us for the inaugural IRWA Operator Expo on July 28th! Held at Cassia County Fairgrounds, this event is a perfect opportunity to bring hands-on demonstrations and show off your products to operators in the flesh, rather than just in theory at an indoor conference. With both indoor and outdoor spaces available, skills challenges on backhoes and skid steers, snow cones, and more, this event is sure to be a fantastic marketing opportunity for your company!
Booth prices: Outdoor spaces: $450 for a 25 foot long x 10 foot wide space.
Indoor air-conditioned spaces: $300 for a 10 foot long x 8 foot wide space. more info...
Every utility can benefit from an enhanced safety program. Operators face new scenarios each day, including mechanical and excavation dangers, confined space hazards, toxic gas, and more. Learn how to identify these dangers and react appropriately. Learn how to minimize risks for yourself and for your coworkers. Equip yourself with the knowledge needed to bolster your utility's safety program and convince your supervisors that safety equipment is a must.
Instructor: Craig Sturman, Idaho Rural Water Association Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Available: 0.6 Water/Wastewater Cost: $125 - Sponsored by USDA
Lunch is on your own.
Join us for the inaugural IRWA Operator Expo on July 28th! It will be held at the Cassia County Fairgrounds in Burley, Idaho.
There will be inside and outside booths featuring hands-on exhibits, demonstration trailers, and education.
Skid steer and backhoe skills challenges will be held and the top winners will get prizes!
We will have 20-minute and 1-hour long demonstrations and trainings throughout the day. You can earn up to 0.4 continuing education units (CEUs).
Instructors: Various Instructors - Schedule coming after exhibitor registration is complete. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Available: Up to 0.4 Drinking Water/Wastewater Cost: $35 Registration includes lunch, snow cone, and hat!
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 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Available: 0.6 Wastewater and Collection Cost: $125 - Sponsored by USDA
This class will give operators a better understanding of the function of the automatic control valves in their system. This class will provide classroom instruction and hands-on training in a specialized hands-on Learning Lab. Basic troubleshooting techniques will be discussed. Participants will also learn how to shut down and start-up the control valves they have.
Note: The IRWA Training & Events calendar originally scheduled this class for July 23rd. It has been changed to July 29th.
Instructor: Martin Walker, Prestige Worldwide Technologies Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Available: 0.6 Drinking Water Cost: $125 IRWA Members/$215 Non-Members
Lunch is on your own.
Water Distribution I/II Certification Review - Coeur d'Alene & Online
This is a review course for operators preparing to take a Level I or II Drinking Water Distribution exam. This class is based on 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 need-to-know criteria for each.
Topics include:
• Drinking water distribution system components
• Equipment installation, operation, and maintenance
• Disinfection, monitoring, evaluation, and adjustment
• Laboratory process descriptions, sampling technique, and analysis
• Drinking water operator safety, security, and administrative procedures
• Public interaction
• Test-taking tips and procedures
Students may purchase the AWWA training manual WSO Water Distribution, Grades 1 and 2 for $100 at checkout. Manuals are recommended but not required.
This water operator education Series was designed by the American Water Works Association to address core test content on certification exams by operator certification type and certification grade level. Instructor: Jeff Cook, 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.
Webinar Wednesday! Integrated Water Management-
Learning from Nampa's "One Water" Approach - Online
Nampa, Idaho, is a full-service water resources utility that includes drinking water, a city-wide pressurized irrigation system, stormwater management and wastewater treatment. It has adopted a “One Water” integrated approach to manage the water in a comprehensive manner to support resilient water supplies. Key highlights of this presentation will include the city's efforts to rebrand Nampa's wastewater treatment facility and promote class A recycled water for irrigation and reuse, showcasing the potential for rural systems to engage stakeholders and enhance community understanding of water resource management. We will also share insights on effective community outreach strategies and educational initiatives, emphasizing the importance of informing ratepayers about the benefits of investing in water infrastructure.
Instructor: John Spencer and Kelly Black, City of Nampa Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Earned: 0.1 Drinking Water/Wastewater Cost: Free to IRWA Members / $40 Non-Members Location: Online using Teams Webinar
Control Valves in Action: Hands-On Training for Water Professionals - Ammon
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.
Control Valves in Action: Hands-On Training for Water Professionals - Boise
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.
Note: This training was not printed on the 2026 IRWA Training & Events calendar. It was added after being requested.
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. & Events Calendar. more info...
This course provides an overall view of the water and wastewater industry using the hydrological cycle as a comparison. It includes discussion on treatment technologies, storage, distribution and collections. This is a great class to inform boards, councils and the public about the importance of your utility’s responsibilities. The course will be divided into three sections:
History of Water Treatment: Part 1
This course addresses when technologies were first discovered and how those technologies are used today. It also discusses whether those technologies can be applied to current treatment requirements. Topics include heat, UV, coagulation and colloidal silver treatments. History of Water Treatment: Part 2
Explore early storage and distribution technologies and how they have led to today’s systems. This course also examines whether those technologies can be applied to current treatment requirements. Topics include pipe types, corrosion control, valve types, tank and storage issues, and more. History of Water Treatment: Part 3
Learn when chemical technologies were first discovered and how those technologies are still applied to today’s treatment requirements. Topics include chlorine and its variations, ozone, fluoride, and chemical feed in general.
Instructor: John Schwartz, USABlueBook Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Available: 0.6 Drinking Water/Wastewater Cost: $125 for IRWA Members / $215 for Non-Members
Lunch is on your own. more info...
Webinar Wednesday! Measuring Pump Performance in the Field - Online
This class will help attendees know exactly what to measure and how to do it correctly when you're inspecting your pumps in the field.
Topics include:
What data to collect
How to collect accurate measurements
Common field mistakes
Converting field data into performance metrics
Instructor: Tyler Jernigan, J.L. Testing & Training Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Earned: 0.1 Drinking Water/Wastewater Cost: Free to IRWA Members / $40 Non-Members Location: Online using Teams Webinar
This orientation is for new apprentices and their mentors. If you would like to enroll in the Idaho Rural Water Association's Apprenticeship Program, please contact one of us before this event:
Gary Sievers (208) 530-3115 - Email: gsievers@idrwa.org or
Jacob Slater (208) 900-1113 - Email: jslater@idrwa.org more info...
