Fundamentals of SCADA and Telemetry is divided into three parts, each covering key aspects of modern SCADA systems.
Part 1 – High-Performance HMI introduces a design philosophy that enhances operator effectiveness, especially during abnormal situations. Developed by PAS Company in 2008 and now an industry standard, it emphasizes practices like hierarchical design, smart use of color, pattern recognition, and data contextualization, while also addressing operator ergonomics, control room layout, and managing change. Part 2 – Secure in the Cloud focuses on Cloud-based SAAS concepts, emphasizing security from field systems to Cloud-resident SCADA servers. Participants will explore the benefits and risks of connected systems, addressing key questions about internet accessibility and security threats. Part 3 – Overcoming Telemetry and SCADA Issues for Remote Sites offers tools and strategies for addressing connectivity challenges, environmental obstacles, and aging infrastructure. Demonstrations of cellular and radio telemetry systems provide scalable solutions to maintain reliability, reduce manual interventions, and enhance efficiency. This course blends technical insights, cost-effective strategies, and case studies to improve scalability and sustainability in water and wastewater monitoring systems.
Instructor: Nathan Landreth, Advanced Control Systems Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Available: 0.3 Drinking Water/Wastewater Cost: $60 Location: Post Falls
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: $120 IRWA Members/$210 Non-Members
Lunch is on your own.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Water Infrastructure and Cyber Resilience Division (WICRD), in partnership with the Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center (WaterISAC), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Intelligence & Analysis (I&A), is offering a virtual threat briefing that will be held on February 27, 2025. The briefing will be unclassified; no clearance is required.
It will provide an overview of information on the following topics related to water and wastewater sector security threats and preparedness:
• Potential threats to critical infrastructure (cyber and physical)
• What to do in the event of a cyber or physical intrusion
• Water security and preparedness products and services
• Registration Closes: February 26, 2025
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
• Drinking water and wastewater owners and operators
• State, Local, Tribal and Territorial drinking water and wastewater program personnel
• Water sector association and organization representatives
• EPA Regional personnel
• Federal, State, and Local law enforcement agencies
Excavation and Trenching Competent Person Certification - Boise
Excavation and Trenching Competent Person Certification Course Description: The course is designed to meet OSHA requirements for excavation and trenching competent person training. The course includes professional classroom theory instruction, participant handouts, final written exam, group activities, field exercises and practical evaluation.
Curriculum covers OSHA regulatory requirements including, inspections and identification of potential and existing hazards inherent to working in or around excavations and trenches, prevention of trench collapses, atmospheric and water hazards, entry and exit requirements, working with heavy machinery, materials handling, traffic controls, overhead and underground utilities. and protective systems including sloping, shoring, and shielding. Participants will be familiarized with prevention methods, and the duties and responsibilities of the Competent Person at an excavation site.
Excavation and Trenching Field Exercise and Practical Evaluation: Course includes construction site training on worker safety while performing excavation and trenching activities. Participants will create an excavation plan, conduct site hazard assessments, practice soil sampling techniques, and select and inspect protective systems for entry.
What is an excavation or trench: An Excavation is any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression formed by earth removal. A Trench is a narrow excavation where the depth is greater than the width.
Who Should Attend: Required for employer designated Competent Persons. OSHA requires that there be a Competent Person present whenever workers enter an excavation or trench. All workers that are exposed to excavation and trenching operations are required to be trained in the hazards and safe work practices. Initial training and refresher training every three years, or when the employer has reason to believe that any affected employee does not have the understanding and skills required to ensure safety.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
Safety Equipment Required: Attending participants are required to bring a Hardhat, Safety Glasses, Work Gloves, Work Boots, Reflective Vest, or Jacket and wear proper Work Clothing for participation in the excavation and trenching practical exercise.
Trenching Equipment Recommended: Participating work groups are encouraged to bring working atmospheric monitor, ventilation equipment, and protective systems (shoring, shielding) for field exercise.
Completion Requirements: Participants are required to be present and actively participate in all learning activities including hands-on exercises and written exam to receive certification. Employees will receive a certification of completion and a competent person card by actively participating in the course and demonstrating knowledge in the classroom and at the training exercise site.
Learning Aids: Participants should come prepared with a notepad and pen. Guides and handouts will be provided at the start of the course. The presentation and materials are in English (Spanish courses are available upon request).
Course Length: Approximately 8 hours including classroom theory followed by excavation and trenching field exercises. We will be covering a great deal of information in a short period of time; your punctuality will be greatly appreciated.
Instructor: Northwest Safety & Risk Services Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Available: 0.8 Drinking Water/Wastewater Cost: $145
Lunch is on your own.
Excavation and Trenching Competent Person Certification - Lewiston
Excavation and Trenching Competent Person Certification Course Description: The course is designed to meet OSHA requirements for excavation and trenching competent person training. The course includes professional classroom theory instruction, participant handouts, final written exam, group activities, field exercises and practical evaluation.
Curriculum covers OSHA regulatory requirements including, inspections and identification of potential and existing hazards inherent to working in or around excavations and trenches, prevention of trench collapses, atmospheric and water hazards, entry and exit requirements, working with heavy machinery, materials handling, traffic controls, overhead and underground utilities. and protective systems including sloping, shoring, and shielding. Participants will be familiarized with prevention methods, and the duties and responsibilities of the Competent Person at an excavation site.
Excavation and Trenching Field Exercise and Practical Evaluation: Course includes construction site training on worker safety while performing excavation and trenching activities. Participants will create an excavation plan, conduct site hazard assessments, practice soil sampling techniques, and select and inspect protective systems for entry.
What is an excavation or trench: An Excavation is any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression formed by earth removal. A Trench is a narrow excavation where the depth is greater than the width.
Who Should Attend: Required for employer designated Competent Persons. OSHA requires that there be a Competent Person present whenever workers enter an excavation or trench. All workers that are exposed to excavation and trenching operations are required to be trained in the hazards and safe work practices. Initial training and refresher training every three years, or when the employer has reason to believe that any affected employee does not have the understanding and skills required to ensure safety.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
Safety Equipment Required: Attending participants are required to bring a Hardhat, Safety Glasses, Work Gloves, Work Boots, Reflective Vest, or Jacket and wear proper Work Clothing for participation in the excavation and trenching practical exercise.
Trenching Equipment Recommended: Participating work groups are encouraged to bring working atmospheric monitor, ventilation equipment, and protective systems (shoring, shielding) for field exercise.
Completion Requirements: Participants are required to be present and actively participate in all learning activities including hands-on exercises and written exam to receive certification. Employees will receive a certification of completion and a competent person card by actively participating in the course and demonstrating knowledge in the classroom and at the training exercise site.
Learning Aids: Participants should come prepared with a notepad and pen. Guides and handouts will be provided at the start of the course. The presentation and materials are in English (Spanish courses are available upon request).
Course Length: Approximately 8 hours including classroom theory followed by excavation and trenching field exercises. We will be covering a great deal of information in a short period of time; your punctuality will be greatly appreciated.
Instructor: Northwest Safety & Risk Services Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Available: 0.8 Drinking Water/Wastewater Cost: $145
Lunch is on your own.
Webinar Wednesday! Managing Critical Assets with Machine Learning - Online
Water and wastewater infrastructure face challenges, including asset failures and budget constraints. Machine learning offers a more accurate solution for predicting failures and optimizing asset management. This presentation introduces Artificial Intelligence (AI) for water and wastewater systems and how utilities are applying machine learning tools as a new “best practice” to reduce costs, avoid failures, optimize capital planning, and reduce water loss.
Instructor: Bridget Garlinghouse, VODA CEUs: 0.1 Drinking Water/Wastewater Cost: Free to IRWA Members / $40 Non-Members Location: Online using Zoom
This course is intended to assist with the financial, managerial and operational effectiveness of drinking water and wastewater systems. The information presented is based off of the US Department of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) policies along with regulations outlined in state code by the Idaho Administrative Procedure Act (IDAPA). The intent is to give elected officials or appointed board members an overview of regulations and requirements they must follow as they manage their community water and wastewater systems.
Subjects covered include: Open Meeting Laws and Requirements, Safe Drinking Water Act, American Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA), Lead and Copper Rule Revision, Emerging Contaminants, 5th Unregulated Contaminant Monitor Rule (UCMR5), Planning for the Future, Common Challenges; Operator Requirements.
During 2025, this training will be offered online and in-person at the following locations: City of Carey (1/8), City of Moyie Springs (3/13), Salmon River Meadows Mutual Water (9/13), and City of Fairfield (11/17). This is excellent training for board members, council members, clerks, public works directors, operators, and supervisors.
Utility Management Certification (UMC) provides recognition for the achievements and expertise of certified utility professionals. Join the thousands of UMC-certified professionals recognized for their outstanding knowledge in management and operations. Registration fees include a UMC manual. This course is great for operators studying for Level 3 and 4 licenses as well as public works directors and clerks.
This training is a three-day course that will be taught in Coeur d'Alene and concurrently broadcast via Zoom to any throughout the state who want to participate from their home or office. After registering for this class, Tondee Clark will email you the information for applying to take the UMC Exam and how to download your digital manual. You must register by March 3rd.
There will be an open book test at the end of day three (you may take the test up to two weeks later). You will want to bring a laptop or tablet to class with you to take your test. Topics that will be covered:
Financial Sustainability and Capacity Development
Financial Accounting
Types of Accounting
Financial Reporting
Budgeting and Planning
Rate Setting and Adjustments
Asset Management
Technical Sustainability and Capacity Development
Laws and Regulations
Technical Sustainability
Managing Water Resources
Water Operations
Wastewater Operations
Energy Conservation
Safety Programs
Managerial Sustainability and Capacity Development
Human Resource Management
The Manager and the Governing Body
Customer Service
Emergency Preparedness
Public Relations and Public Policy
*Please bring a laptop or tablet to class on the third day so that you may take your UMC exam at the end of class. Exam is open book. Instructors: Gary Sievers and Casey Fisher - IRWA Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Available: 1.4 DW/WW CEUs (There is also a 1.2 DW/WW CEUs no-test option) Cost: $400 IRWA Members/ $700 Non-Members
The semi-annual golf tournament fundraiser will be held on Tuesday, April 1st, 2025 at Quail Hollow Golf Course at 4720 N. 36th Street Boise, Idaho 83703. Check-in will begin at 9:00 am with a 10:00 am shotgun start. This is a fundraiser to benefit the Tony Elfering Memorial Scholarship. Cost is $125/person or $500/team. All proceeds go directly to the scholarship fund.
Check-in will begin at 12:00 pm with the main event starting at 1:00 pm. The cost is $50/person. This is a fundraiser to benefit the Operations Specialist Training Assistance Scholarship. All proceeds go directly to this fund.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own ammo/shells but the club will have some available for purchase. The cost of ammunition is $10/box and their price per round is $7.50 or $0.30/target. They will provide a quick safety lesson and loaner guns if needed. For those who will need to loan a gun you will need to fill out a short questionnaire and provide a valid ID.
The recommended gage is 20 and 12. A 28 gage would be acceptable but nothing larger than 12.
THANK YOU, PUMPTECH, FOR SPONSORING THE EVENT! more info...
2025 IRWA Spring Conference Attendee Registration Information
The 34th Annual Spring Conference will be held April 2-4 at The Riverside Hotel, Boise, Idaho. This event is a place to earn continuing education units (CEUs). There are 51 courses and four offsite tours to choose from and the opportunity to earn up to 1.3 CEUs. The networking gained from associating with peers and exhibitors is invaluable. We also encourage you to attend IRWA’s Annual Membership Meeting, Awards Dinner, and Game Night!
We are encouraging Operations Specialists, Utility Board Members, Mayors, Councilmembers, Clerks, Public Works Directors and other leaders to attend Spring Conference. We have specific classes scheduled to help officials in their responsibilities as managers of their community’s most important assets. It is imperative that today’s leaders have a firm understanding of their role in their water and wastewater utility systems. Register Today!
Please review the Registration Information booklet before starting registration. You will select the training sessions you would like to attend when you register! When you arrive at conference, you will be given a copy of your schedule with the classes you selected and the name of the classroom.
Webinar Wednesday! 9 Lives of Coliform: Why Disinfection fails 50% of the Time - Online
Class members will learn the following:
How biofilm enters, develops, and spreads through the well.
What conditions in the well protect and hide coliforms.
The characteristics of coliforms that help them hide and survive disinfection.
Why shock chlorination can make things worse if your trying to disinfect coliforms.
Why chlorination fails 50% of the time.
Learn how to make simple adjustments in chlorination to always have success with disinfection.
Learn the management practice to treat and remove coliforms and all biofilm in your wells.
Instructor: LeRoy Palmer, AmeriWest Water Services, Inc. CEUs: 0.1 Drinking Water Cost: Free to IRWA Members / $40 Non-Members Location: Online using Zoom
This is a review course for operators preparing to take a Level I or II Wastewater Treatment exam. You will be joining the IRWA Apprentices for this 9-hour class. Material is based off the ABC material that the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses uses to create its operator 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 discussed.
Topics include:
ï§ Types of treatment units, their purpose, and operation
ï§ Treatment equipment operation and maintenance
ï§ Treatment plant monitoring, evaluation, and adjustment
ï§ Wastewater operator safety, security, and administrative procedures
ï§ Sampling and laboratory procedures
ï§ Test taking tips and procedures (The Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants textbook is not required but is recommended).
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. Note: This class is listed was mistakenly listed as being held in Coeur d'Alene on the 2025 IRWA Training and Events Calendar. The Coeur d'Alene training will be held on December 10-11, 2025.
(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.) more info...
4/15/2025 -4/16/2025
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Mountain Time or 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM Pacific Time
Fundamentals of SCADA and Telemetry is divided into three parts, each covering key aspects of modern SCADA systems.
Part 1 – High-Performance HMI introduces a design philosophy that enhances operator effectiveness, especially during abnormal situations. Developed by PAS Company in 2008 and now an industry standard, it emphasizes practices like hierarchical design, smart use of color, pattern recognition, and data contextualization, while also addressing operator ergonomics, control room layout, and managing change. Part 2 – Secure in the Cloud focuses on Cloud-based SAAS concepts, emphasizing security from field systems to Cloud-resident SCADA servers. Participants will explore the benefits and risks of connected systems, addressing key questions about internet accessibility and security threats. Part 3 – Overcoming Telemetry and SCADA Issues for Remote Sites offers tools and strategies for addressing connectivity challenges, environmental obstacles, and aging infrastructure. Demonstrations of cellular and radio telemetry systems provide scalable solutions to maintain reliability, reduce manual interventions, and enhance efficiency. This course blends technical insights, cost-effective strategies, and case studies to improve scalability and sustainability in water and wastewater monitoring systems.
Instructor: Nathan Landreth, Advanced Control Systems Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Available: 0.3 Drinking Water/Wastewater Cost: $60
The semi-annual golf tournament fundraiser will be held on Tuesday, April 1st, 2025 at Quail Hollow Golf Course at 4720 N. 36th Street Boise, Idaho 83703. Check-in will begin at 9:00 am with a 10:00 am shotgun start. This is a fundraiser to benefit the Tony Elfering Memorial Scholarship. Cost is $125/person or $500/team. All proceeds go directly to the scholarship fund. 
