Water & Wastewater
Conference Agenda
Tuesday, July 30 – Pre-Operators School Workshops
Cybersecurity Tabletop Exercise for Water and Wastewater
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Presenter: Erin McGinnis, Kansas Information Security Office
Overview: This interactive tabletop exercise simulates a cybersecurity threat to a water or wastewater system. The exercise aims to enhance understanding of cybersecurity in water and wastewater systems, identify strengths and areas for improvement in response strategies, and strengthen coordination among responding agencies. Attendees will gain practical experience in managing cybersecurity incidents and develop insights to bolster emergency preparedness and resilience in water infrastructure.
On Site Lagoon Training
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Presenter: KRWA Staff
Overview: This workshop will meet at the Perry-Lecompton Community Library, 203 W Bridge Street, Perry KS 66073 in the morning for a brief classroom lagoon discussion and spend most of the morning at the city of Perry wastewater lagoon system for onsite training. Following lunch, the workshop will meet at the Double Tree for classroom discussions. This workshop will cover methods, techniques, and strategies operators can use to get more BOD5 reduction, better TSS removal, how to reduce odors, sludge management and how to get more years of dependable service out of their lagoon systems.
Wednesday • July 31
General Session
| 7:30 a.m. | Registration |
| 8:30 a.m. | Housekeeping, Welcome, Introduction Clinton Schuckman, KDHE |
| 8:45 a.m. | Water & Wastewater Training and Technical Assistance Nicholas Willis, Wichita State University Environmental Finance Center |
| 9:15 a.m. | Operator Certification Update Clinton Schuckman, Daniel Walker, KDHE |
| 10 a.m. | Break |
| 10:30 a.m. | Fraud Prevention and Best Practices in Water and Wastewater Staci Gurin, Wayne Hakes, EPA Office of Inspector General |
| 11:15 a.m. | Awards: Recognizing Professional Excellence and Continuous Improvement |
Water Sessions
1 – 4:30 p.m.
Regulatory Update
Presenters: KDHE Staff
Stay informed on the latest regulatory developments impacting the drinking water industry. KDHE staff will provide comprehensive updates on the forthcoming PFAS rule, the latest on LCRR/LCRI and the approaching inventory deadline, and an overview of various state and federal regulations on the horizon. This session equips operators with the knowledge to maintain compliance and prepare for emerging requirements.
Surface Water Fundamentals/Exam Prep
Presenter: Joe Cribbs, Fort Scott Community College
This session will cover the essential aspects of surface water treatment plant operations, including source water characteristics, treatment processes, and relevant mathematical calculations. The content is designed to supplement the Small Water System Fundamentals/ Exam Prep session, introducing operators to practical surface water concepts and aiding in preparation for the Drinking Water Class 2 (DW2) certification exam. It will also touch on key topics pertinent to the Class 3 (DW3) and Class 4 (DW4) exams.
Small Water System Operations and Compliance
Presenters: KDHE Staff
This session is designed to provide small water system operators with essential knowledge and guidance for efficient operations and regulatory compliance. Topics include well construction, operation, and maintenance best practices, as well as thorough preparation for sanitary surveys. Attendees will gain valuable insights into assessing their facilities, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Wastewater Sessions
1 – 4:30 p.m.
Small System Wastewater
| 1 p.m. | KDHE/KEIMS & Compliance Andrew Bowman, Chris Zwiener, Deborah Mendenhall, KDHE |
| 1:45 p.m | Lagoon 101 Charlie Schwindamann , Jason Solomon, KRWA |
| 2:30 p.m. | Break |
| 3 p.m. | Lagoon 101 Charlie Schwindamann , Jason Solomon, KRWA |
Advanced Wastewater
| 1 p.m. | Activated Sludge and Digestion Dale Vanderhoof, WWWater |
| 2:30 p.m. | Break |
| 3 p.m. | Activated Sludge and Digestion Dale Vanderhoof, WWWater |
Thursday • August 1
Water Sessions
Small Water System Fundamentals/Exam Prep
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Presenter: Jim Jackson, USG Water
This session covers the fundamentals of small water system operations. The content aligns with KDHE’s Small Water System Training Manual, making it valuable for those preparing for the Drinking Water Small System (DWS) and Class 1 (DW1) certification exams. Key Class 2 (DW2) topics will also be addressed and may be further supplemented by attending the Surface Water Fundamentals/Exam Prep session.
Advanced Waster Treatment
| 8 a.m. | Nitrate Removal Technologies Justin Hutchison, Ph.D., KU |
| 9 a.m. | Unregulated Contaminants of Concern Rob Gavin, KDHE |
| 10 a.m. | Break |
| 10:30 a.m. | Legionella Outbreaks and Prevention Daniel Neises, MPH, KDHE |
| 11:30 a.m. | Lunch (on your own) |
| 1 p.m. | Microbial and DBP Rule Revisions Kay Coffey, Ph.D., Oklahoma DEQ |
| 1:45 p.m. | DBP Mitigation Strategies Brady Taylor, KDHE |
| 2:30 p.m. | Break |
| 3 p.m. | PFAS Treatment Option Thomas Speth, Ph.D., EPA Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response |
Wastewater Sessions
Small System Wastewater Operator Exam Review
Presenter: Jason Solomon, Charlie Schwindamann, KRWA, Marsha Fleming, KDHE
| 8 a.m. | Prep for Pretest |
| 9:45 a.m. | Break |
| 10:15 a.m. | Take Pretest |
| 11:30 a.m. | Lunch (on your own) |
| 1 p.m. | Breakout and Review |
| 2:15 p.m. | Break |
| 2:45 p.m. | Math |
Advanced Wastewater Treatment
Moderator: KDHE Staff
| 8 a.m. | KDHE/KEIMS & Compliance Andrew Bowman, Chris Zwiener, Deborah Mendenhall, KDHE |
| 8:45 a.m. | Reuse & Recycle Methods Nicholas Willis, Wichita State University Environmental Finance Center |
| 9:45 a.m. | Break |
| 10:15 a.m. | Dodge City Reuse Project Speaker TBD |
| 11:30 a.m. | Lunch (on your own) |
| 1-2 p.m. | BNR Nicholas Willis, Wichita State University Environmental Finance Center |
| 2 p.m. | Break |
| 2:15 p.m. | BNR Continued |
Friday • August 2
To take the examination, you must apply through KDHE. Call KDHE at 785-296-5511 or print the application from the KDHE website.