Pre-Conference Workshops

We are offering three Wednesday Pre-Cons this year. Pre-cons are an additional fee and NOT included in the full conference registration. This years pre-cons are all day classes. You CANNOT switch between sessions midday. CEUs will be awarded ONLY to those that stay in the same session for the entire day.

Pre-Cons –

• Improving Utility Operations using Excel –

This seminar is designed to provide practical, hands-on instruction in using Microsoft Excel spreadsheets
to enhance the everyday tasks of utility operators. Aimed primarily at novice to intermediate users, this
session will also include content beneficial for more experienced users. Participants will learn how to use
Excel for a variety of tasks, including lift station flow testing, hydraulic flow calculations, tracking project
expenditures, creating project punch lists, and managing email distribution lists.

Key takeaways for attendees will include how to use spreadsheet applications for efficient, repeatable calculations and
effective project tracking. The seminar will highlight the advantages of producing work products that are
easy to present and document calculations, helping operators streamline their work processes.
Mastering these spreadsheet skills can significantly improve the efficiency of a water utility, ensuring
better service to customers while maintaining effective organization and reporting.

• Water Storage Basics – 

Will provide a basic understanding of the requirements for potable water storage, the codes involved
and the alternatives for materials and tank configuration. This session will also look at soils and seismic
conditions and how they affect selection of a storage tanks and performing facility surveys in the event of a
seismic event. Routine inspections, sanitary surveys and corrosion prevention will also be presented.

• Tour of the West Boise Water Renewal Facility and Veolia’s Columbia and Marden Treatment Plants (limited to 50 people) – This is a full day of off-site tours. Lunch will be provided.

Join us for an informative, comprehensive tour that visits three key water treatment
facilities in the Boise area:
1. West Boise Water Renewal Facility – Discover advanced water reuse
technologies and sustainable wastewater management.
2. Columbia Water Treatment Plant – Explore state-of-the-art techniques like
membrane filtration and UV disinfection for treating Boise River water.
3. Veolia’s Marden Water Treatment Plant – Learn about surface water treatment
processes and public education practices for delivering safe drinking water to
over 110,000 customers.

STOP 1: WEST BOISE WATER RENEWAL FACILITY – The West Boise Water Renewal Facility, treating up to
40 million gallons of water daily, utilizes advanced water reuse technologies to address the region’s growing water
needs. The facility’s innovative techniques, including UV disinfection, biogas storage, and water reuse for irrigation,
make it a leader in sustainable water management. Learn how climate change is influencing water treatment, and explore the facility’s role in
meeting the future needs of the Pacific Northwest. The WaterShed Education Center also provides valuable insights into watershed and
water management practices.

STOP 2: COLUMBIA WATER TREATMENT PLANT – Tour the award-winning Columbia Advanced Water Treatment Plant,
recognized in 2023 with the PNWS AWWA Large Project Engineering Award. Learn about the plant’s innovative treatment processes,
recent upgrades, and expansion plans. See how the plant communicates infrastructure project phases to the public and utilizes
web-based software to engage customers, ensuring timely and informative discussions on ongoing projects.

STOP 3: VEOLIA’S MARDEN WATER TREATMENT PLANT – Visit the Marden Water Treatment Plant, a conventional surface
water facility that serves over 110,000 customers. During this tour, gain insights into surface water treatment processes, public education
practices, and the challenges of maintaining safe drinking water standards. See how Veolia’s licensed operators manage water quality to protect
public health and learn about the plant’s role in delivering clean water to the community.