Pennsylvania Water Environment Association Calendar RSS Feed

Sep 16, 2026: PWEA Safety Committee presents: Basic First Aid, CPR, AED, and Bloodborne Pathogen Awareness Training and Certification

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:57 -0400

Workshop Title: Basic First Aid, CPR, AED, and Bloodborne Pathogen Awareness Training and Certification

Date: September 16, 2026
Time: 8:00am to 12:00pm

Description:
This approximately four-hour course shall cover the response for basic injuries and illnesses that may occur in the workplace or on the jobsite. “Hands-on” activities shall include basic first aid skills, CPR, Automatic External Defibrillator use, and Blood Borne Pathogen training. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be issued a certification card by the American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) valid for 2 years from the date of training. This course is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for four credit hours for water and wastewater operators.

Location:
Cranberry Township Public Safety Training Facility
1000 Maintenance Building Drive
Cranberry Twp., PA 16066

Where to Park:
Behind the public works building and salt shed, in the back corner of the facility.

Capacity:
24 Students Maximum

Cost:
$65.00 – PWEA Members
$100.00 – Non-Members

Contact Hours:
4.00 - Water Treatment and Wastewater Operators

Questions: Please email Ed Kauffman at Ed.Kauffman@Rettew.com or call 717-516-7487

Oct 14, 2026: 2026 PA DEP Operator Certification Exams

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:35 -0400

The Pennsylvania Water Environment Association (PWEA) is offering PA DEP Operator Certification Exams on different dates and locations in 2026.

2026 Exam Date:

Computer-Based Exam October 14th
- Registration cutoff September 7th
Written Exam November 3rd
- Registration cutoff September 28th

Exam registration fees are:
        $75 for PWEA Members
        $125 for Non-Members

Reserving your exam seat(s) can only be done online through PWEA's online registration system. Payment for exams is by credit/debit card only.

REGISTRATION IS A TWO-PART PROCESS

First step: Complete your online registration and pay the registration fee (credit/debit cards only) in order to reserve your seat. After completing the registration and payment process, you will receive a system-generated email confirming your reserved seat at the exam location you selected.
Second step (within 10 work days): Complete the DEP Test Selection Form: To get to the form, click on the link that was included in the exam seat confirmation email from Step 1. Print, sign, scan and return the Test Selection Form to PWEA (IF YOU DO NOT SUBMIT THIS FORM IN 10 DAYS YOU WILL BE REMOVED FROM THAT TESTING DATE)

Important Instructions for Step 2:

Do not delete any content from the DEP Test Selection Form prior to submitting to PWEA. The Test Selection Form content is specific to YOU, it tells the DEP your facility class and which drinking water or wastewater tests you want to take, so the correct exam can be loaded onto a computer for you or packaged for your written exam.
Print and sign the Test Selection Form: Your completed DEP Test Selection Form MUST include your hand-written signature.
Scan the signed form.
DO NOT TAKE A PICTURE OF YOUR TEST SELECTION FORM WITH YOUR SMART PHONE: the DEP will reject your form.
Return your completed Test Selection Form to PWEA:
- By email to: breyanafulton@pwea.org
- By fax to: 707-303-5219

IF YOU DO NOT SUBMIT THE SIGNED TEST SELECTION FORM IN 10 DAYS YOU WILL BE REMOVED FROM THAT TESTING DATE

Exam Registration Confirmation: PWEA will use your completed PA DEP Test Selection Form to prepare a detailed certification exam confirmation letter; it will be emailed to you at the email address you provide - be sure to check your Spam and Junk folders and to save the email with attachment for future reference. Please ensure you mark pwea@pwea.org as a safe sender in your address book to prevent the confirmation letter from going to the Spam or Junk folder. Your confirmation letter will include information you need to know prior to showing up at the exam site.

All credit/debit card transactions will include a 3.5% technology fee.

The name and address information for the credit/debit card you use to make an online payment must EXACTLY match what is on record with the financial institution issuing the card or else the transaction will be declined. This is a security measure to prevent fraudulent activity. Credit card numbers are NOT stored by PWEA or the payment gateway vendor.

Cancellation Policy: No refund will be offered after the detailed confirmation letter has been processed and sent to you, unless there is someone on a wait list for the same exam date. (30 days before the exam.)

Questions about certification exams should be directed to: pwea@pwea.org or breyanafulton@pwea.org.

Oct 30, 2026: Call for Abstracts | 2026 98th Annual Conference & Expo

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 16:44 -0400

PWEA Annual Technical Conference:
Instructions for Abstract/Presentation Submission at PWEA Annual Technical Conference
June 6-9, 2027 • Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center • State College, PA

The Pennsylvania Water Environment Association (PWEA) has issued a Call for Abstracts for its 98^th Annual Technical Conference & Exhibition – PennTec 2027.

Individuals desiring to present at the PennTec Conference should submit an abstract no later than October 30, 2026. Please read the criteria below to be sure your abstract contains the most required information. Presentations will be in blocks of 30 minutes or 1 hour, which includes time for questions and answers.

Abstracts will be submitted electronically via this SmartSheet link:
Call for Abstracts 2027 PennTec | 98th Annual Conference & ExpoJune 6-9, 2027
* Abstracts snail-mailed or submitted via email will not be accepted.

There is no limit to the number of abstracts that may be submitted by an individual, company, organization, or institution. However, in order to provide a valuable educational experience for attendees, the Program Subcommittee will work to limit the number of presentations by a single company or organization during a technical session. Membership in PWEA is not a requirement to present. Speakers are responsible for their own transportation, lodging and travel related expenses. Discounted registration fees will be offered to the Primary Presenter for the day of presentation, or for the entire conference. (Any additional presenters must register at the regular conference rates.) Please note that only one Primary Presenter per technical session will be published in the PennTec Conference Onsite Guide.

Abstracts are being solicited on cutting-edge and hot topics for Wastewater, Stormwater, and/or Drinking Water in the categories below. The main bullets are the Technical Program categories, indicating the focus for each program. The sub-bullets are suggestions for topics in each discipline. Other topics not included on this list are welcome.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Water operations
- Wastewater operations
- Engineering
- Assessment and Planning
- Legal Concern & Issues
- Data Centers
Biosolids
- Innovative usage
- WWTP Case Studies
- Emerging Technologies
- Dewatering
- Disposal
Collection Systems
- Inflow & infiltration
- Private property issues
- Flow issues related to climate change
- Pump station topics
- Force main topics
- Measurement – tv – laser – sonar
- Smart or intelligent system management
- Pipe or lateral rehab
- Water impacts with Data Centers
- Other relevant issues
Engineering (W/WW)
- New techniques and equipment for underground utility verification/location
- Improvements related to drinking water or wastewater safety
- Mitigation of disinfection byproducts
- New and innovative WW Treatment Processes
Construction (W/WW)
- Alternative Project Delivery methods
- Use of Design-Build for project delivery
- New/innovative construction techniques
- Constructability reviews for Design projects
Government/Regulatory Affairs (W/WW)
- Complying with regulatory requirements
- Case studies about regulatory agency and regulated entity cooperation
- Needed regulatory program changes
- Impact of legislation and/or regulations on facility operations and budgets
- Privatization of Public Systems
Industrial Waste Pretreatment
- Innovative Design
Municipal Industrial Pretreatment Program Tasks
- Emerging Contaminants
- PFOS/PFAS
- Water Source Protection
- Developing and complying with EPA mandated Industrial Pretreatment Programs
Laboratory Practices (W/WW)
- Catalysts and Reagents
- Ethics
- Equipment
- Innovative Techniques & Methods
- Data Management
Professional Operations (W/WW)
- Ethics/Best Practices
- Innovation
- Preventative Maintenance
- DEP - such as handling NPDES Permit renewals, DEP inspections and/or Regulatory compliance
- PA One Call
- Mapping/GIS integration
- System Optimization
- Smart Development/System Growth Practices
- Crisis/Emergency Management
Safety (W/WW)
- OSHA Updates and Practices
- Employee Safety – office, plant and field
- Public Safety (EPCRA, DOT HazMat, RCRA, etc.)
Stormwater
- Regional approach to stormwater management
- Integrated water resource planning
- Stormwater Authorities/utilities successes and challenges
- Water quality at the watershed scale
- GIS tools for planning and asset management
- Stormwater BMPs – Case studies of funding, performance, and maintenance
- Urban climate resilience
- Impact of the new normal for weather patterns
- Updating codes and ordinances for better stormwater management
- Municipal collaboration for meeting MS4 requirements
- Model programs for MS4 public education and involvement
- Innovative and cost-effective approaches to community stormwater problems
- Model programs for flood management
- Stormwater rate making
- Challenges and lessons learned implementing new MS4 permit requirements
- Strategies for reduction of runoff
- Innovative storm sewer inspection approaches
Drinking Water Topics
- PFAS
- Microplastics
- Mitigation of Disinfection By-Products
- Jar Testing
- Lead Contamination
- Corrosion Control of Lead Pipes
Utility Management (W/WW)
- Leadership Development and Organic Growth for Sustainable Management
- Working effectively with neighboring utilities and municipalities; Community Outreach and meeting consumer demands with a focus on system sustainability
- Effective Customer Service
- Using Technology to Enhance Productivity
- Setting rates based on sound operational and financial planning
- Budgeting focused on critical activities for sustained performance
- Inter-Agency cooperation: Meeting service expectations and regulatory requirements
- Levels of Service: Improving responses to emergencies and the security and safety of assets
- Prolonging asset life and improving decisions about asset rehabilitation, repair, and replacement
- Asset Management/Business Case Evaluation/Capital Program Optimization: Reducing overall costs for both operations and capital expenditures
- GIS System Integration
- SCADA Systems
Soft Skills
- Time Management
- Effective Communication/Conflict Resolution
- Adaptability and Work Ethic
- Proactive/Critical Thinking / Decision Making
Public Education
- Communication changes and challenges
- Culture and Belonging
- Workforce Succession Planning
- Leadership at crew level
- Communication
Women in Water Special Track
- Pathways to Leadership
- Women in Operations
- Navigating a Male Dominated Industry

Abstracts should be a minimum of one and a maximum of three double-spaced full pages of text, including bibliography. Up to three additional pages of supporting tables and graphics may be included. The footer of each page should contain the corresponding author’s last name, abstract title, and the page number (example: Smith, Regional Approach to XYZ, page 1 of 3). Abstracts that fail to meet the maximum page requirement will be given second consideration. PLEASE SUBMIT ALL DOCUMENTS AS ONE ATTACHMENT. Abstracts must clearly define the objectives, status, methodology, findings, and significance of the investigation or study. Submissions on hot topics, regulatory issues, and new technologies are especially welcome.

CRITERIA FOR ABSTRACT SELECTION

RELEVANCE: The topic presented in the abstract should appeal to the Joint Conference audience; presenting breakthrough technologies, new concepts, novel applications of concepts, original ideas, new twists, hot topics, or application of fundamental techniques to today’s problems. The abstract should present ideas, concepts or lessons learned that are transferable and usable for other facilities and situations.

STATUS OF PROJECT: The abstract should establish that the project or case study is well-developed and should present data or results to support the hypothesis or principle being demonstrated. Data should have been subjected, at a minimum, to preliminary analysis. Abstracts showing concrete results with practical applications are more likely to be accepted.

TECHNICAL CONTENT: The objectives and scope of the project should be stated. The conditions under which the data were obtained, and the general procedures/methodology used should be presented. The abstract should address the consequences of the issue/project presented. The consequences, both intended and unintended, could include environmental, economic, and social impacts.

BENEFITS AND SIGNIFICANCE: Actual benefits and applications should be reported. Has the project helped to clean water or has it reduced pollutant discharges? Does the method described save time or money or increase accuracy? Is system management or operations more efficient or effective? Is this a specific finding or of more general application?

CONTENT, CLARITY, AND QUALITY: Authors should prepare clear, concise abstracts that follow the requirements. The quality and content of the abstract are considered indicative of the final technical presentation for PennTec 2027.

Nov 3, 2026: 2026 PA DEP Operator Certification Exams

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:35 -0400

The Pennsylvania Water Environment Association (PWEA) is offering PA DEP Operator Certification Exams on different dates and locations in 2026.

2026 Exam Date:

Computer-Based Exam October 14th
- Registration cutoff September 7th
Written Exam November 3rd
- Registration cutoff September 28th

First step: Complete your online registration and pay the registration fee (credit/debit cards only) in order to reserve your seat. After completing the registration and payment process, you will receive a system-generated email confirming your reserved seat at the exam location you selected.
Second step (within 10 work days): Complete the DEP Test Selection Form: To get to the form, click on the link that was included in the exam seat confirmation email from Step 1. Print, sign, scan and return the Test Selection Form to PWEA (IF YOU DO NOT SUBMIT THIS FORM IN 10 DAYS YOU WILL BE REMOVED FROM THAT TESTING DATE)

Important Instructions for Step 2:

Do not delete any content from the DEP Test Selection Form prior to submitting to PWEA. The Test Selection Form content is specific to YOU, it tells the DEP your facility class and which drinking water or wastewater tests you want to take, so the correct exam can be loaded onto a computer for you or packaged for your written exam.
Print and sign the Test Selection Form: Your completed DEP Test Selection Form MUST include your hand-written signature.
Scan the signed form.
DO NOT TAKE A PICTURE OF YOUR TEST SELECTION FORM WITH YOUR SMART PHONE: the DEP will reject your form.
Return your completed Test Selection Form to PWEA:
- By email to: breyanafulton@pwea.org
- By fax to: 707-303-5219

Dec 8, 2026: PWEA Safety Committee presents: Basic First Aid, CPR, AED, and Bloodborne Pathogen Awareness Training and Certification

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:58 -0400

Workshop Title: Basic First Aid, CPR, AED, and Bloodborne Pathogen Awareness Training and Certification

Date: December 8, 2026
Time: 8:00am to 12:00pm

Description:
This approximately four-hour course shall cover the response for basic injuries and illnesses that may occur in the workplace or on the jobsite. “Hands-on” activities shall include basic first aid skills, CPR, Automatic External Defibrillator use, and Blood Borne Pathogen training. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be issued a certification card by the American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) valid for 2 years from the date of training. This course is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for four credit hours for water and wastewater operators.

Location:
RETTEW - Safety Training Center
5031 Richard Lane
Suite 11
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

Where to Park:
Parking is available in the immediate area surrounding the training facility entrance. Please enter through the door marked "training center" to sign in.

Capacity:
24 Students Maximum

Cost:
$65.00 – PWEA Members
$100.00 – Non-Members

Contact Hours:
4.00 - Water Treatment and Wastewater Operators

Questions: Please email Ed Kauffman at Ed.Kauffman@Rettew.com or call 717-516-7487