Mr. Ed Nugent 317-501-0956 ednugent@utilitysupply.com
TRUSTEE – SMALL SYSTEMS NORTH Mr. Justin Shaffer 260-692-6909 jshaffer@townofmonroe.com
TRUSTEE – SMALL SYSTEMS SOUTH Mr. Bill Jones 812-350-1732 bjones@edinburgh.in.us
TRUSTEE – NORTHEAST DISTRICT Mr. Brad Semon 765-438-6426 bsemon@utilitysupply.com
TRUSTEE – SOUTHEAST DISTRICT
Ms. Donna Ennis 502-612-2930 donna@dcdevelopco.com
TRUSTEE – CENTRAL DISTRICT
Mr. Bryan Forkner 317-339-8241 bryan.forkner@amwater.com
TRUSTEE – NORTHWEST DISTRICT
Ms. Cara Lance-Emerick 574-315-2752 caral@mesimpson.com
TRUSTEE – SOUTHWEST DISTRICT
Mr. Jeremy Ferrar 812-872-2212 jeremy.farrar@poseyville.us
Message from the Chair
Neal McKee, Chair Indiana Section Board of Trustees
One Thing is Predictable: The Weather Will Stay Unpredictable
Please take advantage of the many educational opportunities provided by the Indiana Section, and I look forward to seeing everyone at the Annual Conference. Stay warm everybody!
Writing this article, it doesn’t seem possible. We are already through the first quarter of 2026!
Greetings everyone, I sincerely hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year. Winter is here, and as I write this, a major winter storm is predicted for Indiana with varying snow depths and ice accumulation. This is just another reminder to revisit your winter checklists, and if there is one thing predictable in Indiana is that the weather will be unpredictable.
A couple of reminders for medium systems: if you have not certified your Risk and Resilience plans, please do so as soon as possible. Those were due in December of 2025. Also, for medium-sized systems, the re-certification of your Emergency Response Plan is due by June 30, 2026. It’s time again to begin gathering your water quality data for the annual Consumer Confidence Report. It’s always good practice to start early, even though they are not due until July 1. Make sure you check the IDEM website for any changes required.
Some really cool events from the Indiana Section AWWA include the Joint Utility Management Seminar in Indianapolis on February 4, Scott Ham-led Operator Certification Training in Kokomo on February 4 and in Indiana American Water Gary on May 12. I look forward to seeing you at the 118th Annual Conference taking place earlier this year on March 23-26 at the downtown Marriott. The program this year will feature some awesome speakers, and there will be a wide range of topics that will provide something for the small systems to the large, as well as something I have benefited from in my 30+ years of networking! There is nothing like being able to talk shop with some of the sharpest, most experienced individuals in the industry. You would be surprised at what you could learn from just listening to a conversation for 15 minutes.
Please take advantage of the many educational opportunities provided by the Indiana Section, and I look forward to seeing everyone at the Annual Conference. Stay warm everybody!
Manufacturing Buy America Build America (BABA) compliant electric actuators.
Reliably Operate:
-Quarter-turn valves
-Multi-turn valves
-Dampers
-Open/close applications
-Modulating applications
AWWA Certified/BABA Compliant
All while offering integral motor controls and compatible interfaces for a variety of plant control systems.
mailbox@auma-usa.com www.auma.com
Embracing One Water: Strengthening Source Water Protection Through Collaboration in Indiana
Ginger Davis, Source Water Protection Committee Chair
As water professionals in Indiana, we know that safeguarding our drinking water sources is not just a regulatory obligation; it’s a fundamental commitment to public health, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. Source Water Protection (SWP) involves proactive measures to shield rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and groundwater aquifers from contaminants, ensuring that the water we treat and deliver remains safe and sustainable. In Indiana, where agriculture, industry, and urban development intersect with diverse watersheds, the challenges are multifaceted. Yet, so are the opportunities for innovation, particularly through integrated approaches that bridge drinking water with stormwater and wastewater management.
The American Water Works Association (AWWA) has long championed SWP, with its ANSI/AWWA G300 Standard outlining six key components: vision and stakeholder engagement, source water characterization, goal-setting, action planning, implementation, and evaluation. In Indiana, our section’s Source Water Protection Committee plays a pivotal role in advancing these efforts. The committee focuses on educating utilities, stakeholders, and the public about spill prevention, response planning, coordination with upstream dischargers, and addressing nonpoint-source pollution from agriculture and urban runoff. By fostering partnerships among utilities, farmers, businesses, and regulators, we demonstrate how collaborative strategies can mitigate risks like nutrient loading and chemical spills that threaten our water supplies.
As chair of the Indiana Section AWWA Source Water Protection Committee – and as a research hydrogeologist at the
One Water Indiana aims to empower communities through education and collaboration to protect and manage water resources effectively.
Indiana Geological and Water Survey –I’ve seen firsthand how breaking down silos transforms our ability to protect source waters. In my work studying groundwater quantity and quality across Indiana’s glacial and bedrock landscapes, I’ve witnessed the direct connections between surface activities and subsurface resources. Stormwater runoff from urban impervious surfaces or agricultural fields can carry sediments, nutrients, and chemicals straight into aquifers and surface intakes. Wastewater discharges, if not managed in concert with drinking water protections, can compound these issues upstream. But when we collaborate – when drinking water utilities sit down with stormwater managers and wastewater operators – we turn potential conflicts into shared solutions. I’ve participated in multi-stakeholder workshops and panels (like those at recent Indiana Water Institute events) where these conversations lead to joint monitoring, green infrastructure projects, and integrated planning that benefits everyone.
Enter the One Water approach: a holistic framework that views all water resources (drinking water, stormwater, wastewater, and even recycled water) as interconnected parts of a single system. This mindset shifts us from siloed operations to unified management, recognizing that actions in one sector ripple across others. In Indiana, this philosophy is embodied by One Water Indiana, a collaborative initiative
launched by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), the Indiana Geological and Water Survey (IGWS), and partners including universities, nonprofits, and local agencies. One Water Indiana aims to empower communities through education and collaboration to protect and manage water resources effectively. Its mission emphasizes integrated strategies that address water quality, quantity, and resilience in the face of climate challenges like increased flooding and drought.
One Water Indiana’s resource library is a treasure trove for water professionals seeking to build cross-sector alliances. Tailored for audiences ranging from homeowners and educators to businesses and utilities, the library offers searchable materials by topic, including watershed management, pollution prevention, and sustainable practices. Key resources relevant to SWP include:
• Educational toolkits on nonpointsource pollution: Guides that explain how stormwater runoff from urban areas and agricultural fields can carry sediments, nutrients, and chemicals into source waters. These materials provide practical steps for utilities to partner with stormwater managers on green infrastructure projects, such as rain gardens and permeable pavements, to reduce contaminant loads.
• Watershed collaboration guides: Resources highlighting successful case studies of multi-stakeholder
Committee Reports
partnerships, such as joint monitoring programs among drinking water utilities, soil and water conservation districts, and wastewater treatment plants to track and mitigate upstream discharges.
• Community engagement materials: Templates for outreach campaigns, workshops, and fact sheets that encourage dialogue among sectors. These tools align seamlessly with Indiana’s state-led programs under IDEM, such as the Source Water Protection Program (SWPP), which integrates the Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) and Wellhead Protection Program (WHPP). SWAP identifies vulnerable areas and assesses contamination risks, while WHPP delineates protection zones for groundwater systems.
Importantly, these programs tie into broader nonpoint-source management, addressing stormwater and wastewater influences like urban runoff and agricultural drainage that could impair source waters. Recent federal funding, including more than $196 million in EPA loans for Indiana’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure, underscores the value of this integration. Projects funded through initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law often combine upgrades across sectors, such as enhancing wastewater treatment to prevent overflows that pollute downstream drinking water intakes.
Why should we prioritize collaboration with our stormwater and wastewater counterparts? From my perspective on the committee and in the field, the benefits are compelling and immediate. Joint efforts can prevent costly contamination events. Think of how coordinated spill response plans reduce risks from industrial discharges or stormwater surges. In urban areas, integrating stormwater management with SWP can alleviate flooding while filtering pollutants before they reach reservoirs. Rural communities benefit from partnerships with wastewater operators to monitor nutrient levels,
protecting groundwater from septic system failures. Moreover, these alliances build resilience against climate impacts, as seen in state task forces studying integrated water infrastructure needs. Economically, shared resources and data lead to efficiencies; one study from the US Water Alliance highlights how utility consolidations in the Indianapolis region have improved financial outcomes through combined governance of water services.
AWWA’s annual Source Water Protection Week offers a perfect platform to kickstart these collaborations. From September 27 to October 3, 2026, utilities can host joint events like watershed cleanups, tree-planting days, or webinars with stormwater and wastewater teams. Share success stories via social media, partner on proclamations, and utilize AWWA’s free resources – such as infographics
on the PFAS cycle or videos on nutrient runoff – to educate and engage.
Fellow Hoosier water professionals, it’s time to elevate our commitment to SWP by embracing the One Water attitude. As someone who has spent years mapping aquifers, studying water balances, and convening stakeholders, I can tell you: The most effective protections happen when we stop seeing “our” water as separate from “their” stormwater or wastewater.
Reach out to your local stormwater coordinators and wastewater operators today. Leverage One Water Indiana’s library to facilitate workshops or develop shared action plans. By working together, we not only protect our precious sources but also inspire a legacy of sustainable water management for generations to come. Let’s make Indiana a model of integrated water excellence – because when we value our water as one, we all thrive.
■ Dispersants
■ Filter Media
■ Flocculants
■ FOG Reduction
■ Odor Control
■ Phosphonates
■ Phosphorus Removal
■ Solids Reduction … and more!
Committee Reports
Young Professionals Update
Dylan Buechler, Committee Chair
The Committee launched its 2026 Sponsorship Program in January, which provides valuable opportunities for YPs. Industry support allows us to host valuable social/networking events and send representatives to the AWWA/WEF Young Professionals Summit to represent the Indiana section proudly. Each sponsorship tier also includes exclusive benefits. If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, please reach out. We’d love to partner with you!
We are incredibly grateful to all the volunteers who contributed to our Anna’s House Adopt-a-Family Program family this past Christmas season. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to deliver numerous gifts and create a truly unforgettable experience for the family we sponsored. Seeing their joy was incredibly heartwarming, and we hope you’ll consider joining us again next year to help spread even more holiday cheer.
One of our standout events of the past few months was the December pickleball tournament. The atmosphere was fun, relaxed, and just competitive enough, with a full bracket and participation from players of all experience levels. For many of us, it was the perfect chance to learn a new game. Our champions even walked away with gift cards as an early Christmas surprise!
Looking ahead, the 2026 INAWWA Annual Conference is right around the corner. Be sure to join us for the YP Meet & Greet networking event on Wednesday, March 25, from 5:30-8:00 pm. Conference attendance isn’t required, so everyone 35 and younger is welcome to attend.
We’re also thrilled to introduce something brand new this year: the Young Professional Excellence Award. This honor recognizes a YP who is not only excelling in their technical or operational roles but also showing a strong engagement in the water community
If your company has Young Professionals, defined as individuals who are younger than 35 years old or who have been in the industry for less than 10 years, we invite you to connect them with our committee.
and a commitment to continued growth and service. The award will be presented during the Annual Conference Awards Luncheon.
If your company has Young Professionals, defined as individuals who are younger than 35 years old or who have been in the industry for less than 10 years, we invite you to connect them with our committee. To stay informed about upcoming events and opportunities, please reach out to us at indianaawwaiweayp@gmail.com or visit our INAWWA YP website.
Committee Reports
Membership Committee
Josh Dixon, Committee Chair
Winter 2025 New, Reinstated, Renewing Member Update
The Indiana Section AWWA added, renewed, or reinstated
Stacy Jones – Indiana Dept. of Environmental Management
Doug Baldessari – H.J. Umbaugh & Associates
Roger Darnall
Jeff Hersha – Jones & Henry Engineers, Ltd.
Jeremy Farrar – Poseyville Municipal Utilities
Aaron Horbovetz – M.E. Simpson Company, Inc.
Todd Schaefer
Bob Porter – Town of Culver
Chris Harrison
Deborah Van Meter – Hammond Department of Water Works
Eric Flinn – South Lawrence Utilities
Brady Dryer – Commonwealth Engineers
Troy Elless
Earl Heide – Linden Sewage & Water Plant
Donnie Davidson – City of Plymouth Water Dept.
Brad King – Butler Fairman & Seufert
Devon Belcher – Knox County Water Inc.
Nathan Kassebau
Kimberly Keller – Southwestern Bartholomew Water Corp.
A.E. Joseph Shepley – USALCO
Keith Hicks – Gripp Inc.
Moe Giglio
Ben Foley
Megan Glover – 120water
Terrence Williams – M.E. Simpson Company, Inc.
Matthew Prater – Indiana Dept. of Environmental Management
Christopher Peterson – M.E. Simpson Company Inc.
Ashley Ditchcreek – M.E. Simpson Company Inc.
Miranda Sparkman – Fort Wayne City Utilities
Whitney Buckingham – Donohue & Associates, Inc.
Brian Logan – Bastin Logan Water Service
Jeffrey Meyer
Nicholas Hoffman – Flora Water Utility
Josh Dixon – Ramsey Water Company
Don Hendrickson
Robert Davidson
Aldona Martin
Bill Reynolds
Kaitlyn Baer – Town of Bristol
Joseph Shikany – 120water
Steve Beale – C & S Solutions, Inc.
Tammy Jackson – Hammond Water Filtration Plant
Chris Hughley – M.E. Simpson Company Inc.
Anthony Young
Jacob Fox – M.E. Simpson Company Inc.
Samantha Smerika – Rouhselang
Stefani Lutz – Gripp Inc.
Stephen Webb – Greenville Water Utility
Chelsea Grider
Jessica Wilson – Whitestown Municipal Utility
Andrew Sigrist – MTech Company
Service Provider Member
Dixon Engineering
M.E. Simpson Company Inc.
Hobas Pipe USA
Harold Beck & Sons, Inc.
120water
Gripp, Inc.
Clorox (Brita)
Student Member
Sylvia Kirwa
Utility
Flora Water Utility
Greenville Water Utility
Knox County Water Inc.
South Lawrence Utilities
Town of Culver
Poseyville Municipal Utilities Town of Paoli
Linden Sewage & Water Plant
Whitestown Municipal Utility
Southwestern Bartholomew Water Corp.
Life
Dan Hood – M.E. Simpson Company Inc.
Scott Dompke – M.E. Simpson Company Inc.
James Wiesjahn – Mishawaka Utilities
John Van Arsdel – M.E. Simpson Company Inc.
Partner Agencies & Institutions
Indiana Department of Environmental Management
Operations and Administrative
Lee Paulsen
Jake Babusch
Tom Ramsey
Jase Hixson – Antea Group
Chad Blakely
David Dunnick
Tom Rutledge
Robert Lahrman
Retiree
Jim Dalrymple
Indiana Section Membership Snapshot
Life Members – 23
Retirees – 19
Student Members – 12
Partner Agencies – 1
Utility Members – 265
Individual Members – 1012
Service Providers – 37
Committee Reports
Golf Committee
Erich Nugent, Committee Chair
Save July 29 on your calendar for this year’s 30th Annual Indiana Section AWWA Golf Outing at Eagle Creek Golf Course in Indianapolis.
Your sponsorship and involvement will help bring water and sanitation services to millions worldwide through the Water For People organization and The Nenyui Project while helping new Indiana water and wastewater utility operators obtain their licenses through the One AWWA Operator Scholarship. Please look for further details at a later date.
INAWWA 118th ANNUAL CONFERENCE
March 23-26, 2026
Indianapolis Marriott Downtown 350 W Maryland St. Indianapolis, Indiana
The INAWWA Annual Conference will take place March 23-26 at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Indianapolis. We look forward to welcoming members for four days of education, networking, and industry engagement.
Conference activities will begin on Monday with exhibitor sign-in, setup, and Volunteer Committee meetings. Exhibits will be open Tuesday and Wednesday, beginning at 8:00 am, with attendee registration opening at 7:15 am on both days. Tuesday’s program will kick off with our opening session and keynote address from a visiting AWWA dignitary at 8:00 am.
Attendees are also invited to join us for the Fuller Reception on Tuesday evening from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. In addition, Safety Plinko will be available in the Denver Room on Tuesday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Wednesday from 8:00 am to noon. Attendees are also welcomed to join for the Young Professionals Meet & Greet on Wednesday evening at Loughmillers Pub & Eatery from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
For more information on sponsorship opportunities, hotel accommodations, utility registration, awards, and grant programs, please visit inawwa.org
.50 WT/WWG/WDPI/PDH Praveen Vankayala & Ryan Schippert, American Structurepoint
Kentucky
Wastewater Technical 1
10:15-11:15 Aeration Bubbles
CONFERENCE PROGRAM
TUESDAY, MARCH 24
1.0 WT/WWG/PDH Ryan Paschal, City of Anderson
ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2026
11:15-11:45 Riley, IN Wastewater Treatment Plant Aeration Replacement Project .50 WT/WWG/PDH Tyler Nevill, Indiana American Water
Utility Business
1:30-2:30 Workforce Development Change Leadership Model 1.0 WT/WWG/PDH Charles Gill, Greenfield Water Utility
2:30-3:00 Why AMI: The Business Case for AMI Systems .05 WT/WWG/PDH/V Craig Hannah, Johnson Controls
Managing Lead Removal
3:45-4:45 Countdown to LCRI Compliance - What Indiana Water Systems Need to Know 1.0 WT/WDPI/PDH Maddie Brogan, 120Water
4:45-5:15 Understanding Lead Compliance Sampling & Corrosion Control .50 WT/ WWG/WDPI/PDH Joanna Cummings, CDM Smith and Steph Heffner, CDM Smith
Lincoln
Storage
10:15-11:15 Water Tank and Tower Inspections 1.0 WT/WWG/PDH Dan Morrow, Maguire Water
11:15-11:45 Beyond Compliance Innovative Safety Features in Elevated Tank Construction .50 WT/WWG/PDH Bob Werling, Landmark Structures
Wastewater Technical 2
1:30-2:30 From Concept to Completion: Lift Station Upgrades Achieving 13MGD Capacity in an 1.0 WT/WWG/PDH Indiana Conservancy District Greg Kamplain, Robinson Engineering
2:30-3:00 A SCWO Demo: How Supercritical Water Oxidation is Transforming Waste Management in Orlando, FL .50 WT/WWG/PDH Naomi Senehi, 374Water
In the Woods
3:45-4:45
Occurrence of PFAS and Lithium in Indiana Drinking Water
4:45-5:15 Preparing for Upcoming MDBPR Changes: Tools and Recommendations for Indiana Water Systems .50 WT/WWG/WDPI/PDH Catherine Pallotta, Arcadis and Karen Casteloes, Arcadis
Indiana Ballroom A-D
Legislative Impact
CONFERENCE PROGRAM
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25
8:00-9:00 Current Trends in Financing and Grants Post OBBA
1.0 WT/WWG/WDPI/PDH Kurt Wanninger, Wessler Engineering
ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2026
Peerless Pump Factory Tour
Tuesday – 1:30-3:30 Wednesday – 3:00-5:00
Meet for shuttle: Missouri St., west side of Marriott (50 seats per tour) 1.5 hours CEU’s available
11:15-11:45 From Reactive to Predictive: Utilizing AI and SCADA Tools for Smarter Utility Operations .50 WT/WWG/PDH Praveen Vankayala, American Structurepoint
Distribution Water Quality
1:30-2:30 Chlorine Residual Optimization in Distribution Systems: Innovative Strategies to Maintain Your Level 1.0 WT/WWG/PDH Tom Caulfield, Cleanwater1
2:30-3:00
Cost -Effective THM Reduction Through In -Tank Aeration and Active Ventilation in 50 WT/WWG/PDH Water Distributions Systems Tom Caulfield, Cleanwater1
Hydraulic Modeling
3:45-4:45 Hydraulic Modeling for Distribution System Master Planning 1.0 WT/WWG/PDH Anne Hays, Wessler Engineering
4:45-5:15 Saving Your System Through High Resolution Data .50 WT/WWG/PDH Brian Simpkiss, Badger Meter
Marriott Ballroom 1 -2
Treatment at the Plant
8:00-8:30 Modernizing Legacy Filtration: A Framework for Comprehensive Filter Rehabilitation .50 WT/WWG/PDH Scott Wothke, CDM Smith
8:30-9:00 Water Treatment Plant Softening Alternative Analyses .50 WT/WWG/PDH Ryan Mackos, Strand Associates
9:00-9:30 Implementing UV Disinfection in Public Water Systems: Guidance, Fundamentals, .50 WT/WWG/PDH and Practical Applications Patrick Bollman, Xylem PFAS
10:45-11:45 PFAS Out, Savings In: Full -Scale Case Studies of GAC Reactivation 1.0 WT/WWT/PDH/ Danny McGervey, Calgon Carbon Corporation
All CEUs pending IDEM & IDNR approval. Schedule may be subject to change.
Marriott Ballroom 1 -2 (continued)
Asset Management
CONFERENCE PROGRAM
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25
ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2026
1:30-2:30 Bridging the Gap: Combining Asset Management and CMMS to Modernize Utility Operations
1.0 WT/WWG/PDH/V Mikel Levandoski, ClearFlow
2:30-3:00 Modern, Cloud-based Monitoring: Solution for Every Utility .50 WT/WWG/PDH/V Gavin Stock, Streametric
Distribution O & M
3:45-4:45 Locating and Protecting Utilities
1.0 WT/WWG/PDH Andy LeJeune, Jim Jolly
4:45-5:15
Taming the Dragon: Overcoming the Limits of Traditional Leak Detection Technologies .50 WT/WWG/WDPI/PDH/V Graham Mattison, Kamstrup Water Metering
Marriott Ballroom 3 -4
Small Systems
8:00-8:30 Spray Aeration for THM Removal and Deciding When and Where to Install?
.50 WT/WWG/PDH Jake Meinerding, Jones & Henry Engineers
8:30-9:30 New System Start -up at Small Amish Water Systems and Other Small Systems
1.0 WT/WWG/PDH
Lead Strategies
10:15-10:45
Stacy Jones & Hannah Stalder, IDEM
Navigating LCRI: Compliance Strategies without Known Lead Service Lines in Columbus, IN 50 WT/WWG/PDH Karen Casteloes, Arcadis Ashely Getz, Columbus City Utilities
whose generosity helps support INAWWA in its mission of service to Indiana’s water and wastewater utilities throughout the year.
SPONSORSHIP LEVELS
SOURCE WATER PARTNER TRANSMISSION PARTNER
STORAGE PARTNER METER PARTNER
John N. Hurty Awards are due every year on June 1. Please turn in your nominees who have been in the industry for 25 years+. These awards are a great reminder to celebrate and congratulate our colleagues. We will present the John Hurty Awards at your Fall District Meetings. Please continue to check back on our website www.inawwa.org to find out when your district meeting will be held. Please send the employee’s name, employee start date, and which year pin is due (25, 30, 35, 40, 45, etc.) to: megan.fleming@inawwa.org
Conditions Governing the Presentation of the John N. Hurty Service Award
Recipients must have been employed for 25 years or more in some phase of production or distribution in the waterworks field, servicing the citizens of Indiana. Although service does not need to be in an uninterrupted span or in one community, it must have been with Indiana Waterworks.
Service in the Armed Forces of our country is counted as time employed if the employee left the waterworks field for military duty and returned immediately after that period of duty.
An employee whose time has been divided among several utilities (i.e., water, gas, electric) must have devoted at least 75 percent of his/her time to the waterworks department unless he did all the work in the water department that was to be done.
Employees of the Department of Environmental Management, consulting engineers, manufacturers’ representatives, or others not directly employed by a community water department are not eligible for the award. Included among those eligible would-be superintendents or operators directly responsible for water supplies and treatment plants of State institutions who meet all other requirements as stated
herein, and water utility office personnel and other related jobs, e.g. meter readers. Recipients are nominated by their respective superintendents. The superintendent submits to the Indiana Section AWWA John N. Hurty Service Award Committee the name of the employee, date of employment, years of employment (including interruptions in service, if any, with specific dates of separation and return to duty, date of birth, utility and Indiana Section AWWA district), positions occupied during the years of service and position currently held. If years of service within the waterworks field included more than one water department, list all utilities with dates of service to each utility.
A John N. Hurty Service Award certificate, signed by the Governor and the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Management, and a lapel pin are given to all eligible recipients at the American Water Works Association Fall District meetings. An advanced lapel pin is given to those eligible for each additional five-year period of service. For example, a certificate and pin are given for the first 25-year period, followed by a 30-, 35-, 40-, 45-year, etc. button as earned thereafter. If the
employee’s name was not turned in until the individual had served 31 years, the individual would receive a certificate showing the date and his/her 31 years of service, but receive only a 30-year pin. In four years, the individual would receive a 35-year pin.
FDEVELOPING THE NEXT GENERATION OF WATER PROFESSIONALS
Our water systems face growing challenges, and the professionals who maintain them should have clear paths to advance their skills. Supporting their continuing education means supporting the future of clean water for all.
erguson has long been a top distributor of water and wastewater materials across North America. This year, the company is deepening its commitment to the sector by expanding its support of the water workforce.
Ferguson Cares, the company’s social impact program, recently announced a partnership with American Water Works
Association’s Water Equation to provide scholarships for water operators under the age of 30.
Ferguson recently donated $25,000 to Water Equation’s Water Operator Continuing Education Fund.
“Strong infrastructure starts and sustains with a strong workforce,” said Melissa Hazelwood, director of Ferguson
Cares. “Our water systems face growing challenges, and the professionals who maintain them should have clear paths to advance their skills. Supporting their continuing education means supporting the future of clean water for all.”
Ferguson’s $25,000 donation doubles the pool of funding for the Water Operator Education Fund, which reimburses for
DEVELOPING THE NEXT GENERATION OF WATER PROFESSIONALS
The company has already sponsored HVAC and plumbing labs in middle and high schools in 17 states and a skilled trades summer camp for girls in New York. This new collaboration represents Ferguson’s first formal effort to support workforce development directly within the water sector.
education, certification, training, and conference attendance.
“We aim to grow this fund to help meet ever-increasing workforce needs,” said Margo Hatton, senior manager of development and donor relations at AWWA. “The more the sector can attract, develop and retain water professionals, the better able it will be to prepare for and absorb the impact of retiring professionals.”
Nearly 90% of the water workforce is aged 45 or older, and 30% is expected to retire within the next decade.
Water Equation seeks to address these workforce needs through training and development for young professionals. Ferguson’s partnership marks Water Equation’s first dedicated investment from a corporate partner focused specifically on strengthening pathways for early-career water operators, and Hatton looks forward to developing more like it.
“We want to work with corporations who are just as invested in developing the workforce as we are, corporations who want to give back and pay it forward,” Hatton said.
Ferguson’s partnership is one piece of its efforts to connect 50,000 youth – in elementary, middle, and high schools – to the skilled trades. The company has already sponsored HVAC and plumbing labs in middle and high schools in 17 states and a skilled trades summer camp for girls in New York. This new collaboration represents Ferguson’s first formal effort to support workforce development directly within the water sector.
To learn more about Water Equation or to donate, visit https://www.awwa.org/ water-equation/
VALVE SELECTION 101
QUESTION: WHICH RESILIENT WEDGE GATE VALVE OFFERS THE FOLLOWING FEATURES:
• SINGLE-BOLT, LOW-TORQUE RESTRAINT
• PREASSEMBLED JOINT RESTRAINT
• PIPE MATERIAL FLEXIBILITY
• SIGNIFICANT INSTALLATION COST SAVINGS ANSWER: AMERICAN SERIES 2500 WITH
ALL THE MATERIALS YOU NEED. ALL THE EXPERTISE YOU NEED. The surest way to ensure your project is a success? Call on AMERICAN for an expansive range of best-in-industry products, all delivered with world-class service. After all, we’re the source for everything from ductile iron pipe, valves, hydrants, and remote pressure monitoring to spiral-welded steel pipe up to 12 feet in diameter--not to mention unmatched expertise. From products to people, we’ll make certain things get done The Right Way, right from the start.
DUCTILE IRON PIPE FLOW CONTROL
JUNE 21–24, 2026
WASHINGTON, DC
INAWWA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
MEET AND GREET SOCIAL
35 years and younger. Food, drinks, and networking! March 25 from 5:30-8:00pm at Loughmiller’s Pub and Eatery
All water treatment plant and water distribution system certified operators shall fulfill continuing education requirements:
1. During each three year period following the issuance of the certification card, and
2. Before having that certification renewed.
Continuing education credits required for certification card renewal in the grades of water treatment plant and water distribution system certified operators are listed in the following table:
Continuing Education Requirements
According to 327 IAC 8-12-7.5, continuing education credits required according to the table above must adhere to the distribution of subject matter according to the following:
• A minimum of 70 percent of the required continuing education contact hours shall be obtained from the technical category of approved continuing education courses.
• Not more than 30 percent of the required continuing education hours shall be obtained from the non-technical subject matter category of approved continuing education courses.
A person having a valid certification card in more than one classification of water treatment plant or water distribution system:
1. May be given duplicate continuing education credit from a single approved continuing education course for each water treatment plant and water distribution system certification to which the subject matter is applicable; and
2. Must obtain the greatest number of continuing education contact hours required by the various certifications held within the shared time period of overlap in order not to be required to obtain continuing education for each certificate held.
For more information, please visit www.in.gov/idem/cleanwater
Drinking Water Operator Continuing Education
Technical Hours versus Non-Technical/General Hours:
Definitions: 327 IAC 8-12-7.1 (a) (2) (A)
• Technical: “(i) Technical matters related directly to water distribution or water treatment.” These courses deal with water distribution operations or water treatment operations. The course descriptions clearly state the water works technical subject matter being taught. Examples include courses in pumps, water line installation, repairs, sampling, cross connection control, etc.
• General: “(ii) General matters related to the responsibilities of a certified operator.” This category contains non-technical subjects that an operator needs to know, such as OSHA training, first aid/CPR, laboratory safety, supervision/ communications, etc. The subject matter of these courses is relevant to the work done by water distribution or water treatment operators, but these courses do not deal with specific technical matters in water distribution or water treatment.
• Hydrant & Valve Inspection, Operation, and Maintenance
• Water Conservation
Non-Technical
• OSHA 10-Hour Safety Courses
• Confined Space Entry
• Chlorine Handling Safety
• Lockout/Tagout
• Pipeline Safety
• HAZWOPER
• Laboratory Safety
• Fire Prevention
• Ladder Safety
• Defensive Driving
• Power Tool Safety
• Trenching & Excavation Safety
• Leadership/Supervision
• Accident Investigation
• Basic Safety Fundamentals for Distribution System Operator
• Construction Safety for Water Utility Job Sites
• Traffic Control & Work Zone Safety
• Effective Communication: Managing Conflicts in the Workplace
Not more than 30% of the required continuing education hours shall be obtained from the non-technical subject matter category of approved continuing education courses. NEW TANKS (270) 826-9000 ext. 260 5 EXISTING T ANKS (270) 826-9000 ext. 4601
• First Aid & CPR
For more information on Operator Certification, please contact IDEM’s Drinking Water Branch at 317-234-7430, or toll free at 800-451-6027, ext. 4-7430.
This technical guidance is intended solely as guidance and does not have the effect of law or represent formal Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) decisions or final actions. This guidance document shall be used in conjunction with applicable rules and statutes. It does not replace applicable rules and statutes, and if it conflicts with these rules and statutes, the rules and statutes shall control.
Professional Engineer Continuing Education Information
All professional engineers shall fulfill the following continuing education requirements to augment the professional engineer’s knowledge and skill:
1. Complete thirty (30) hours of education that meet the requirements of 864 IAC Rule 15; and
2. Shall occur during each biennium licensure period, commencing on August 1 of an even-numbered year and concluding on July 31 of the next even-numbered year.
During each biennium, the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers will conduct random audits for compliance with continuing education requirements. Professional engineers who request inactive status of their registration do not need to fulfill any continuing
education requirements to renew as “inactive.” However, inactive professional engineers may not practice engineering under this status.
Continuing Education Hours
According to 864 IAC 1.1-15-3, continuing education credits must include the following before renewing a professional engineer registration:
• At least one (1) hour shall be in ethics applicable to the practice of professional engineering.
• At least one (1) hour shall be in Indiana statutes and rules applicable to the practice of professional engineering.
Per 864 IAC 1.1-15-3 (d), “Professional engineers initially licensed in Indiana in the first year of a biennium shall only
be required to obtain fifteen (15) hours of continuing education. Professional engineers initially licensed in the second year of a biennium shall not be required to obtain any continuing education.”
Additionally, “up to fifteen (15) hours of continuing education obtained during a biennium beyond what is required for the biennium may be carried over to the next biennium.”
Qualifying Programs And Activities
Professional engineers are responsible for ensuring that continuing education programs are applicable and meet the requirements of 864 IAC Rule 15 Sections 4 and 5, including:
• Course by Board approved organizations
• Distance learning
• University, college, or educational institution
• Teaching a course
• Educational outreach activities for kindergarten through 12th grade
• Participation in professional or technical society
• Authoring of published papers, articles, or books
• Attainment of patent
For more detailed information, please visit https://www.in.gov/pla/files/20131211-IR864130333FRA.xml.pdf
Agency Updates
Upcoming Events & Activities
Please visit our website – www.inawwa.org – for details and registration information. Water and Wastewater Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to be approved by IDEM. Well Driller and Pump Installer hours to be approved by IDNR, as applicable. Professional Development Hours (PDHs) for engineers are available, as applicable. Other workshops are being planned, so please check our website regularly, or call our office at 866-213-2796 for updates.
DATE
EVENT
March 23-26, 2026 118th Annual Conference Downtown Indianapolis
April 14, 2026 RCAP Workshop (Topics TBD) Utility Supply Company Peru
April 24, 2026 Northwest District Spring Meeting; Hammond
May 4-8, 2026 Intensive One Week Training; Operator Certification with Scott Ham; Indiana American Water Greenwood
May 7, 2026 Northeast District Spring Meeting; Location TBD
May 12, 2026 Operator Certification Training Indiana American Water Gary
May 14, 2026 Southeast District Spring Meeting; Osgood
May 21, 2026 Northeast District Spring Meeting – Location TBD
June 4, 2026 Operator Symposium North Culy Contracting Winchester
June 25, 2026 Operator Symposium South Utility Supply Company Huntingburg
July 22, 2026
Northeast District Meeting + Tin Caps Baseball Game Fort Wayne
July 29, 2026 Annual Golf Outing Eagle Creek Golf Course Indianapolis
August 5, 2026 Operator Boot Camp Miami County Fairgrounds Peru
September 17, 2026 Northeast District Fall Meeting – Location TBD
December 1-3, 2026 Annual Water Institute & Equipment Expo French Lick
Together, We are the Voice for Indiana Water
Please contact Monique Riggs at 317-372-9864/ Monique.Riggs@inawwa.org OR Megan Fleming 317-446-4237/megan.fleming@inawwa.org to host an event or suggest a topic for a workshop.
To reach water quality professionals through News Leaks magazine and its targeted readership, contact Dave at your earliest convenience to discuss your company’s promotional plan.
Dave Gill, Marketing Manager Toll Free: 866-985-9791, david@kelman.ca
Neptune’s R900® System can be adapted to how you
for your
Get started at neptunetg.com/BuiltForYou
Advertiser Product & Service Center
NewsLeaks is made possible by the companies below who convey their important messages on our pages. We thank them for their support of INAWWA and its publication and encourage you to contact them when making your purchasing decisions. To make it easier to contact these companies, we have included the page number of their advertisement, their phone number, and, where applicable, their website. You can also go to the electronic version of NewsLeaks at www.inawwa.org and access direct links to any of these companies.
AMERICAN Ductile Iron Pipe 36 205-325-7701 www.american-usa.com
AMERICAN Flow Control 34 205-325-7701 www.american-usa.com
American Structurepoint, Inc. 34 317-547-5580 www.structurepoint.com
Arcadis U.S., Inc. 40 317-231-6500 www.arcadis.com
AUMA Actuators, Inc. 7 724-743-2862 www.auma-usa.com
Bastin-Logan Water Services 28 317-738-4577 www.bastinlogan.com
Baxter & Woodman, Inc. 46 815-459-1260 www.baxterwoodman.com
