2026 Technical Conference
2026-03-05 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Merrell Brothers, 8811 W 500 N, Kokomo, IN, 46901
The 2026 IWEA Technical Conference will bring together water environment professionals for a full day of innovation, practical problem‑solving, and industry insights across Collection Systems, Operations & Maintenance, Residuals & Resource Recovery, and Stormwater. With a keynote from Professor Linda Lee, 2 concurrent technical tracks, and 2 chances to for a short tour of the Merrell Bros. facility, this conference highlights real‑world case studies, emerging technologies, data‑driven decision‑making, regulatory updates, and hands‑on operational strategies designed to help utilities improve performance.

Highlights include:

Optimized screening & primary treatment
AI‑enabled inspection data
A case study from Logansport Utility
Smarter force main strategies
Odor & corrosion control
Update on 327 IAC 6.1 land application rule changes

Registration is now CLOSED. On-site registration will be available. Please plan to arrive around 7:30 AM so you can be registered before the first sessions begin.

Schedule
Attendees are approved to receive a maximum of 7.0 CEUs/PDHs. Technical vs. General credits for WW are indicated below. All DW credits are general.

TRACK 1
TRACK 2
TRACK 3

7:30-8:00 AM
REGISTRATION (30 min)

8:00-8:55 AM
KEYNOTE ADDRESS: PFAS in Agriculture Systems: Challenges and Potential Solutions, Professor Linda Lee – 1.0 Tech

9:00-9:25 AM
Logansport Utility Optimized Both Normal and Peak Flow Screening – Steve Aiken, Duperon – 0.5 Tech
Advancements in Primary Treatment – Moving Beyond Clarification – Robert Wiley, Nuove Energie USA Inc – 0.5 Tech

9:30 – 9:55 AM
Data-Driven Communication to Support Sewer Rate Adjustments: A Case Study from Portage, Indiana – James Kelleher, APX10 – 0.5 Gen
Recap from Visiting Five Biosolids Dryer Installations In Wisconsin – Philip Teague, Jones & Henry Engineers, Ltd. – 0.5 Gen

9:55-10:15 AM
MORNING BREAK (20 Min)

10:15-11:05 AM
Smarter Force Main Inspection Strategies – Francisco Sobral, RJN Group – 1.0 Tech
How to Select The Most Effective Blower Technology – Bob Kisler, Hoffman & Lamson – 1.0 Tech
Current State of Biosolids Across the Nation – Merrell Bros. – 1.0 Tech

11:10 -11:35 AM
Flush the Guesswork: Video SOPs That Keep Operations Flowing – Tara Washington, City of Carmel & RJ Phillips, Carmel WWTP – 0.5 Tech
Cutting Maintenance Burden in Municipal Sludge Dewatering – Alex Martynenko, Esmil Group/USA & Randy Burns, Esmil Group/USA – 0.5 Gen

11:35-12:50 PM
LUNCH & PRESENTATION (50 min): 327 IAC 6.1 Land Application Proposed Rule Changes – Morrighan O’Connell, IDEM & Brenda Stephanoff, IDEM – 1.0 Gen

12:50-1:20 PM
EXHIBIT HALL (30 Min)

1:20-1:45 PM
On-Site Sodium Hypochlorite Generation: A Safe and Reliable Disinfection Alternative for Wastewater Treatment and Water Reuse – Tom Caulfield, Cleanwater1 – 0.5 Gen
FROG Initiative – Edward Basquill, Lebanon Utilities – 0.5 Gen

1:50-2:40 PM
Lift Station Preventative Maintenance – Zach Crouse, Indiana Pump Works, LLC – 1.0 Tech
Developing a True GIS Data Program – Jeff Weaver, Abonmarche – 1.0 Gen
Biosolids in Practice: Land Application Equipment and Class A Reuse Options – Merrell Bros. – 1.0 Tech

2:40-3:00 PM
AFTERNOON BREAK (20 Min)

3:00-3:25 PM
A Strategic Full System Analysis for Odor and Corrosion Control: Sellersburg, Indiana – Jarus Cox, Source Technologies & Doug Van Joy, Source Technologies – 0.5 Tech
A SCWO Demo: How Supercritical Water Oxidation is Transforming Waste Management in Orlando, FL – Naomi Senehi, 374Water – 0.5 Tech

3:30-3:55 PM
Highway to Hellacious Sulfide – Jarus Cox, Source Technologies & Doug Van Joy, Source Technologies – 0.5 Tech
Protecting our Watersheds – Reggie Korthals, MPA/JD, MS4CECI, OHM Advisors; Indiana MS4 Stormwater Partnership – 0.5 Gen – Cancelled

3:55-4:30 PM
CHECK OUT/ SIGN CEU FORMS (~30 min)

**No refunds will be given after 14 days prior to the event.**

Wastewater Challenge
2026-05-18 12:00 - 2026-05-19 13:00 | South Bend WWTP, 3113 Riverside Dr, South Bend, 46628, United States
The Wastewater Challenge is a day of hands-on events designed to test and stretch your how-to knowledge of wastewater. It takes a team to rise to the challenges created by the Laboratory, Operations & Maintenance, Residuals & Resource Recovery, Collection Systems, Pretreatment, and Safety committees. Competitive Teams rely on their wits, experience, and diverse members for the high score that will take them to WEFTEC to represent Indiana.
This year, IWEA is excited to bring back a TWO-DAY event for 2026! The competition will take place on BOTH May 18th and 19th. Competitors must be present both days to participate. So grab your team and get ready for two full days of excitement!
The top competitive team in the IWEA Wastewater Challenge will receive up to $10,000 in funds to help send them to the WEFTEC Ops Challenge in New Orleans this fall! The second place team will receive a $5,000 credit to be used within IWEA to either attend WEFTEC or another IWEA event.
TEAM REGISTRATION JUDGE REGISTRATION

Watch this video to see what it’s all about!

SCHEDULE (times subject to change)
Monday, May 18th | Day 1

Registration | 12:00 PM
First Event | 1:00 PM
Last Event Concludes | 5:20 PM
Social Evening Event

Tuesday, May 19th | Day 2

Registration | 7:15 AM
First Event | 8:00 AM
Last Event Concludes | 12:10 PM
Awards | 12:30 PM

HOTEL INFORMATION
While there is no hotel block for this event, we recommend booking your stay at the Comfort Suites University Area Notre Dame-South Bend.
