NEW! Click here for Program Brochure
Approved for 10 CECs for Professional Engineers/ 10 CPEs for Water Operators!
(3 Management Credits)
24th Annual Plant Operators Conference
Join the VA AWWA Plant Operations Committee for this favorite educational and networking event. Please scroll for the full schedule of speakers and presentations (subject to changes).
Reserve your room by calling Marriott reservations at 1-888-627-8231 or book online.
The purpose of this event is to showcase the depth and breadth of knowledge held by water operators. The AWWA Top Ops Competition is a competitive, question-and-answer tournament where a moderator asks a broad range of technical questions to the participating teams and they have limited time to answer. During the Plant Operations Conference, a competition is held to find the Top Operators in Virginia to represent the Virginia Section at the AWWA Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE). Download the Top Ops FAQs flyer here!
NEW: Watch our VIDEO INTERVIEW with Bernie Snyder, Mike Lamb, and Michael Costello and learn how YOU can form a winning team!
Use passcode: TopOps2024*
- Team members do not have to be from the same utility.
- Individuals are welcome to compete solo.
- Let us know on the registration form if you would like help getting matched up to another team.
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
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5:30 Event Check In and Reception- Heavy Appetizers and Drinks
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6:30-7:30 Roundtable Discussion I - Shawn Heselton, HRSD and Kayla Sanon, City of Richmond DPU
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7:30-8:30 Roundtable Discussion II - Betty Green, Virginia Rural Water Association
7:30 am- 2:30 pm
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7:30 Event Check In and Continental Breakfast
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8:15 Opening Remarks: VA AWWA Plant Operations Committee Chair
Thomas Barger, Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority -
8:30 Regulatory Update
Dan Horne, PE, VDH- Office of Drinking Water -
9:30 Break and 'Get to Know Your Sponsors' Introductions
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10:00 O&M to Asset Management: An Operator's Role In the Big Picture
Scott Mattice, Hazen and Sawyer -
11:00 On Site Hypo Generation Systems at the New Ulm and Baxter Water Treatment Plant: An Operations-Focused Study
Brad Weiss, PE, Short Elliott Hendrickson -
12:00 Lunch/ Top Ops Preliminary Round
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1:15 Operational Benefits from Chemical Feed System Replacements Done In-House
Karlyn Owens, PE, James City Service Authority -
2:15 Exhibitor Showcase
Thursday 5-8 PM
FREE Networking Event at Beachside Social
Join your fellow members and friends of VA AWWA for drinks, appetizers, games, and great company at Beachside Social in Virginia Beach. This networking event is free to all conference attendees and their guests, just RSVP at https://vaawwa.org/events/beachsidesocial/
7:30 am - 2:30 pm
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7:30 Event Check In and Continental Breakfast
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8:15 Opening Remarks: VA AWWA Plant Operations Committee Chair
Thomas Barger, Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority -
8:30 How SURE?: SUstainability and REsiliency for Conventional Filters and Underdrain Systems
Phil Pino, Orthos Liquid Systems/ Beacon Water Technologies -
9:30 Break and 'Get to Know Your Sponsors' Introductions
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10:00 Chloramine Disinfection Residual Optimization and Management in the Distribution System
Brandon Isenhart , Loudoun Water and Tom Caulfield, PAX Water Technologies
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11:00 Observatory WTP Upgrade: Operational Efficiency, System Resiliency
Daniel Campbell, Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority -
12:00 Lunch and Top Ops Competition
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1:30 Preparing the Next Level of Water Operators in a Changing World
Betty Green, VA Rural Water Association -
2:30 Closing Comments
Please note that there is a $12/day fee for parking at this venue or in nearby lots.
- AWWA Member Rate - $250
- Non-Member Rate - $333
- Retiree - $75
- Student - Free!
- AWWA Member Rate - $140
- Non-Member Rate - $223
- Retiree - Early Bird - $45
- Roundtable Discussion only - $40
Event Sponsors
