Northwest District Water Operators School

Conducted by the:

• Minnesota Department of Health, and
• American Water Works Association - Minnesota Section

October 21-23, 2025
Holiday Inn Lakefront
1155 Highway 10 East
Detroit Lakes, Minnesota 56501
218-847-2121

A block of guest rooms is being held. Mention Northwest Water Operators School for a special rate.

Registration details for Northwest School

• Fee: $200 ($225 after October 6)
• Register and pay on-line:
  MN AWWA Community Calendar
   
• 16 credit hours for attendance

Applications for the certification exam must be received by the Minnesota Department of Health at least 15 days before the exam. Download the exam application below:

• Water Supply System Operator Exam Application (PDF)

or contact Noel Hansen: noel.hansen@state.mn.us, 651-201-4690.

Questions

Contact Stew Thornley: stew.thornley@state.mn.us, 651-201-4655 or Erin Culver: erin.culver@state.mn.us, 651-201-4697 with questions about the school. For specific questions about the certification exam, contact Noel (information above).

Tentative agenda

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Morning

Registration begins at 7:45 a.m. Sessions begin at 8:15.

Welcome from Vernell Roberts, Detroit Lakes Public Utilities

Communicating with the Public - Stew Thornley, Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)

Chemical Safety - Eric Osland, Hawkins Chemical

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Update - Brian Rivers, MDH

Water in Peru - Brian Rivers, MDH

Afternoon

Chlorine, Chloramines, and Breakpoint Chlorination - Mike Savelli, Hach Chemical

Exam Prep will be held all day, conducted by John Thom of SEH, Inc.

Lead Service Line Replacement, Lessons Learned - Jade Berube, Apex Engineering

Cost of Doing Nothing - KLM Engineering

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Morning

Breakfast at 8:15
Guest Speaker: Ron Baden, Area Wildlife Supervisor, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Filter Maintenance - Jeff Emerson, Kurita

Vendor Show

Afternoon

Legionella in Grand Rapids - Mac Graupman, Bolton & Menk

All About Wells - Aaron Butler, Thein Well Company

Excavation Safety - Keith Byklum, Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association

Thursday, October 23, 2025

Morning

Underground Solutions: Comparing Pipe Installation Methods for Efficiency and Cost - Chris Perlichek, Moorhead Public Service

Pipe Fusion Demonstration - Chad Troitte, Core & Main

Ensuring System Reliability Through Winterization Planning – Bob Klug, Minnesota Rural Water Association

20 Questions - Eric Weller or Brady Krueger, MDH

Certification exams will be held at 8:30 a.m.

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