Essentials of Drinking Water Treatment

Overview of Drinking Water Treatment and Current Issues

• Regulatory drivers
• Emerging contaminants and technologies

Coagulation and Flocculation

• Chemistry of coagulation
• Mixing
• Sedimentation
• Dissolved air flotation
• Granular media filters

Disinfection Processes and Technologies

• Chlorine, chloramines
• Ozone, ultraviolet, chlorine dioxide
• Microbial growth in distribution systems

Comparing Surface Water and Groundwater Treatment Plants

• Types of treatment plants
• Groundwater vs. surface water raw sources
• Major processes, typical flow rates

Owner Insights: Design and Operation of Water Treatment Facilities

• Designing for operations and maintenance
• Flexibility, simplicity, costs, procurement, efficiency

Membrane Filtration Processes

• Micro, ultra, and nano-filtration
• Reverse osmosis, electrodialysis reversal
• Membrane life, fouling, cleaning frequency
• Concentrate disposal

Distribution System Water Quality

• Pipe corrosion
• Disinfection by-products
• Premise plumbing issues

PFAS Overview and Treatment Options

• PFAS background
• Regulations
• Treatment options

Facility Planning, Decision-making, Susainability, and Energy Considerations

• What is facility planning and its importance
• Decision-making factors (Life Cycle Costing, Life Cycle Assessment, etc)
• On-site energy options for faciltiies

Case Studies in Drinking Water Treatment

• Examples of small and large water treatment plants
• Meeting new regulations and improving water quality
• Problems that can impact cost, schedule, and operation

Attendees will have the opportunity to earn a digital badge, showcasing the knowledge and skills acquired during the course. These micro-credentials are awarded upon successful completion of application exercises integrated throughout the program, serving as a tangible recognition of professional growth and expertise. Click here for information on digital badges.

Registration Date/Time:
6/23/2026 8:30am Central Time

Event Dates/Times:

• 6/23/2026  9:00am - 5:00pm Central Time
• 6/24/2026  9:00am - 5:00pm Central Time
• 6/25/2026  9:00am - 3:00pm Central Time

This is a HyFlex (in-person and online) taught course. Your registration is for one teaching platform only: in-person or online. Please be prepared to attend all days either in-person or online. Contact us before registering if you have any questions. 

Registration confirmation will guide students through accessing the Canvas course site. Students will create and log in to the Canvas course site with a NetID. Course assets such as participation certificates and course evaluations will be available to all students through the Canvas course site.

Online attendees will access course sessions via the Zoom web conferencing platform.

• Program Director

  Adib Amini

• Instructors

  Greg Harrington

  Professor

  Greg Harrington, PhD, is a professor and department chair of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His research interests include waterborne pathogens, natural organic matter, and physical/chemical processes such as ozonation, chloramination, coagulation, and ultraviolet irradiation.  In addition to his teaching and research, he is the Pieper Family Foundation Chair for Servant Leadership and has served as president of the Water Utility Board for the Madison Water Utility.

• Instructors

  Greg Harrington

  Professor

  Greg Harrington, PhD, is a professor and department chair of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His research interests include waterborne pathogens, natural organic matter, and physical/chemical processes such as ozonation, chloramination, coagulation, and ultraviolet irradiation.  In addition to his teaching and research, he is the Pieper Family Foundation Chair for Servant Leadership and has served as president of the Water Utility Board for the Madison Water Utility.

  Chris Catlin

  Operations Consultant

  Chris Catlin, PE, is an operations consultant with Jacobs. He previously served as superintendent of plant operations for the Minneapolis Water Works, managing a 180-MGD lime-softening/membrane plant. His experience includes groundwater, surface water, conventional treatment, membrane treatment, radium removal, and ammonia/nitrification. He is a certified water plant operator in several states.

• Instructors

  Greg Harrington

  Professor

  Greg Harrington, PhD, is a professor and department chair of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His research interests include waterborne pathogens, natural organic matter, and physical/chemical processes such as ozonation, chloramination, coagulation, and ultraviolet irradiation.  In addition to his teaching and research, he is the Pieper Family Foundation Chair for Servant Leadership and has served as president of the Water Utility Board for the Madison Water Utility.

  Chris Catlin

  Operations Consultant

  Chris Catlin, PE, is an operations consultant with Jacobs. He previously served as superintendent of plant operations for the Minneapolis Water Works, managing a 180-MGD lime-softening/membrane plant. His experience includes groundwater, surface water, conventional treatment, membrane treatment, radium removal, and ammonia/nitrification. He is a certified water plant operator in several states.

  Michael Oneby

  City Engineer

  Michael Oneby, PE, is the City Engineer for the City of Seward, Nebraska  For twenty years, Mike worked for several consulting engineering firms, specializing in water treatment process design. His work has included the analysis, design, and upgrade of municipal and industrial treatment facilities across the United States, including membranes, ozone, conventional and advanced treatment. He is a past-president of the International Ozone Association and is currently the Sub-Committee Chair for a new AWWA Manual of Practice Ozone Systems for Drinking Water, Wastewater and Water Reuse Applications.

• Instructors

  Greg Harrington

  Professor

  Greg Harrington, PhD, is a professor and department chair of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His research interests include waterborne pathogens, natural organic matter, and physical/chemical processes such as ozonation, chloramination, coagulation, and ultraviolet irradiation.  In addition to his teaching and research, he is the Pieper Family Foundation Chair for Servant Leadership and has served as president of the Water Utility Board for the Madison Water Utility.

  Chris Catlin

  Operations Consultant

  Chris Catlin, PE, is an operations consultant with Jacobs. He previously served as superintendent of plant operations for the Minneapolis Water Works, managing a 180-MGD lime-softening/membrane plant. His experience includes groundwater, surface water, conventional treatment, membrane treatment, radium removal, and ammonia/nitrification. He is a certified water plant operator in several states.

  Michael Oneby

  City Engineer

  Michael Oneby, PE, is the City Engineer for the City of Seward, Nebraska  For twenty years, Mike worked for several consulting engineering firms, specializing in water treatment process design. His work has included the analysis, design, and upgrade of municipal and industrial treatment facilities across the United States, including membranes, ozone, conventional and advanced treatment. He is a past-president of the International Ozone Association and is currently the Sub-Committee Chair for a new AWWA Manual of Practice Ozone Systems for Drinking Water, Wastewater and Water Reuse Applications.

  Michael Oneby

  City Engineer

  Michael Oneby, PE, is the City Engineer for the City of Seward, Nebraska  For twenty years, Mike worked for several consulting engineering firms, specializing in water treatment process design. His work has included the analysis, design, and upgrade of municipal and industrial treatment facilities across the United States, including membranes, ozone, conventional and advanced treatment. He is a past-president of the International Ozone Association and is currently the Sub-Committee Chair for a new AWWA Manual of Practice Ozone Systems for Drinking Water, Wastewater and Water Reuse Applications.

• Instructors

  Greg Harrington

  Professor

  Greg Harrington, PhD, is a professor and department chair of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His research interests include waterborne pathogens, natural organic matter, and physical/chemical processes such as ozonation, chloramination, coagulation, and ultraviolet irradiation.  In addition to his teaching and research, he is the Pieper Family Foundation Chair for Servant Leadership and has served as president of the Water Utility Board for the Madison Water Utility.

  Chris Catlin

  Operations Consultant

  Chris Catlin, PE, is an operations consultant with Jacobs. He previously served as superintendent of plant operations for the Minneapolis Water Works, managing a 180-MGD lime-softening/membrane plant. His experience includes groundwater, surface water, conventional treatment, membrane treatment, radium removal, and ammonia/nitrification. He is a certified water plant operator in several states.

  Michael Oneby

  City Engineer

  Michael Oneby, PE, is the City Engineer for the City of Seward, Nebraska  For twenty years, Mike worked for several consulting engineering firms, specializing in water treatment process design. His work has included the analysis, design, and upgrade of municipal and industrial treatment facilities across the United States, including membranes, ozone, conventional and advanced treatment. He is a past-president of the International Ozone Association and is currently the Sub-Committee Chair for a new AWWA Manual of Practice Ozone Systems for Drinking Water, Wastewater and Water Reuse Applications.

  Michael Oneby

  City Engineer

  Michael Oneby, PE, is the City Engineer for the City of Seward, Nebraska  For twenty years, Mike worked for several consulting engineering firms, specializing in water treatment process design. His work has included the analysis, design, and upgrade of municipal and industrial treatment facilities across the United States, including membranes, ozone, conventional and advanced treatment. He is a past-president of the International Ozone Association and is currently the Sub-Committee Chair for a new AWWA Manual of Practice Ozone Systems for Drinking Water, Wastewater and Water Reuse Applications.

  Adib Amini

  Program Director

  Adib Amini, Ph.D., PE, ENV SP, BCEE serves as Program Director in the College of Engineering’s Office of Interdisciplinary Professional Programs, with a focus on Water, Wastewater, Stormwater, and Sustainability. Dr. Amini also works with cities and industries as an engineering consultant, with experience in both drinking water and wastewater treatment. Dr. Amini has expertise in sustainability, engineering design, technology innovation, and renewable energy. Dr. Amini’s work has included the design of novel technologies, including on-site energy systems at facilities. He spearheaded the designs for the first wastewater treatment facilities in Iowa that are 100% powered by on-site renewable energy systems. Dr. Amini invented a novel system for ventilation of rated spaces, such as wastewater headworks buildings, for which he holds a provisional patent. Dr. Amini also has performed award-winning research in technology innovation and sustainability. Dr. Amini has spoken widely at conferences on topics related to water/wastewater treatment, sustainability, PFAS, on-site energy systems, and resilient infrastructure.

TEAM of 2: $100 off per person for 2 employees from the same organization
TEAM of 3+: $150 off per person for groups of 3+ employees from the same organization

10% Discount for Madison City and Dane County Water Utilities employees. Your department affiliation will be verified.

If you are planning to attend an Interdisciplinary Professional Programs course, payment is required at the time of registration. Below are the payment options:

Pay by Credit Card

Enroll online and pay by credit card.

• Search for the course on the website and then click on the Enroll Now button from the course webpage.
• Enter all necessary course attendee information and payment information on the course enrollment page.
• You will receive an email to confirm successful enrollment and payment.

Enroll over the phone and pay by credit card.

• Call CERC Registrations at 608-262-2451.
• Provide the registrations representative with:
  • the course name, dates, and/or course number.
  • the necessary course attendee information and payment information.
• You will receive either a mailed document or an email to confirm successful enrollment payment.

Pay by Check

Mail in a completed registration form and check payable to UW Madison.

• Fill out a registration form (found either in the back of the course brochure you received in the mail or here).
• Prepare a check, made payable to UW Madison.
• Mail the registration form and check to: CERC Registrations 21 N Park St, Ste 7101 Madison, WI 53715
• You will receive either a mailed document or an email to confirm successful enrollment and payment.

Pay by Purchase Order

• Request Purchase Order information from interpro@union.wisc.edu
  • If a fee quote is needed, contact custserv@interpro.wisc.edu first
• You will receive an invoice from UW–Madison Business Services for payment, usually within 3–5 business days

Military

If using SF-182 form, please call our registration number at 608-262-2451 or email interpro@union.wisc.edu for details and instructions.

Event Cancellation

We reserve the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen events. If we cancel a course, participants will be notified via email or phone and will be given the option for a full refund or to transfer their registration and any fees paid to another course. We are not responsible for non-refundable plane tickets, hotel reservations, and other travel related expenses. For enrollee Course Cancellation, refer to notes on course page.

If you cannot attend, please notify us no later than one week before your course begins, and we will refund your fee. Cancellations received after this date and no-shows are subject to a $150 administrative fee. You may enroll a substitute at any time before the course starts.