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. Session-s 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 - Indran Kamalanathan, MDH

Water in Peru and Water for People - Brian Rivers, MDH, and Rochelle Widmer, City of Columbia Heights

Afternoon

Presentations from vendors, including Mike Savelli of Hach Chemical and Jade Berube, Apex Engineering on Lead Service Line Replacement

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

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Morning

Breakfast at 8:15 - 

Vendor Show

Afternoon

Legionella in Grand Rapids - Mac Graumpan, Bolton & Menk

Top of the Tower - KLM Engineering

Safety - Keith Byklum, Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association

Thursday, October 23, 2025

Morning

Advanced Leak Detection in Water Meters - Frank Stuemke, Advanced Engineering

Pipe Fusion Demonstration - Chad Troitte, Core & Main

Source Water Protection

20 Questions - Eric Weller or Brady Krueger, MDH

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