Iowa Water Pollution Control Association

1. Iowa Water Pollution Control Association Past, Present, and Future of IWPCA January, 2008

2. A Little History of IWPCA… • One of the first state associations. • The first Operators’ training in the nation – November 2-3, 1915. • A second Operators’ short course – December 9-10, 1920. • Annual training conferences every year since except during World War II due to travel restrictions.

3. Official Founding Dates of State and National Associations: • New Jersey – 1916 • Missouri – 1925 • Ohio – 1926 • California – 1927 • Iowa – 1927 • Arizona – 1928 • Texas – 1928 • Federation of Sewage Works Associations (WEF) – 1928

4. Charter Members of theFederation of Sewage Works Associations (WEF) • Arizona • California • Central States • Iowa • Maryland • Pennsylvania • Texas

5. Iowa Water Pollution Control Association Present Endeavors

6. Training First specialized operator training in 1915. IWPCA Annual Conference AWWA/IWPCA Operator Short Courses Regional meetings – six regions in the state hold annual or biannual training in each region. Biosolids Conference Collection System Conference

7. Stockholm Junior Water Prize • IWPCA has sponsored awards at Iowa high school science fairs since 1991. • 1991 – High School - $50; Junior High - $25 • 2007 – High School - $500; Junior High - $100 • Sponsorship to national SJWP competition since 2004.

8. From Left: Andy Venske, IWPCA Public Relations/Public Education Committee Megan Bartholomew, Central Lee High School, 2007 Iowa Stockholm Junior Water Prize Winner, “The Natural Way, Effects of Typhaminima on Contaminated Freshwater Systems”

9. Iowa Children’s Water Festival • 2,000 5th graders attend a free one-day event designed to educate them on Iowa’s water resources. • Topics include aquifers, surface waters, point source and non-point source pollution, watersheds, wetlands, etc. • Exposure to careers and volunteer opportunities through adult role models. • IWPCA provides financial support and volunteer workers and makes presentations.

10. Iowa Children’s Water Festival • IWPCA/AWWA-Iowa Section Water for People committees educate students about the need for clean drinking water and sanitation in developing countries. • IWPCA’s presentation of “Cleanwater Heroes” where students are assigned roles as constituents in the flow to a wastewater treatment plant. • Constituents (students) are removed from the flow as they enter the appropriate treatment structure.

11. Iowa Children’s Water Festival

12. Iowa Children’s Water Festival

13. Iowa Children’s Water Festival

14. Operator Certification • Voluntary certification – 1952 • Mandatory certification – 1965 • Joint Operator Certification Committee – 1991 – AWWA – Iowa Section, IWPCA, Iowa Rural Water Assoc., Iowa Assoc. of Municipal Utilities, Iowa State University, Kirkwood Community College – Advisory committee to state regulatory agency. • Voluntary Collection System Certification by IWPCA since 1995.

15. Laboratory Certification • Ad Hoc Wastewater Laboratory Certification Committee – 1983 • Voluntary Wastewater Laboratory Certification by IWPCA – 1987 • Mandatory Wastewater Laboratory Certification – 1997 – modeled after IWPCA voluntary program. • Laboratory Practices Committee

16. Spouses’ Auxiliary • Official association founded in 1957. • First such auxiliary in WEF. • Annual program and election of officers coinciding with IWPCA annual conference.

17. Iowa Science Teachers’ Conference • Educate the educators about IWPCA. • Stockholm Junior Water Prize competition. • Distribute copies of the WEF Water Sourcebook. • This curriculum has been placed in over 100 education agencies in the state. • Discuss career opportunities in the water quality field.

18. IWPCA Biosolids Conference • Ad Hoc Biosolids Committee - 1991 • First annual Biosolids Conference - 1992 • EPA 503 regulations effective 2/19/93. • Iowa Chapter 67 regulations effective 9/21/94 based on vital input from IWPCA members. • Biosolids educational video - 1996 • Land Application Field Guide - 2000

19. IWPCA Collection System Conference • Voluntary Certification through IWPCA and ABC since 1995. • Annual Collection System Conference –1997 • Training and Exam Opportunities – 2 x year – Collection System Conference and as a separate track at IWPCA Annual Conference.

20. Governor’s Iowa High SchoolWater Summit • Established in 2006 to help develop future leaders who understand the importance of protecting water quality. • A one-day event targeted to high school juniors and seniors. • Participants learn about water quality and its relationship to quality of life, economic viability of communities, recreation and public health. • Scholarships totaling $10,000 are awarded to the ten highest ranked students. • IWPCA lends financial support and discusses career opportunities in the water quality field.

21. IWPCA Reporter • Quarterly newsletter • Message from the President • Committee Reports • Plant Upgrades • Member News • Regional News • Membership Information • IDNR News • Water for People • Safety Corner • Certification Practice Questions

22. Government Affairs Committee • Technical Advisory Committee to state regulators. • Keep the general membership informed of pending regulations. • Draft position papers on regulatory issues.

23. Awards In addition to WEF Awards such as Bedell, Hatfield, and Burke, IWPCA presents the following awards to a select few of its members: • Harris F. Seidel Education Award - This award was established in honor of Mr. Seidel, a 60-year member and former President of WEF. The award is presented to recognize individuals who have given exemplary service in the broad area of water pollution control and the environmental sciences through education, training and motivation. • Operator Advancement Awards – Operators and their employers are recognized for excellence in treatment and overall community awareness, motivation and successful achievement in water pollution control and the environment – awarded annually since 1958.

24. Awards, cont. • Laboratory Analyst Excellence Award - The award is presented to recognize individuals for outstanding performance, professionalism and contributions to the water quality analysis profession. This honor also acknowledges exceptional efforts in wastewater and environmental aquatic analyses and service that have been beneficial to the nominee’s facility. • Golden Manhole Award – recognition for collection system operators who have provided meritorious service above and beyond the call of duty. • “Wrencher” Award – presented to individuals who have gone "beyond exceptional duties" in the maintenance of water pollution control plant equipment.

25. Water for People • A golf tournament and strong-arm tactics (pass the hat) at the annual conference results in thousands of dollars raised for Water for People. • Each year IWPCA members travel to work on water (drinking and sanitation) projects for the community of Xicotepec, Mexico.

26. IWPCA Annual Retreat • Executive Board and Committee Chairs meet each January to plan and budget for the year’s activities. • Meals and lodging are provided by IWPCA for the two-day retreat. • Brainstorming of new ideas, goals, and projects. • Networking to exchange information and inspire development of people, ideas, and strategies.

27. Young Professionals • Iowa State University Water Quality Club – a student organization at ISU interested in the engineering and science of meeting our water needs while protecting the environment. • Supported by IWPCA through the sponsorship of WEF student memberships and a yearly stipend. • Additional financial support from IWPCA for members of ISUWQC to present their project at the WEFTEC Design Competition. • IWPCA Young Professionals Club – January, 2008.

28. What Challenges Lie Ahead for IWPCA? • Membership Retention and Recruitment • Regulatory Changes • Succession Planning - Employers and IWPCA • Develop a Professional Image of Our Occupation • Encourage Involvement in IWPCA by Front-line Employees

29. Iowa Water Pollution Control Association Questions? January, 2008