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📣 Call for Papers 📣

The PA Section of AWWA is thrilled to announce that the Call for Papers is officially OPEN!

PA-AWWA is getting ready for the upcoming Annual Conference & Expo, and we’d love for you to be part of it! We invite you to contribute to the success of this event by submitting papers and abstracts. Your knowledge and experiences are important to our community, and we’re excited to share the great work happening in our region.

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT: October 31, 2025

 

SUGGESTED TECHNICAL TOPICS

Artificial Intelligence
Surface Water Treatment | Ground Water Treatment
Pumping
Residuals
Energy Management & Controls
Technologies

 

Distribution
Operations
Asset Management
Construction
Regulatory
Sustainability, Resiliency, & Climate Change

CRITERIA for SELECTION

Individuals desiring to present at the PA Section 2025 Annual Conference should submit an abstract (100 words or less).
Abstracts should only include concise information.
Abstracts should be submitted in a PDF format.
Abstracts must be presented in-person at the conference.

Please note that we will only consider submissions that follow the above requirements.

Conference Overview

We're thrilled you enjoyed our annual conference, packed with diverse technical sessions—from insightful workshops to interactive demonstrations, there was something for everyone! Learning about the water industry's rich history always inspires our team.

A major highlight was Hydrant Hysteria, an incredible display of speed and competitive spirit. We were also fascinated by the creative engineering behind tank building, even the designs that ultimately didn't "hold water," and enjoyed learning the nuances of water tasting from the pros.

This successful event wouldn't be possible without our dedicated Board, speakers, moderators, and volunteers. Their hard work makes it all happen!

Remember, the annual conference is just one of many opportunities PA-AWWA offers. We have educational and social events throughout the year in your District. If you have ideas for training or courses, please let our ED/Tech Council know—we can help bring them to life!

We're already looking forward to next year's conference in State College on May 4-6, 2026. Stay tuned for updates, and thank you for being part of such an incredible experience!

 

Save the Date

Mark your calendars! PA-AWWA is thrilled to announce our annual conference will be held at Penn Stater Hotel & Conference Center – State College, PA – on May 4-6, 2026! Join us for two days of engaging technical sessions, inspiring speakers, and invaluable networking opportunities. Prepare to deepen your knowledge, connect with industry leaders, and experience the spirited atmosphere of this dynamic university town. We can't wait to see you there!

MANAGEMENT SLIDES

Leadership & Management for New Professionals, and Asset Management - Ralph Johnson, PE; System Design Engineering

Crisis COMMS & the LCR: How to Successfully Handle Sensitive Customer Communications - Mike McGill; WaterPIO

Successful Crisis Communications: How to Integrate the National Incident Management System (NIMS) into Your Emergency Responses - Mike McGill; WaterPIO

How to Avoid Reputation-Threatening Mistakes as Inventories Become Replacement Programs Under the LCRI - Mike McGill: WaterPIO

When You are the Comms Team: Practical AI Tools for Water Utilities - Lindsay Hughes; North Penn Water Authority

 

TECHNICAL SLIDES

PFAS in the Environment: Fate, Transport, and a Novel Low-Cost Monitoring Approach - Dan Cargnel, PE; Buchart Horn, Inc | Samuel Hodges, PhD, EIT; Buchart Horn, Inc | Katharina Pankratz, PhD, EIT; Buchart Horn, Inc

From Concern to Compliance: What PA Water Suppliers Need to Know About PFAS - Rich Stump; Suburban Testing Labs

Disruption of the PFAS “Cycle”: How Reverse Osmosis Can Reduce PFAS Loading into WWTPs - Erica Peris; Rochem Americas, Inc

Executing a System-Wide Meter Upgrade - Terry Funk, PE; GFT

Ice Pigging - Advanced Pipe-Cleaning Technology - Blake Murphy; American Pipeline Solutions

Water Tank Rehabs: Steps to Make Them Easy and Lasting - Christine Gunsallus; The Tank Queen, LLC

Tracer Studies to Determine Baffling Factor - Terry Funk, PE; GFT

Building a New Tank? What the Tankies Want You to Know - Christine Gunsallus; The Tank Queen, LLC

 

DBIA SLIDES

Innovative Delivery of Large Scale (30 MGD) Drinking Water PFAS Regulatory Compliance - Craig Murray, PE; CHA Consulting | Emily Guillen, PE, DNREC Certified Construction Reviewer; Veolia North America | John (JP) Holcomb, PE, DBIA; Veolia North America

Architect-Led Design Build and a Comprehensive Architectural Education: Embedding Alternate Delivery System Practices as the Focus in Preparing Emerging Professionals - William Dean, RA, AIA; Alfred State-SUNY College of Technology

Alternate Delivery Examples - Plowing the Way for Efficient Private Water Project Delivery in PA - Joseph Koehler; Allan Myers LP | Mike Bisignani, Principal; GHD

Owners Advisor OA - Mark Pickering; GHD

PFAS Pennvest Funding - Kyra Boston; GFT | Rachel Govelovich; GFT

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