Upcoming Events
Wednesday, February 11th, 2026
10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
The path of wastewater is a long and winding one, beginning at its source (domestic, commercial, and industrial) and ending with its clean, safe return to surface water or groundwater where it can take its place in the hydrological cycle. This course picks up the journey of wastewater as it arrives at the plant (influent). The treatment of wastewater includes many crucial components. Improper, ineffective, inefficient handling of influent leads to a multitude of problems as the process continues. This course examines many of the hurdles that must be overcome (the what, when and how) and provides strategies and tools necessary to address those hurdles.
TOPICS COVERED
COST
$35 – Members (Discount Code: CSWEA)
$40 – Non-Members
$10 – Student (Discount Code: Student)
$10 – International (Discount Code: International)
Info | RegisterRead More
10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
The path of wastewater is a long and winding one, beginning at its source (domestic, commercial, and industrial) and ending with its clean, safe return to surface water or groundwater where it can take its place in the hydrological cycle. This course picks up the journey of wastewater as it arrives at the plant (influent). The treatment of wastewater includes many crucial components. Improper, ineffective, inefficient handling of influent leads to a multitude of problems as the process continues. This course examines many of the hurdles that must be overcome (the what, when and how) and provides strategies and tools necessary to address those hurdles.
TOPICS COVERED
- Characteristics of Wastewater
- Screening
- Grit Removal
- Pre-Aeration
- Primary Treatment
- Primary and Secondary Clarifiers
- Common Calculations
COST
$35 – Members (Discount Code: CSWEA)
$40 – Non-Members
$10 – Student (Discount Code: Student)
$10 – International (Discount Code: International)
Info | RegisterRead More
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Radisson Hotel and Conference Center
625 W Rolling Meadows Dr, Fond Du Lac, WI 54937
The planning committee is hard at work finalizing the speakers and sessions for the 2026 CSWEA - Wisconsin Government Affairs Seminar. The 2026 seminar will in-person as a one-day event February 19, 2026 hosted by the Radisson in Fond du Lac, WI. The Seminar is planned to start at 8:00 am. Please reserve this date in your calendar! The session topics include:
If you have any questions regarding this years’ seminar, please contact the seminar coordinator Nick Lent (Nicholas.Lent@wisconsin.gov).
Info & Agenda | RegisterRead More
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Radisson Hotel and Conference Center
625 W Rolling Meadows Dr, Fond Du Lac, WI 54937
The planning committee is hard at work finalizing the speakers and sessions for the 2026 CSWEA - Wisconsin Government Affairs Seminar. The 2026 seminar will in-person as a one-day event February 19, 2026 hosted by the Radisson in Fond du Lac, WI. The Seminar is planned to start at 8:00 am. Please reserve this date in your calendar! The session topics include:
- Keynote by DNR Secretary & Environmental Management Deputy Division Administrator
- Funding and Energy Grant Opportunities
- Phosphorus Compliance Updates and Case Studies
- Wisconsin DNR Operator and Facility of the Year Awards
- League of Wisconsin Municipalities Update
- PFAS Rules & Implementation Updates
- Wisconsin DNR Update
If you have any questions regarding this years’ seminar, please contact the seminar coordinator Nick Lent (Nicholas.Lent@wisconsin.gov).
Info & Agenda | RegisterRead More
11:30 am to 12:30 pm
1.0 CEUs for Operators in Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Operator ID/Quiz required for webinar.
1.2 PDHs for all Professional Engineers
AI is everywhere—but in the water sector, utility professionals need clarity, not buzzwords. This presentation cuts through the noise to explain, in practical and accessible terms, what artificial intelligence actually is, why it’s becoming useful in water and wastewater operations, and how it is designed, calibrated, and validated to
be accurate and trustworthy.
Attendees will walk away with a grounded understanding of AI, realistic expectations, and practical examples of how it can support—and not disrupt—the important work of managing water systems.
Agenda:
11:30 Introduction – CSWEA Illinois Section Laboratory-Pretreatment Committee
Eduardo Gasca/Mary Dressel | Committee Co-Chairs
11:35 “AI Without the Hype - What Every Water Professional Should Know”
Yoko Koyama, PE, Machine Learning Innovation Lead at Carollo
Jennifer Steffens, PE, Vice President and Director of Digital Water at Carollo
12:25 “Question/Answers” Moderated by
Rebekah Schulenberg | Committee Member
12:30 Adjourn
Cost:
$25 – Members (Discount Code: CSWEA)
$35 – Non-Members
$10 – Student (Discount Code: Student)
$10 – International (Discount Code: International
Click Here to Register
Speakers:
Yoko Koyama, PE is Carollo’s Machine Learning Innovation Lead, specializing in advanced modeling and data analytics for water and
wastewater systems. She brings deep expertise in applying machine learning to operational and planning challenges across the water sector,
with recent work focused on generative AI and scaling desktop-based ML models into production environments through MLOps. An
experienced science communicator, Yoko is a frequent speaker at national and regional conferences, where she translates complex ML
concepts into practical insights for utility and engineering audiences.
Jennifer Steffens, PE is Vice President and Director of Digital Water at Carollo, where she leads digital strategy and advanced analytics
initiatives for water and wastewater utilities. With over two decades of experience, she specializes in translating digital technologies—such as
decision-support systems, digital twins, and AI-enabled analytics—into practical, operations-focused solutions. Jennifer is a frequent speaker
at national conferences and is recognized for bridging engineering, operations, and technology to deliver measurable outcomes for utilities.Read More
1.0 CEUs for Operators in Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Operator ID/Quiz required for webinar.
1.2 PDHs for all Professional Engineers
AI is everywhere—but in the water sector, utility professionals need clarity, not buzzwords. This presentation cuts through the noise to explain, in practical and accessible terms, what artificial intelligence actually is, why it’s becoming useful in water and wastewater operations, and how it is designed, calibrated, and validated to
be accurate and trustworthy.
Attendees will walk away with a grounded understanding of AI, realistic expectations, and practical examples of how it can support—and not disrupt—the important work of managing water systems.
Agenda:
11:30 Introduction – CSWEA Illinois Section Laboratory-Pretreatment Committee
Eduardo Gasca/Mary Dressel | Committee Co-Chairs
11:35 “AI Without the Hype - What Every Water Professional Should Know”
Yoko Koyama, PE, Machine Learning Innovation Lead at Carollo
Jennifer Steffens, PE, Vice President and Director of Digital Water at Carollo
12:25 “Question/Answers” Moderated by
Rebekah Schulenberg | Committee Member
12:30 Adjourn
Cost:
$25 – Members (Discount Code: CSWEA)
$35 – Non-Members
$10 – Student (Discount Code: Student)
$10 – International (Discount Code: International
Click Here to Register
Speakers:
Yoko Koyama, PE is Carollo’s Machine Learning Innovation Lead, specializing in advanced modeling and data analytics for water and
wastewater systems. She brings deep expertise in applying machine learning to operational and planning challenges across the water sector,
with recent work focused on generative AI and scaling desktop-based ML models into production environments through MLOps. An
experienced science communicator, Yoko is a frequent speaker at national and regional conferences, where she translates complex ML
concepts into practical insights for utility and engineering audiences.
Jennifer Steffens, PE is Vice President and Director of Digital Water at Carollo, where she leads digital strategy and advanced analytics
initiatives for water and wastewater utilities. With over two decades of experience, she specializes in translating digital technologies—such as
decision-support systems, digital twins, and AI-enabled analytics—into practical, operations-focused solutions. Jennifer is a frequent speaker
at national conferences and is recognized for bridging engineering, operations, and technology to deliver measurable outcomes for utilities.Read More
The 2026 Wisconsin Section Operations Seminar will be held on February 26th in Stevens Point, Wisconsin in the Laird Room located at the Dreyfus University Center on the campus of UWSP. Every year we bring together operations professionals, facility managers, engineers, and education leaders to share ideas and find solutions to our industry's leading challenges. This year's seminar will focus on wastewater operations optimization/efficiency, energy use efficiency, and tertiary filtration operations. This will be an in-person conference and will include a variety of presentations, panels, and roundtables. Don't miss this opportunity to connect and learn with industry professionals!
Attendee Registration - $50
Student Attendee Registration - $20
Exhibitor Registration - $150
Sponsor Registration - $50
5.3 CEU's Available!
Agenda | RegisterRead More
Attendee Registration - $50
Student Attendee Registration - $20
Exhibitor Registration - $150
Sponsor Registration - $50
5.3 CEU's Available!
Agenda | RegisterRead More
March 10-12, 2026
Double Tree "President Abraham Lincoln Springfield"
701 E Adams St, Springfield, IL, 62701
This year’s Mini-Conference is again a 3-day event. Central States Water Environment Association’s Illinois Governmental Affairs (CSWEA-IL’s Government Affairs) put together an additional half-day of government affairs programming from 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 10th. We hope you will be able to join us on Tuesday night where we will meet in the Lincoln Room at the Presidential Abraham Lincoln Hotel for a “meet and greet” reception from 6 – 8 pm.
There is a fee of $70.00 if you are planning on attending Tuesday evening and the CSWEA’s program on Wednesday morning that will also include breakfast. We are offering a lunch on Wednesday between sessions. Click below for the agenda for IAWA (CSWEA's agenda will be forthcoming), registration form, and hotel link for sleeping rooms.
The cost of the Mini-Conference will be $149 again this year. Please complete and return the registration form to the IAWA office.
If you plan to stay overnight, you may make a hotel reservation by clicking the link below:
Hotel Reservations for Sleeping Rooms
Please note that the cut-off date is February 17, 2026 for hotel reservations.
IAWA Agenda | CSWEA-IL Agenda
Registration FormRead More
Double Tree "President Abraham Lincoln Springfield"
701 E Adams St, Springfield, IL, 62701
This year’s Mini-Conference is again a 3-day event. Central States Water Environment Association’s Illinois Governmental Affairs (CSWEA-IL’s Government Affairs) put together an additional half-day of government affairs programming from 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 10th. We hope you will be able to join us on Tuesday night where we will meet in the Lincoln Room at the Presidential Abraham Lincoln Hotel for a “meet and greet” reception from 6 – 8 pm.
There is a fee of $70.00 if you are planning on attending Tuesday evening and the CSWEA’s program on Wednesday morning that will also include breakfast. We are offering a lunch on Wednesday between sessions. Click below for the agenda for IAWA (CSWEA's agenda will be forthcoming), registration form, and hotel link for sleeping rooms.
The cost of the Mini-Conference will be $149 again this year. Please complete and return the registration form to the IAWA office.
If you plan to stay overnight, you may make a hotel reservation by clicking the link below:
Hotel Reservations for Sleeping Rooms
Please note that the cut-off date is February 17, 2026 for hotel reservations.
IAWA Agenda | CSWEA-IL Agenda
Registration FormRead More
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center
1001 Amber Avenue, Stevens Point, WI 54481
Registration fees:
On/Before Mach 11th: $90
After March 11th: $100
Info | Registration
A block of rooms will be held at the Holiday Inn until February 14, 2026 or until the block is full for $125.99 Standard Room Rate.
Make your reservations directly at (715) 344-0200 and press #1.
Please reference the group name WI Wastewater Operators Assn. Use group block code: BIO.
Hotel ReservationsRead More
Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center
1001 Amber Avenue, Stevens Point, WI 54481
Registration fees:
On/Before Mach 11th: $90
After March 11th: $100
Info | Registration
A block of rooms will be held at the Holiday Inn until February 14, 2026 or until the block is full for $125.99 Standard Room Rate.
Make your reservations directly at (715) 344-0200 and press #1.
Please reference the group name WI Wastewater Operators Assn. Use group block code: BIO.
Hotel ReservationsRead More
DELEGATES WANTED!
The Central States Water Environment Association (CSWEA) is proud to announce our support for the 2026 National Water Policy Fly-In in Washington, D.C, April 14-15, 2026. This event is the cornerstone of Water Week, and is the premier gathering of water professionals, utility leaders, and advocates engaging directly with policymakers on Capitol Hill.
Applications for Section Delegate(s) to attend the WEF Fly-In in Washington DC will be received through February 22, 2026.
Illinois Section Stipend
As part of the recently approved Illinois section budget, a $1,000 stipend was approved for an Illinois section member to attend the Fly-In and advocate for Illinois members. Click below for the link to complete the stipend application, only Illinois section members are eligible for this stipend. Applications for the Illinois Section stipend to attend the WEF Fly-In in Washington DC will be received through February 22, 2026. CSWEA IL Section: WEF National Fly-In Sponsorship Application – Fill out form
Fly-In Delegate Applications
WI: https://members.cswea.org/members/form.php?orgcode=CNTW&fid=9325983
MN: https://members.cswea.org/members/form.php?orgcode=CNTW&fid=9324761IL: https://members.cswea.org/members/form.php?orgcode=CNTW&fid=9322317
YP Scholarship: Info | Apply
Read More
The Central States Water Environment Association (CSWEA) is proud to announce our support for the 2026 National Water Policy Fly-In in Washington, D.C, April 14-15, 2026. This event is the cornerstone of Water Week, and is the premier gathering of water professionals, utility leaders, and advocates engaging directly with policymakers on Capitol Hill.
Applications for Section Delegate(s) to attend the WEF Fly-In in Washington DC will be received through February 22, 2026.
Illinois Section Stipend
As part of the recently approved Illinois section budget, a $1,000 stipend was approved for an Illinois section member to attend the Fly-In and advocate for Illinois members. Click below for the link to complete the stipend application, only Illinois section members are eligible for this stipend. Applications for the Illinois Section stipend to attend the WEF Fly-In in Washington DC will be received through February 22, 2026. CSWEA IL Section: WEF National Fly-In Sponsorship Application – Fill out form
Fly-In Delegate Applications
WI: https://members.cswea.org/members/form.php?orgcode=CNTW&fid=9325983
MN: https://members.cswea.org/members/form.php?orgcode=CNTW&fid=9324761
YP Scholarship: Info | Apply
St. Paul RiverCentre
St. Paul, MN
Exhibitors & Sponsors : Info | Registration
Hotel Reservations: St. Paul Hotel | Hampton Inn | Courtyard
For reservations at the St. Paul Hotel, click on the link above and enter the following:
- Date Range
- Drop down for Code Type – choose “Group/Code”
- Enter the group code in CODE - 4736274
- SearchRead More
St. Paul, MN
Exhibitors & Sponsors : Info | Registration
Hotel Reservations: St. Paul Hotel | Hampton Inn | Courtyard
For reservations at the St. Paul Hotel, click on the link above and enter the following:
- Date Range
- Drop down for Code Type – choose “Group/Code”
- Enter the group code in CODE - 4736274
- SearchRead More
18th Annual Northwoods Collections Seminar
Thursday July 30th, 2026
Marshfield, WI
WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!
LODGING
Hotel Marshfield
2700 S Central Ave
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 387-2700
$103.00/night if reserved by July 9, 2026.
Room Block Name: Northwoods Collection System Seminar
Read More
Thursday July 30th, 2026
Marshfield, WI
WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!
LODGING
Hotel Marshfield
2700 S Central Ave
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 387-2700
$103.00/night if reserved by July 9, 2026.
Room Block Name: Northwoods Collection System Seminar
Read More