Interdisciplinary Professional Programs
College of Engineering

Demand Side Management for Water Utilities

Demand Side Management (DSM) has become a vital strategy for water utilities aiming to reduce peak demand, defer infrastructure investment, and support long-term water sustainability. This 6-session course provides water professionals with a comprehensive understanding of DSM principles, tools, and implementation strategies tailored to real-world utility contexts. Through a blend of expert instruction, case studies, and live discussions, participants will explore how to analyze water demand, engage customers, implement targeted interventions, and evaluate program effectiveness.

Why Attend This Course?

  • Practical & Utility-Relevant - Focuses on real drinking water demand challenges with practical solutions that can save costs and benefit your city.
  • Hands-On Learning - Includes exercises, case studies, and a guided practice to build a Demand-Side Management plan you can launch.
  • Expert-Led Instruction - Taught by practitioners in water demand management, pricing, and utility operations.
  • Flexible Learning Options - Live sessions are recorded, allowing for flexibility of work schedules.
  • Enhance Your Career - Gain skills that are highly valued in the water treatment industry.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Define and explain the role of demand side management in water utility operations and planning.
  • Identify key drivers and timing of water demands across residential, commercial, industrial and other sectors.
  • Apply DSM planning frameworks to develop targeted and cost-effective peak demand mitigation/reduction strategies.
  • Evaluate and select DSM tools, including pricing models, policy interventions, technical interventions, and customer education programs.
  • Use data and technology to enhance program targeting, customer feedback, and utility decision-making.
  • Design a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plan to assess DSM program performance and support continuous improvement.
  • Develop a DSM strategy, integrating stakeholder needs, budget constraints, and scalability considerations.

Who Should Attend:

  • People working in the Drinking Water field
  • Water Plant Operators
  • Design engineers
  • Utility Managers, Planners, Analysts, or Operations officers
  • Facility supervisors
  • City Administrators, Mayors, and City Councilpersons
  • City Engineers
  • State officials

Future course dates coming soon!

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Course Details: RA00111

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Course Outline

Session 1: DSM Fundamentals and Water Demand Patterns

Introduction + Core Concepts Driving Water Demands/Consumption

  • What is DSM and why it matters
  • Supply-side vs demand-side approaches
  • Benefits of DSM (economic, environmental, operational
  • Regulatory drivers and global trends
  • Water demand drivers: demographics, climate, land use
  • Sectoral usage: residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural
  • Variability: seasonal, daily, peaking factors

Session 2: Planning and Strategy Development

Building a Strategic Foundation

  • DSM planning frameworks and best practices
  • Stakeholder engagement and segmentation
  • Setting program goals and KPIs
  • Aligning DSM with broader utility planning and IRP
  • Budgeting and resource planning considerations

Session 3: DSM Tools and Techniques

Designing Effective Programs

  • Pricing strategies (e.g., inclining block, seasonal rates)
  • Policy Interventions (e.g., mandating watering dates/times)
  • Technical interventions: smart meters, leak detection, pressure management
  • Behavioral and educational programs
  • Rebates, incentives, and efficiency codes
  • Basics of demand forecasting

Session 4: Technology and Data for DSM

Leveraging Innovation

  • Role of smart metering, sensors, and IoT
  • Data analytics and customer insights
  • Real-time usage feedback and alerts
  • Data governance, privacy, and integration challenges
  • Examples of utility digital transformation
  • Case Study from Midwestern Water Utility

Session 5: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Adaptive Management

Ensuring Program Impact

  • Metrics: volume saved, cost-effectiveness, participation
  • Establishing an M&E framework
  • Adaptive management: adjusting programs based on results
  • Case studies of successful and struggling programs
  • Reporting and communicating program performance

Session 6: DSM Program Design and Pitch

Interactive Capstone

  • Group exercise: design a DSM program for a sample utility
  • Peer presentations and facilitator feedback
  • Real-world considerations: scalability, political buy-in, timing
  • Final reflection, Q&A, and wrap-up

Instructor and Program Director

  • Instructor

    Derek Gardels

    CEO / Founder (Aqualytics) and Senior Solution Architect (Bentley Systems)

    Derek Gardels is a water industry innovator and the founder of Aqualytics, a technology company dedicated to solving critical water challenges through demand-side management. After years on the front lines of utility management—advising on infrastructure planning, asset management, and federal programs—Derek identified a crucial gap between traditional water systems and the potential of smart technology. He founded Aqualytics to bridge that gap, empowering utilities with the data and tools to enhance water efficiency and ensure a sustainable future. Derek also currently works for Bentley as a Senior Solution Architect.

  • Program Director

    Adib Amini

Total Credits:
CEU .9, 
Applies to this Certificate:
Drinking Water Systems, 

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