Demand Side Management for Water Utilities

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

Registration Date/Time:
1/26/2026 9:30am Central Time

Event Dates/Times:

• 1/26/2026  10:00am - 11:30am Central Time
• 1/30/2026  10:00am - 11:30am Central Time
• 2/2/2026  10:00am - 11:30am Central Time
• 2/6/2026  10:00am - 11:30am Central Time
• 2/9/2026  10:00am - 11:30am Central Time
• 2/13/2026  10:00am - 11:30am Central Time

• 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

Fee covers course materials and Online Instruction.

When three or more sign up from same employer, your course fee is $695 per person.
When two or more sign up from same employer, your course fee is $720 per person.

If you are planning to attend an Interdisciplinary Professional Programs course, payment is required at the time of registration. Below are the payment options:

Pay by Credit Card

Enroll online and pay by credit card.

• Search for the course on the website and then click on the Enroll Now button from the course webpage.
• Enter all necessary course attendee information and payment information on the course enrollment page.
• You will receive an email to confirm successful enrollment and payment.

Enroll over the phone and pay by credit card.

• Call CERC Registrations at 608-262-2451.
• Provide the registrations representative with:
  • the course name, dates, and/or course number.
  • the necessary course attendee information and payment information.
• You will receive either a mailed document or an email to confirm successful enrollment payment.

Pay by Check

Mail in a completed registration form and check payable to UW Madison.

• Fill out a registration form (found either in the back of the course brochure you received in the mail or here).
• Prepare a check, made payable to UW Madison.
• Mail the registration form and check to: CERC Registrations 21 N Park St, Ste 7101 Madison, WI 53715
• You will receive either a mailed document or an email to confirm successful enrollment and payment.

Pay by Purchase Order

• Request Purchase Order information from interpro@union.wisc.edu
  • If a fee quote is needed, contact custserv@interpro.wisc.edu first
• You will receive an invoice from UW–Madison Business Services for payment, usually within 3–5 business days

Military

If using SF-182 form, please call our registration number at 608-262-2451 or email interpro@union.wisc.edu for details and instructions.

Event Cancellation

We reserve the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen events. If we cancel a course, participants will be notified via email or phone and will be given the option for a full refund or to transfer their registration and any fees paid to another course. We are not responsible for non-refundable plane tickets, hotel reservations, and other travel related expenses. For enrollee Course Cancellation, refer to notes on course page.

If you cannot attend, please notify us no later than one week before your course begins, and we will refund your fee. Cancellations received after this date and no-shows are subject to a $150 administrative fee. You may enroll a substitute at any time before the course starts. Once you have accessed the online course, exam and/or materials, no cancellations or refunds are permitted.