Essentials of Drinking Water Treatment

Clean and safe drinking water is one of the most important assets of any city or community. This course delivers a comprehensive look at drinking water treatment, covering everything from coagulation and filtration to disinfection and membrane technologies. Engineers will explore the chemistry, design, and operational considerations behind treatment systems, while also tackling current issues such as emerging contaminants and sustainability. Real-world case studies and decision-making frameworks help bridge theory with practice for immediate impact on projects and operations.

• Engineers and operators working in municipal or industrial drinking water systems.
• Consulting engineers, technical specialists, and public health professionals involved in water treatment design or upgrades.
• Executives and directors of water-related organizations seeking technical insight into water quality and infrastructure planning.

Attendees will have the opportunity to earn a digital badge, showcasing the knowledge and skills acquired during the course. These micro-credentials are awarded upon successful completion of application exercises integrated throughout the program, serving as a tangible recognition of professional growth and expertise. Click here for information on digital badges.

Overview of Drinking Water Treatment and Current Issues

• Regulatory drivers
• Emerging contaminants and technologies

Coagulation and Flocculation

• Chemistry of coagulation
• Mixing
• Sedimentation
• Dissolved air flotation
• Granular media filters

Disinfection Processes and Technologies

• Chlorine, chloramines
• Ozone, ultraviolet, chlorine dioxide
• Microbial growth in distribution systems

Comparing Surface Water and Groundwater Treatment Plants

• Types of treatment plants
• Groundwater vs. surface water raw sources
• Major processes, typical flow rates

Owner Insights: Design and Operation of Water Treatment Facilities

• Designing for operations and maintenance
• Flexibility, simplicity, costs, procurement, efficiency

Membrane Filtration Processes

• Micro, ultra, and nano-filtration
• Reverse osmosis, electrodialysis reversal
• Membrane life, fouling, cleaning frequency
• Concentrate disposal

Distribution System Water Quality

• Pipe corrosion
• Disinfection by-products
• Premise plumbing issues

PFAS Overview and Treatment Options

• PFAS background
• Regulations
• Treatment options

Facility Planning, Decision-making, Susainability, and Energy Considerations

• What is facility planning and its importance
• Decision-making factors (Life Cycle Costing, Life Cycle Assessment, etc)
• On-site energy options for faciltiies

Case Studies in Drinking Water Treatment

• Examples of small and large water treatment plants
• Meeting new regulations and improving water quality
• Problems that can impact cost, schedule, and operation

"Excellent knowledge, delivered in an enjoyable way."

"The best course I have had at UW-Madison."

"Top-notch interesting teachers. Thank you!"

"One of the very best I've attended in a long history of attending engineering presentations."

Chris Catlin

Chris Catlin, PE, is an operations consultant with Jacobs. He previously served as superintendent of plant operations for the Minneapolis Water Works, managing a 180-MGD lime-softening/membrane plant. His experience includes groundwater, surface water, conventional treatment, membrane treatment, radium removal, and ammonia/nitrification. He is a certified water plant operator in several states.

Greg Harrington

Greg Harrington, PhD, is a professor and department chair of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His research interests include waterborne pathogens, natural organic matter, and physical/chemical processes such as ozonation, chloramination, coagulation, and ultraviolet irradiation.  In addition to his teaching and research, he is the Pieper Family Foundation Chair for Servant Leadership and has served as president of the Water Utility Board for the Madison Water Utility.

Michael Oneby

Michael Oneby, PE, is the City Engineer for the City of Seward, Nebraska  For 20 years, Mike worked for several consulting engineering firms, specializing in water treatment process design. His work has included the analysis, design, and upgrade of municipal and industrial treatment facilities across the United States, including membranes, ozone, conventional and advanced treatment. He is a past-president of the International Ozone Association and is currently the Sub-Committee Chair for a new AWWA Manual of Practice Ozone Systems for Drinking Water, Wastewater and Water Reuse Applications.

Adib Amini

Adib Amini, Ph.D., PE, ENV SP, BCEE serves as Program Director in the College of Engineering’s Office of Interdisciplinary Professional Programs, with a focus on Water, Wastewater, Stormwater, and Sustainability. Dr. Amini also works with cities and industries as an engineering consultant, with experience in both drinking water and wastewater treatment. Dr. Amini has expertise in sustainability, engineering design, technology innovation, and renewable energy. Dr. Amini’s work has included the design of novel technologies, including on-site energy systems at facilities. He spearheaded the designs for the first wastewater treatment facilities in Iowa that are 100% powered by on-site renewable energy systems. Dr. Amini invented a novel system for ventilation of rated spaces, such as wastewater headworks buildings, for which he holds a provisional patent. Dr. Amini also has performed award-winning research in technology innovation and sustainability. Dr. Amini has spoken widely at conferences on topics related to water/wastewater treatment, sustainability, PFAS, on-site energy systems, and resilient infrastructure.