Workshops & Tours

Don’t miss these bonus opportunities to enrich your ACE26 experience!

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Targeted Learning Opportunities

ACE26 pre-conference workshops will take place on Sunday, June 21, 2026. Workshops offer the opportunity to take a deep-dive into today’s most relevant water & wastewater topics. Facility tours take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, and typically sell out quickly. Register for Pre-conference Workshops or Tours (all carry an additional fee) during the registration process.

Limited seats for all – sign-up early! 

ACE26

Pre-Conference Workshops

Register for Pre-conference Workshops (all carry an additional fee) during the registration process. If you would like to add a workshop to an existing registration, email your requests to service@awwa.org.

Workshops are an additional fee, and seating is limited – register early!

 

PCW01: Biological Filter Evaluation

Sunday, June 21, 2026  |  8:30 a.m.- 5:00 pm  |  Located offsite

Note: PCW01 will take place offsite. Details will follow regarding transportation and logistics. 

This workshop will provide an overview of biofiltration in drinking water treatment, combining classroom instruction with hands-on activities. Participants will learn how to evaluate biofilter performance using water quality indicators (e.g., DOC, carboxylic acid, and nutrient removal, temperature, DO uptake, zeta potential), hydraulic parameters, and microbial tools (e.g., ATP, EPS, microbial community analysis), and conduct practical measurements such as ATP.
This workshop will be conducted at Loudoun Water’s Trap Rock Water Treatment Facility in Leesburg, Virginia. Transportation from the Convention Center is included.

Rates valid thru April 24: Member: $290 / Nonmember: $390 / Student: $130

PCW02: Beyond Control: Emergency Preparedness with and for SCADA Systems

Sunday, June 21, 2026  |  8:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

This workshop will explore case studies for SCADA system disruptions and how SCADA can be leveraged as an asset for emergency preparedness. This session will illustrate how applying asset criticality frameworks to OT recovery decisions can give utilities a structured, repeatable method for prioritizing response. By layering asset management data into digital twins, participants will see how condition and hierarchy information can be leveraged for real time decision making.

Rates valid thru April 24: Member: $185 / Nonmember: $285 / Student: $80

PCW03: Optimizing Maintenance and Reliability of Vertical Assets for Long-Term Performance

Sunday, June 21, 2026  |  8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Every utility depends on reliable infrastructure to deliver essential services—but even the best assets can become liabilities without a strong maintenance and reliability program. This interactive workshop is designed for utilities seeking to build or strengthen their vertical assets maintenance practices within an asset management framework. Learn how to align daily operations with strategic asset management goals, reduce failure risk, and optimize PM programs.

Rates valid thru April 24: Member: $230 / Nonmember: $330 / Student: $90

PCW04: Ozone Basics and Beyond Workshop

Sunday, June 21, 2026  |  8:30 a.m.- 4:45 p.m.

This workshop introduces the fundamentals and applications of ozone, covers bench scale testing setup and procedures, pilot testing design and application, ozone safety, design concepts and operations and maintenance. A hands-on grab sample analysis teaches attendees how to conduct dissolved ozone measurements using the indigo method and ampule method for verification, as well as how to graph and read data.

Rates valid thru April 24: Member: $230 / Nonmember: $330 / Student: $90

PCW05: Calibration of Water Distribution System Models

Sunday, June 21, 2026  |  9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

A group of experienced modelers explain how to approach model calibration and give steps in the process. This will cover not only hydraulic aspects of calibration but also water quality, energy and real time models.

Rates valid thru April 24: Member: $230 / Nonmember: $330 / Student: $

PCW06: Practical ML/AI Applications for Water Planning, Management, and Optimization

Sunday, June 21, 2026  |  9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

This workshop focuses on real-world applications of AI/ML tools. It is designed for water practitioners at all technical levels to go beyond the big picture discussion and focus on concrete applications to address a range of problems with minimal existing infrastructure. We will discuss real use cases and challenges, from asset management to streamlining data management and developing decision support tools – all using available and free or affordable technology.

Rates valid thru April 24: Member: $230 / Nonmember: $330 / Student: $90

PCW07: Project Delivery Organizational Readiness: Supporting Teams in Early Planning, Procurement and Executing Your Capital Improvements Plan

Sunday, June 21, 2026  |  9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Few utilities are effectively measuring and communicating the value of their asset management efforts. This workshop will walk the audience through the development of an effective (i.e., realistic and aligned with organization goals) asset management value tracking framework. The workshop will focus on practical implementation factors, including data availability, organizational change management, and the importance of aligning your program with your business needs.

Rates valid thru April 24: Member: $230 / Nonmember: $330 / Student: $90

PCW08: Successful Infrastructure Communications through Asset Management

Sunday, June 21, 2026  |  1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

This workshop will discuss: 1) communication strategies for connecting management of the utility’s infrastructure to stakeholder satisfaction, 2) how to successfully communicate with different audiences, and 3) how asset management data can be used to support effective communications. Participants will also learn how to develop a communications plan using a simple template and hear from peers with successful asset management communication processes.

Rates valid thru April 24: Member: $185 / Nonmember: $285 / Student: $80

PCW09: To Infinity and Beyond! (The Specbook): Learn to Design, Construct and Operate Water System Equipment using AWWA Standards & Manuals

Sunday, June 21, 2026  |  1:00 – 5:30 p.m.

In this hands-on workshop, attendees will rotate in small groups through six interactive stations, each hosted by a presenter from a mix of manufacturers, contractors, engineers, and owners. At every station, participants will engage directly with equipment and systems, gaining practical insight into how to design, specify, operate, and maintain them. They’ll explore the meaning behind technical specifications and learn how each component functions within a broader system. Attendees will also discover how AWWA manuals and standards serve as essential resources for deeper understanding. A “passport-style” card will track their progress as they move through each station, making the experience both educational and engaging. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to build technical expertise and strengthen industry connections.

Rates valid thru April 24: Member: $185 / Nonmember: $285 / Student: $80

ACE26

Facility Tours

Register for Pre-conference Tours (all carry an additional fee) during the registration process. If you would like to add a workshop to an existing registration, email your requests to service@awwa.org.

Tour capacity is LIMITED and will sell-out. Be sure to register early to secure your spot.

Tour T01: Fairfax Water

Tuesday, June 23, 2026  |  7:45 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

This tour is designed to highlight how infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and cultural revitalization intersect to benefit the broader community. Since the early 2000s, the Lorton region of Fairfax County has undergone a remarkable transformation—from a former correctional facility to a vibrant area focused on public service, sustainability, and the arts.

Tour notes: Comfortable, closed shoes required. Please bring ID on all tours. Additional logistics will be provided to registrants in late May.

Rates valid thru April 24: Member: $85 / Nonmember: $100

Tour T02: The Dalecarlia Water Treatment Plant

Tuesday, June 23, 2026  |  8:15 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

The Dalecarlia Water Treatment Plant is the larger of the Washington Aqueduct’s two plants which produce safe drinking water for Washington, DC and portions of northern Virginia. Built in 1925 and upgraded in the 1950’s, the Dalecarlia plant produces an average of 180 MGD and has a maximum capacity of 220 MGD. Treatment includes pre-sedimentation; flocculation/coagulation/sedimentation with alum and polymers; gravity filtration in 36 dial media filters; and disinfection with chlorine and chloramine for secondary disinfection. The tour will highlight the Aqueduct’s just completed hypochlorite facility and residuals processing facility.

Tour notes: Wear comfortable walking shoes, and dress for the weather. Climbing and descending stairs may be required. Please bring ID on all tours. Additional logistics will be provided to registrants in late May.

Rates valid thru April 24: Member: $85 / Nonmember: $100

Tour T03: WSSC Bioenergy Facility

Tuesday, June 23, 2026  |  12:45 – 4:30 p.m.

The Bio Energy Facility tour will explore the anaerobic digestion and combined heat and power processes focusing on our new and innovative thermal hydrolysis process (CAMBI), Gas Upgrading System, and Side Stream Treatment processes. We will make time for Q/A throughout the tour.

Tour notes: Safety glasses, vests and hard hats will be provided if necessary; please wear sturdy closed-toe walking shoes or boots. Climbing and descending stairs will be required. Please bring ID on all tours. Additional logistics will be provided to registrants in late May.

Rates valid thru April 24: Member: $85 / Nonmember: $100

Tour T04: Broad Creek Water Treatment Plant

Wednesday, June 24, 2026  |  8:15 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

The Broad Creek Water Treatment Plant offers an insightful tour designed to provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of its operations. The experience begins with a facility overview presentation, detailing the plant’s mission, capacity, and its vital role in providing clean drinking water to the community. Following the presentation, guests will embark on a guided tour led by our knowledgeable staff. This immersive journey will take visitors through the various stages of the water treatment process, with a particular focus on the innovative Upflow Clarification Treatment Process currently employed at the facility. Our staff will explain each step, from raw water intake to final distribution, highlighting the science and engineering behind ensuring water quality and safety.

Tour notes: Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes. Please bring ID on all tours. Additional notes may be added, tour may involve stairs.

Rates valid thru April 24: Member: $85 / Nonmember: $100

Tour T5: Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant

Wednesday, June 24, 2026  |  8:45 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

Blue Plains is one of the largest Advanced Treatment Plant in US with an average daily capacity of 384 mgd plus an additional 225 mgd of wet weather treatment on a compact 157 acre foot print. In addition to meeting stringent nitrogen and phosphorus limits, the plant operates the world’s largest Thermal Hydrolysis and Anammox treatment, has a robust Research Division that covers bench and full scale applied testing, state of the art automation, condition monitoring of assets and industry leading Biosolids Management.

Tour notes: Tour notes: Closed shoes and long pants required. Climbing and descending stairs may be required. Please bring ID on all tours. Additional logistics will be provided to registrants in late May.

Rates valid thru April 24: Member: $85 / Nonmember: $100

Tour T06: WSSC Consolidated Laboratories

Wednesday, June 24, 2026  |  12:45 – 4:30 p.m.

Visitors will embark on a comprehensive tour of our state-of-the-art Environmental Water and Wastewater Laboratory, which conducts over 500,000 tests annually through its Laboratory Division. This high-throughput operation plays a critical role in ensuring the safety, compliance, and sustainability of regional water systems. The tour will begin in the Laboratory Division, where guests will observe advanced analytical instrumentation and testing protocols used to monitor a wide range of water quality parameters including microbiological, chemical, and physical analyses. Staff will demonstrate how samples are processed, tracked, and validated to meet rigorous regulatory standards. Next, the tour will transition to the Water Quality Division, which oversees broader environmental monitoring and compliance efforts. This division integrates field sampling, data interpretation, and public health initiatives to maintain water safety across the community. Visitors will gain insight into how real time data and long-term trends are used to guide decision making and policy development. Throughout the tour, participants will have the opportunity to engage with expert LD managers, chemist/microbiologist and technicians, explore interactive displays, and learn how both divisions collaborate to protect water resources and public health.

Tour notes: Sturdy, closed-toed shoes are required. Safety glasses will be provided. Please bring ID on all tours.

Rates valid thru April 24: Member: $85 / Nonmember: $100

Tour T07: Trap Rock Water Treatment Facility

Wednesday, June 24, 2026  |  12:45 – 4:30 p.m.

The Trap Rock Water Treatment Facility, commissioned in 2018, is a 21 MGD facility utilizing pretreatment with ozonation, coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, settled water ozonation, filtration with biological GAC filters, UV, and chloramine disinfection. Raw water is pumped from the Potomac River and travels five miles to the facility. The facility has no discharge to the river. Residuals processing utilizes plate setters and thickeners and the treated stream is recycled to the head of the treatment process.

Tour notes: Sturdy, closed shoes and long pants are required. Climbing and descending stairs may be required. Please bring ID on all tours.

Rates valid thru April 24: Member: $85 / Nonmember: $100