45th Annual Management & Technical Conference

March 6-10, 2023 – Sunriver, OR

ATTENDEE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION

EXHIBITOR INFORMATION & REGISTRATION

NRWA Statement on the COVID-19 Virus

The National Rural Water Association continues to monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and recommends all water and wastewater utilities review the best and latest information on the following trusted websites:

• OHA-DWP Drinking Water Utility Frequently Asked Questions, March 2020
• OHA coronavirus page: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus
• EPA: https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/coronavirus-and-drinking-water-and-wastewater
• CDC: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html
• CDC COVID-19 page: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• CDC travel notices: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices
• OSHA: www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/controlprevention.html#solidwaste
• WHO: www.who.int/publications-detail/water-sanitation-hygiene-and-waste-management-for-covid-19
• World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 page: https://www.who.int/westernpacific/emergencies/covid-19
• CISA: www.cisa.gov/insights

At this time, existing safe management techniques in both drinking water and sanitation apply to COVID-19.  Extra measures are not needed. In particular, disinfection treatment processes will facilitate more rapid die-off of the COVID-19 virus. Provision of safe water, sanitation and hygienic conditions play an essential role in protecting human health during all infectious disease outbreaks, including the current COVID-19 outbreak.

Frequent and proper hand washing is one of the most important prevention measures for COVID-19.  Good and consistently applied hygiene in communities, homes, schools, workplaces, marketplaces and health care facilities will further help to prevent human-to-human transmission of COVID-19.

This outbreak continues to evolve and information changes daily. Similar to past viral outbreaks of this magnitude, COVID-19 is something to be taken very seriously. NRWA will continue to monitor the situation and is following the guidance of leading health authorities. Any impact to technical assistance, training programs, meeting and/or conferences will be posted prominently at https://nrwa.org/initiatives/covid-19/.

The National Rural Water Association (NRWA) is the country’s largest public drinking water and sanitation supply organization with over 31,000 small and rural community members dedicated to drinking water quality, environmental protection and public health protection. Safe drinking water and sanitation are generally recognized as the most essential public health, public welfare, and civic necessities.

Oregon Association of Water Utilities is a nonprofit, independent association of water and wastewater utilities. OAWU was formed in 1977 to represent water utilities’ interests in the state legislature and provide onsite technical assistance. OAWU is a state affiliate of the National Rural Water Association. NRWA is one of America’s largest and strongest voices for rural and small systems, representing over 27,000 water and wastewater members.

OAWU offers on-site assistance in many areas, including Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act regulations, water treatment technology, distribution system operation and maintenance, and wastewater treatment and collection. The association also provides assistance with management issues, such as, rate structures and reviews, funding programs, budgeting and public relations. In addition, members receive the quarterly magazine H2Oregon, legislative updates, and discounts on training seminars and annual meeting registration.

Our Mission

OAWU’s mission is to provide service, support and solutions for Oregon water and wastewater utilities to meet the challenges of today & tomorrow.

Become a Member

Join now and become affiliated with the most progressive association in the water industry.

Water & Wastewater Training

OAWU’s various programs offer on-site assistance to any water or wastewater system in the state. Take advantage of your association benefits and allow us to serve your system’s needs.

OAWU offers specialized training in both water and wastewater. Training is held throughout the state on topics such as treatment, regulations, operations, maintenance, operator certification, and management skills. The training offered is free or at a low cost. This professional training allows operators to upgrade their skills and improve the quality of the services they provide. Certification review courses are offered prior to testing dates throughout the state. Continuing Education Units are available to maintain operator certification.

• Training Specialist provides training and technical assistance to water systems throughout the state. Areas of assistance include regulatory compliance, rates and rate structures, system policies and procedures.
• Circuit Riders provide technical assistance to water systems. Assistance is available in the areas of cross connection, distribution systems, disinfection, water treatment facilities, operator certification and much more.
• Wastewater Technician provides assistance to wastewater systems throughout the state on such issues as activated sludge treatment, confined space entry, inflow and filtration, pump maintenance and collection systems.
• Source Water Specialist deals specifically with drinking water protection. Works with water systems to develop drinking water protection plans to meet all state and federal requirements including management, contingency and new well elements.
• Energy Efficiency Circuit Rider assists water and wastewater systems evaluate their energy needs, consumption and costs; recommending measures to reduce energy consumption; and identifying potential funding sources for improvements.