The Illinois Potable Water Supply Operators Association (IPWSOA) was formed in the fall of 1931 by the Illinois Board of Health. Operators met regulatory officials to listen to presentations regarding health and safety issues for drinking water; new laws and rules; potable water production, distribution, monitoring, and the competent operation of drinking water facilities. The purpose of the gathering was to keep drinking water operators current with regulations and state-of-the-art changes to water operation. The day ended with a picnic, where attendees celebrated the success of the day, and discussed the need for a regular meeting to ensure that drinking water operators continued to receive the most up-to-date information regarding operations and regulations in their industry. The Illinois Potable Water Supply Operators Association became a reality.

Over the years, changes to operation, rapidly increasing regulations, and the marketing of products and services to the water industry caused the Association to expand the Annual Fall Conference. The Conference now spans two and one-half full days of education; an Exhibit Hall that brings manufacturers, service experts and vendors to a drinking water marketplace; and evening social activities that include an opportunity to recognize the best operators in the categories of surface water, groundwater, and distribution system operation, each year. The heart of the Conference — the exchange of information and experiences, from operator to operator, from across the many regions of the State – remains the same. No matter where operators congregate, the challenges, problems, and successful solutions to safe and efficient water treatment remain the most common topic of discussion, regardless of the time of day or night.

Come and share your experiences, ask your questions, and relate your experiences as an Illinois drinking water operator, regulator, or industry professional. We welcome you

President’s Letter

Welcome to the site of the Illinois water supply operators!  IPWSOA focuses on creation of professional network opportunities, promotion of products and services as well as education opportunities for drinking water operators throughout Illinois.  This Association has been in existence for over 80 years, providing operator training which results in safer drinking water throughout the state.  Through our Annual Fall Conference, our hope is that operators will benefit from the relationships, education, and exposure to new products and services attained at our association’s conference.

We promote a cooperative relationship with the IL EPA, the regulating authority for drinking water supplies in the state.  This organization was birthed from the regulating agency, partially with the goal of recognizing water operators for their excellence in operation of their respective supplies.  The ‘Operator of the Year’ award has been an annual feature of the conference, honoring those operators who demonstrate excellence their work.  We encourage you to consider the work of that operator that you feel has demonstrated such outstanding performance and share your opinion with us in the form of a nomination.  Please find the ‘Operator of the Year’ link above.

The Association welcomes you to attend our 2012 conference.  We anticipate another year of the high level continuing education opportunities as in past events.  We also hope to provide a festive atmosphere so that your experience at this conference is both enlightening, but also enjoyable.  The Fall Conference will continue to have a sporting golf event, spouse programs, mini-NASCAR racing, Casino Night, and is now offering a Nuts and Bolts Session.  This session is designed to give in-depth education, including hands-on training for participants when possible, and has been well received since its debut in 2009.  I thank all of those serving on Conference committees in advance, as I anticipate an outstanding event in September 2012.  I hope to see you there!

Regards,
Tony

Tony Loete
City of Moline, IL Water Distribution Manager
IPWSOA President