A Century in the Making – Celebrate PWEA’s 100th Anniversary!
In 2026, the Pennsylvania Water Environment Association marks a remarkable milestone—100 years of protecting and improving Pennsylvania’s water resources. Since 1926, our members have been at the forefront of innovation, advocacy, and service, and now it’s time to honor the people and projects that brought us here.
Join us for an unforgettable 100th Anniversary Celebration filled with history, inspiration, and connection. Enjoy a special evening of fine dining, commemorative presentations, historical exhibits, and the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and friends from across the state. This once-in-a-century event will be the perfect blend of reflection on our past and excitement for our future.
Through ten decades of innovation, advocacy, and education, PWEA has grown into a trusted resource for water quality expertise and leadership. This publication honors that legacy with a rich collection of photographs, stories, and historical highlights that reflect the progress of both our association and the broader water environment field.
We thank our members, partners, and supporters—past and present—who have helped shape PWEA’s century-long journey. May this book serve as a tribute to your contributions and a source of inspiration for the next 100 years.
Exhibitor & Sponsorship Registration is NOW OPEN FOR 2026!
WELCOME
We invite you to join us as an Exhibitor and/or a Sponsor at the PWEA's 97th Annual Technical Conference & Exhibition (PennTec 2026), which will be held at the Hershey Lodge: 325 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033. With an average yearly attendance of over 700 water quality professionals seeking the latest knowledge and technology available, PennTec 2025 would be a great way to get the word out about your products, equipment, and services!
Prime booth locations within the Exhibit Hall will sell quickly, so don't delay!
No paper registrations will be taken this year. If you need assistance with event related questions, email ashleymohn@pwea.org.
Cancellation Policy: Booth cancellations received in writing on or before May 3rd will receive a full refund less a $250 processing fee. Cancellations received after that date will not receive a refund. Please note, all credit card transactions will include a 3.5% “technology fee.” The credit/debit card name and address information must EXACTLY match what is on record with the financial institution issuing the card. Otherwise, the transaction will be declined. This is a security measure to prevent fraudulent activity. Credit card numbers are NOT stored by PWEA or the payment gateway vendor.
To be included in the Convention Program, purchase all exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities by May 1, 2025. The deadline for Exhibitor and Sponsorship registration is May 15, 2025, to be included in conference signage.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hershey Lodge for PennTec 2026. Reservations will be accepted beginning February 13
and must be made by May 15, 2026. Rooms may not be available after this date. The discounted room rate is as follows:
$269.00 per Room for Single/Double Occupancy (all rooms are non-smoking)
Overnight guests receive a complimentary ticket to the Hershey Gardens and the Hershey Story Museum. Also included at no charge for all overnight guests is the hotel’s miniature golf course, the arcade, an outdoor pool, and Hershey’s Water Works – a 30,000 square foot indoor pool complex and water park.
Call Reservations at 1-855-729-3108 and mention PENNSYLVANIA WATER ENVIRONMENT ASSOCIATION to receive the discounted rate.
Online reservations can be made by going to the link provided on PWEA’s website.
FROM: PWEA Research Committee
Holly T. Frederick, Ph.D., P.E, BCEE. – Committee Chair
SUBJECT:CALL FOR ABSTRACTS, RESEARCH SESSION
The 2026 Annual Conference of the Pennsylvania Water Environment Association (PWEA) will be held at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, PA on June 16-18, 2026. The Research Session on Tuesday, June 17, is devoted to undergraduate and graduate student research and design projects. Its intent is to provide a showcase for ongoing research activities in the fields of wastewater, water quality, and environmental management relevant to Pennsylvania and to showcase design projects that serve as the capstone projects for undergraduate students. Suggested topics include (but are not limited to): wastewater treatment, sludge/biosolids management, beneficial reuse, bioenergy production from wastewater, agricultural runoff, stormwater treatment, watershed management, groundwater remediation, and industrial wastewater treatment.
Abstract preparation: Students are encouraged to work with their faculty advisors to submit a short abstract, along with the identification information requested on the following page by February 27, 2026.Abstracts must be kept to 300 words and may include up to two figures or tables. Abstracts will be evaluated by the Research Committee on the basis of overall quality, technical content, originality, adherence to the guidelines, and relevance to issues related to water treatment, water quality, and environmental management in Pennsylvania. Student authors should identify if the project is research or design-based and can request consideration for a poster only, oral platform presentation only, or both presentation options. The student authors of all qualifying abstracts will be invited to present posters at the conference, and the authors of the top five abstracts will be invited to give oral presentations, with the option to also display a poster.
Research session & poster contest: At the conference, posters will be judged by faculty and practicing engineers, and outstanding posters will receive awards based on the quality of their presentations. The top three poster presenters will receive a Student Research Poster Award certificate and monetary prize. Oral presentations will have a first and second place award in both the research and design categories. These winners will receive a Student Research Platform Award certificate, monetary prize, and abstract publication in the Keystone Water Quality Manager. Conference registration and lunch are free for all student presenters.
Deadlines: The deadline for submission of abstracts is February 27, 2026. Students will be notified in March if their abstract is accepted, and information regarding preparation of poster and oral platform presentations will be forwarded at that time.
Formatting & submission instructions: Use the instructions and example template on the following page to format your abstract (a separate cover page is not required). Submit an electronic copy of the abstract (as a single Word document or pdf) to Dr. Holly Frederick (holly.frederick@wilkes.edu) by February 27, 2026.
Formatting Instructions for Abstract Submission to the PennTec 2026 Research Session
Header: Bold and center the header, and indicate if the authors are presenting a Research (RESEARCH) or Design (DESIGN) project and wish to be considered for a poster presentation only (POSTER), oral presentation (PLATFORM), or either (POSTER/PLATFORM), followed by the words “ABSTRACT:PennTec 2026 Research Session”.
Title: Bold and center the title and use the Chicago style for title capitalization (i.e., capitalize the first word of the title, the last word of the title, and all principal words (nouns, verbs, etc.), but not prepositions).
Authors: Provide a complete list of all authors by first and last names in a continuous, bolded line; identify the presenting student with an asterisk (*) superscript after their last name and all authors with numerical superscripts after their last names.
Author titles and affiliations: For each author on a separate line, list their title and institution following the number provided in the superscript after their last name.
Email addresses: List the email addresses of the presenting student and faculty advisor (as a single line).
Example template:
RESEARCH/DESIGN-POSTER/PLATFORM: 2026 PennTec Conference Research Session
Title of Abstract
Jane Student*1; John Engineer2; Super Advisor3
Undergraduate, Wilkes University, Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766
Senior Engineer, Environmental Consultants, State College, PA 16803
Associate Professor, The Pennsylvania State University, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University Park, PA 16802
Abstract: Abstracts are limited to 300 words and may also include up to two figures or tables. Please use Arial 11 point font, 1.15 spacing, 1” margins, left justification, with a single space between paragraphs. Figures and tables should be referred to by number (i.e., Figure 1, Table 1) within the abstract and be labeled with a fully descriptive title (note that figure captions should be placed beneath figures; whereas table titles should be placed above tables). The font used in figures and tables should match that of the body of the text, if possible. Figures should be reproducible in black and white without any loss in information (i.e., ensure that line/symbol colors have significant contrast in black and white and are easily distinguishable). Numerical values should be provided in metric units.
The Pennsylvania Water Environment Association (PWEA) is offering PA DEP Operator Certification Exams on different dates and locations in 2026.
2026 Exam Date:
Computer-Based Exam April 21st
Registration cutoff March 16th
Written Exam May 20th
Registration cutoff April 13th
Written Exam June 18th
Registration cutoff May 11th
Computer-Based August 18th
Registration cutoff July 10th
Computer-Based Exam October 14th
Registration cutoff September 7th
Written Exam November 3rd
Registration cutoff September 28th
Exam registration fees are:
$75 for PWEA Members
$125 for Non-Members
Reserving your exam seat(s) can onlybe done online through PWEA's online registration system. Payment for exams is by credit/debit card only.
REGISTRATION IS A TWO-PART PROCESS
First step: Complete your online registration and pay the registration fee (credit/debit cards only) in order to reserve your seat. After completing the registration and payment process, you will receive a system-generated email confirming your reserved seat at the exam location you selected.
Second step (within 10 work days): Complete the DEP Test Selection Form: To get to the form, click on the link that was included in the exam seat confirmation email from Step 1. Print, sign, scan and return the Test Selection Form to PWEA (IF YOU DO NOT SUBMIT THIS FORM IN 10 DAYS YOU WILL BE REMOVED FROM THAT TESTING DATE)
Important Instructions for Step 2:
Do not delete any content from the DEP Test Selection Form prior to submitting to PWEA. The Test Selection Form content is specific to YOU, it tells the DEP your facility class and which drinking water or wastewater tests you want to take, so the correct exam can be loaded onto a computer for you or packaged for your written exam.
Print and sign the Test Selection Form: Your completed DEP Test Selection Form MUST include your hand-written signature.
Scan the signed form.
DO NOT TAKE A PICTURE OF YOUR TEST SELECTION FORM WITH YOUR SMART PHONE: the DEP will reject your form.
Return your completed Test Selection Form to PWEA:
IF YOU DO NOT SUBMIT THE SIGNED TEST SELECTION FORM IN 10 DAYS YOU WILL BE REMOVED FROM THAT TESTING DATE
Exam Registration Confirmation: PWEA will use your completed PA DEP Test Selection Form to prepare a detailed certification exam confirmation letter; it will be emailed to you at the email address you provide - be sure to check your Spam and Junk folders and to save the email with attachment for future reference. Please ensure you mark pwea@pwea.org as a safe sender in your address book to prevent the confirmation letter from going to the Spam or Junk folder. Your confirmation letter will include information you need to know prior to showing up at the exam site.
All credit/debit card transactions will include a 3.5% technology fee.
The name and address information for the credit/debit card you use to make an online payment must EXACTLY match what is on record with the financial institution issuing the card or else the transaction will be declined. This is a security measure to prevent fraudulent activity. Credit card numbers are NOT stored by PWEA or the payment gateway vendor.
Cancellation Policy: No refund will be offered after the detailed confirmation letter has been processed and sent to you, unless there is someone on a wait list for the same exam date. (30 days before the exam.)
Welcome to WEFMAX in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on May 6-8, 2026!
Get ready to ‘steel’ yourself for an unforgettable experience—WEF is coming to Pittsburgh! Join your peers in the “burgh” of innovation, where water professionals will bridge ideas, iron out challenges, and streamline solutions together. Don’t miss this chance to pump up your knowledge, flow with the experts, and connect with the industry in a city that knows how to make it work… and make it last.
WEFMAX Theme: Operator Engagement
What is WEFMAX?
WEFMAX is a regional annual meeting where national WEF member association leaders address current issues and exchange successes and strategies. Each year, WEF selects three Member Associations, who work with WEF to jointly sponsor a WEFMAX for their region.
WEF uses WEFMAX for direct input on the programs, support and educational opportunities members need. Over two days, WEF officers present updates and the host Members Associations provide presentations on their own programs.
Why WEFMAX and not WEFTEC?
WEFMAX’s smaller footprint as a regional meeting opens up in depth discussion and solutions, at a direct level not possible in the larger convention setting. The dialogue at WEFMAX focuses on how the Member Associations work to serve their members.
Why support WEFMAX Pennsylvania?
WEFMAX Pennsylvania is jointly sponsored by WEF and PWEA. WEF’s financial contribution does not cover the entire expense of hosting the meeting which means PWEA is financially responsible for all expenses not covered by WEF.
What’s in it for my Company?
Support WEFMAX Pennsylvania and
Be an example for the industry: WEFMAX attendees are established and early-career leaders from across the US
Be part of the future: WEFMAX focuses on critical topics in the water environment
Be an influencer: WEFMAX Pennsylvania will be the only 2026 WEFMAX for eastern and central US WEF Member Associations
Be Pennsylvania proud: Show your commitment to PWEA’s work and leadership in the water sector
The Pennsylvania Water Environment Association (PWEA) is offering PA DEP Operator Certification Exams on different dates and locations in 2026.
2026 Exam Date:
Computer-Based Exam April 21st
Registration cutoff March 16th
Written Exam May 20th
Registration cutoff April 13th
Written Exam June 18th
Registration cutoff May 11th
Computer-Based August 18th
Registration cutoff July 10th
Computer-Based Exam October 14th
Registration cutoff September 7th
Written Exam November 3rd
Registration cutoff September 28th
Exam registration fees are:
$75 for PWEA Members
$125 for Non-Members
Reserving your exam seat(s) can onlybe done online through PWEA's online registration system. Payment for exams is by credit/debit card only.
REGISTRATION IS A TWO-PART PROCESS
First step: Complete your online registration and pay the registration fee (credit/debit cards only) in order to reserve your seat. After completing the registration and payment process, you will receive a system-generated email confirming your reserved seat at the exam location you selected.
Second step (within 10 work days): Complete the DEP Test Selection Form: To get to the form, click on the link that was included in the exam seat confirmation email from Step 1. Print, sign, scan and return the Test Selection Form to PWEA (IF YOU DO NOT SUBMIT THIS FORM IN 10 DAYS YOU WILL BE REMOVED FROM THAT TESTING DATE)
Important Instructions for Step 2:
Do not delete any content from the DEP Test Selection Form prior to submitting to PWEA. The Test Selection Form content is specific to YOU, it tells the DEP your facility class and which drinking water or wastewater tests you want to take, so the correct exam can be loaded onto a computer for you or packaged for your written exam.
Print and sign the Test Selection Form: Your completed DEP Test Selection Form MUST include your hand-written signature.
Scan the signed form.
DO NOT TAKE A PICTURE OF YOUR TEST SELECTION FORM WITH YOUR SMART PHONE: the DEP will reject your form.
Return your completed Test Selection Form to PWEA:
IF YOU DO NOT SUBMIT THE SIGNED TEST SELECTION FORM IN 10 DAYS YOU WILL BE REMOVED FROM THAT TESTING DATE
Exam Registration Confirmation: PWEA will use your completed PA DEP Test Selection Form to prepare a detailed certification exam confirmation letter; it will be emailed to you at the email address you provide - be sure to check your Spam and Junk folders and to save the email with attachment for future reference. Please ensure you mark pwea@pwea.org as a safe sender in your address book to prevent the confirmation letter from going to the Spam or Junk folder. Your confirmation letter will include information you need to know prior to showing up at the exam site.
All credit/debit card transactions will include a 3.5% technology fee.
The name and address information for the credit/debit card you use to make an online payment must EXACTLY match what is on record with the financial institution issuing the card or else the transaction will be declined. This is a security measure to prevent fraudulent activity. Credit card numbers are NOT stored by PWEA or the payment gateway vendor.
Cancellation Policy: No refund will be offered after the detailed confirmation letter has been processed and sent to you, unless there is someone on a wait list for the same exam date. (30 days before the exam.)
On behalf of the PWEA Board of Directors, the 2026 Conference Committee and Program Committee,we warmly invite you to join us at PWEA's 97th Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, PennTec 2026. This distinguished event will take place from June 15-18 at the Hershey Lodge • 325 University Drive - Hershey, PA 17033.
PennTec 2026 offers an engaging and comprehensive program featuring a diverse array of presentations centered on water quality. In addition to the technical sessions, PA DEP–approved workshops will provide additional contact hours for wastewater and drinking water operator licenses.
WORKSHOPS
For attendees registering for the Full Conference, workshops providing hour-for-hour operator contact hours are available at a discounted rate of $25 each. Seating for these workshops is limited, pre-registration is required. Details regarding workshop topics and pricing can be accessed by downloading the PennTec 2026 Workshop Information.
EXHIBIT HALL
An integral part of the Conference, the Exhibit Hall provides valuable opportunities to explore innovative technologies, discover new products, and connect directly with vendors offering solutions to enhance efficiency and safety in your workplace.
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES & SPECIAL EVENTS
Ample networking opportunities abound at PenTec 2026, facilitating meaningful interactions with peers and industry professionals. Noteworthy events include:
*Additional registration or paid ticketed event, pre-registration required
HOW TO REGISTER
Attendee Registration for PennTec 2026 is online. Registrants will have the option to pay via Credit Card* or request invoice to pay by check upon completion of online registration. Please note that June 1, 2026, is the registration cutoff date. Registrations received after this date will be subject to a late fee. *Kindly note, a 3.5% technology fee will apply to all credit card transactions.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hershey Lodge for PennTec 2026. Reservations will be accepted beginning February 13, 2026 and must be made by May 15, 2026. Rooms may not be available after this date. The discounted room rate is as follows:
$269.00 per Room for Single/Double Occupancy (all rooms are non-smoking)
Overnight guests receive a complimentary ticket to the Hershey Gardens and the Hershey Story Museum. Also included at no charge for all overnight guests is the hotel’s miniature golf course, the arcade, an outdoor pool, and Hershey’s Water Works – a 30,000 square foot indoor pool complex and water park.
Call Reservations at 1-855-729-3108 and mention PENNSYLVANIA WATER ENVIRONMENT ASSOCIATION to receive the discounted rate.
Online reservations can be made by going to the link provided on PWEA’s website.
CANCELLATION / SUBSTITUTION POLICY
Please be aware that refunds will not be issued after May 1st. Refund requests (in writing) received PRIOR to May 1 will be subjected to a $50 cancellation fee. Substitutions are permitted until May 31st, and will be subject to a $25 per person substitution fee.
We eagerly anticipate your participation at PennTec 2026, where knowledge, innovation, and collaboration converge to shape the future of water quality management.
The Pennsylvania Water Environment Association (PWEA) is offering PA DEP Operator Certification Exams on different dates and locations in 2026.
2026 Exam Date:
Computer-Based Exam April 21st
Registration cutoff March 16th
Written Exam May 20th
Registration cutoff April 13th
Written Exam June 18th
Registration cutoff May 11th
Computer-Based August 18th
Registration cutoff July 10th
Computer-Based Exam October 14th
Registration cutoff September 7th
Written Exam November 3rd
Registration cutoff September 28th
Exam registration fees are:
$75 for PWEA Members
$125 for Non-Members
Reserving your exam seat(s) can onlybe done online through PWEA's online registration system. Payment for exams is by credit/debit card only.
REGISTRATION IS A TWO-PART PROCESS
First step: Complete your online registration and pay the registration fee (credit/debit cards only) in order to reserve your seat. After completing the registration and payment process, you will receive a system-generated email confirming your reserved seat at the exam location you selected.
Second step (within 10 work days): Complete the DEP Test Selection Form: To get to the form, click on the link that was included in the exam seat confirmation email from Step 1. Print, sign, scan and return the Test Selection Form to PWEA (IF YOU DO NOT SUBMIT THIS FORM IN 10 DAYS YOU WILL BE REMOVED FROM THAT TESTING DATE)
Important Instructions for Step 2:
Do not delete any content from the DEP Test Selection Form prior to submitting to PWEA. The Test Selection Form content is specific to YOU, it tells the DEP your facility class and which drinking water or wastewater tests you want to take, so the correct exam can be loaded onto a computer for you or packaged for your written exam.
Print and sign the Test Selection Form: Your completed DEP Test Selection Form MUST include your hand-written signature.
Scan the signed form.
DO NOT TAKE A PICTURE OF YOUR TEST SELECTION FORM WITH YOUR SMART PHONE: the DEP will reject your form.
Return your completed Test Selection Form to PWEA:
IF YOU DO NOT SUBMIT THE SIGNED TEST SELECTION FORM IN 10 DAYS YOU WILL BE REMOVED FROM THAT TESTING DATE
Exam Registration Confirmation: PWEA will use your completed PA DEP Test Selection Form to prepare a detailed certification exam confirmation letter; it will be emailed to you at the email address you provide - be sure to check your Spam and Junk folders and to save the email with attachment for future reference. Please ensure you mark pwea@pwea.org as a safe sender in your address book to prevent the confirmation letter from going to the Spam or Junk folder. Your confirmation letter will include information you need to know prior to showing up at the exam site.
All credit/debit card transactions will include a 3.5% technology fee.
The name and address information for the credit/debit card you use to make an online payment must EXACTLY match what is on record with the financial institution issuing the card or else the transaction will be declined. This is a security measure to prevent fraudulent activity. Credit card numbers are NOT stored by PWEA or the payment gateway vendor.
Cancellation Policy: No refund will be offered after the detailed confirmation letter has been processed and sent to you, unless there is someone on a wait list for the same exam date. (30 days before the exam.)
The Pennsylvania Water Environment Association (PWEA) is offering PA DEP Operator Certification Exams on different dates and locations in 2026.
2026 Exam Date:
Computer-Based Exam April 21st
Registration cutoff March 16th
Written Exam May 20th
Registration cutoff April 13th
Written Exam June 18th
Registration cutoff May 11th
Computer-Based August 18th
Registration cutoff July 10th
Computer-Based Exam October 14th
Registration cutoff September 7th
Written Exam November 3rd
Registration cutoff September 28th
Exam registration fees are:
$75 for PWEA Members
$125 for Non-Members
Reserving your exam seat(s) can onlybe done online through PWEA's online registration system. Payment for exams is by credit/debit card only.
REGISTRATION IS A TWO-PART PROCESS
First step: Complete your online registration and pay the registration fee (credit/debit cards only) in order to reserve your seat. After completing the registration and payment process, you will receive a system-generated email confirming your reserved seat at the exam location you selected.
Second step (within 10 work days): Complete the DEP Test Selection Form: To get to the form, click on the link that was included in the exam seat confirmation email from Step 1. Print, sign, scan and return the Test Selection Form to PWEA (IF YOU DO NOT SUBMIT THIS FORM IN 10 DAYS YOU WILL BE REMOVED FROM THAT TESTING DATE)
Important Instructions for Step 2:
Do not delete any content from the DEP Test Selection Form prior to submitting to PWEA. The Test Selection Form content is specific to YOU, it tells the DEP your facility class and which drinking water or wastewater tests you want to take, so the correct exam can be loaded onto a computer for you or packaged for your written exam.
Print and sign the Test Selection Form: Your completed DEP Test Selection Form MUST include your hand-written signature.
Scan the signed form.
DO NOT TAKE A PICTURE OF YOUR TEST SELECTION FORM WITH YOUR SMART PHONE: the DEP will reject your form.
Return your completed Test Selection Form to PWEA:
IF YOU DO NOT SUBMIT THE SIGNED TEST SELECTION FORM IN 10 DAYS YOU WILL BE REMOVED FROM THAT TESTING DATE
Exam Registration Confirmation: PWEA will use your completed PA DEP Test Selection Form to prepare a detailed certification exam confirmation letter; it will be emailed to you at the email address you provide - be sure to check your Spam and Junk folders and to save the email with attachment for future reference. Please ensure you mark pwea@pwea.org as a safe sender in your address book to prevent the confirmation letter from going to the Spam or Junk folder. Your confirmation letter will include information you need to know prior to showing up at the exam site.
All credit/debit card transactions will include a 3.5% technology fee.
The name and address information for the credit/debit card you use to make an online payment must EXACTLY match what is on record with the financial institution issuing the card or else the transaction will be declined. This is a security measure to prevent fraudulent activity. Credit card numbers are NOT stored by PWEA or the payment gateway vendor.
Cancellation Policy: No refund will be offered after the detailed confirmation letter has been processed and sent to you, unless there is someone on a wait list for the same exam date. (30 days before the exam.)
