IPWSOA's 70th Annual Conference Sets a Record -
Again
Volume 60, Number 3-- October 2001
Enrollment for three day event again tops 1,000
A record 1,058 members and guests signed up to
attend the 70th annual conference of the Illinois Public Water
Supply Operators Association at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield
Sept. 12-14. Outgoing president Kim Albers presided at the event
where the usual outgoing cheeriness of those attending was dampened
by concerns about the previous day's events in New York and Washington,
D.C.
During the three days of the conference, attendees
had a chance to visit vendor displays and talk with company representatives
about the newest in technology.
Professional sessions covered a wide range of topics
of interest to water treatment plant operators. Subjects included
whether a consortium might be the way to go to provide safe drinking
water in some areas, the benefits of capacity development for
new and existing public water supplies, and liabilities and risks
for public utilities. Other speakers discussed consumer perceptions
of the need for "additional personal treatment" of drinking
water such as point of use and point of entry devices and supermarket
dispensers. A panel assessed regulatory requirements for filter
assessment and IEPA staffers covered a variety of topics including
compliance, source water assessment, and the availability of source
water data on the Agency's website.
Recent or upcoming regulatory requirement changes
were the focus of attention of several speakers including a representative
of Region 5, U.S. EPA, who presented an overview from the federal
perspective.
Did we mention the food?
In what is becoming a tradition, those attending
were treated to a special barbeque lunch on the conference's second
day , prepared by the award winning Great Boars of Fire barbeque
team.
The Diamond and Sapphire Ballroom at the headquarters
hotel was the site of the annual banquet. Albers discussed the
changing role of operators , whom he said must "constantly
work to keep abreast of changes in the industry. Amid changing
regulations and improved analytical methods, our job is to comply."
He cited a growth in professionalism among operators, and urged
those attending to participate as often as possible at training
sessions to be sure their operations are current with state and
federal requirements.
The banquet was highlighted by presentation of trophies
and plaques to the Operators of the Year, and introduction of
officers for the coming year.
High winds and the threat of rain ruled out the planned adjournment
to the rooftop sundeck and pool area for the evening's finale.
Instead, a dance floor was erected in an adjoining ballroom where
The Spectors presented a show featuring humor, audience participation
and hits ranging from the 50s through the 70s.
Special events for spouses
Spouses attending were offered a program that featured
talks on home safety, craft demonstrations, a Christmas display
and hands-on instruction on how to craft a decorative swag using
herbs and flowers. On Thursday the spouse program included a tour
of Lincoln's New Salem village and lunch in Petersburg followed
by shopping.
The annual breakfast , a final trio of presentations
and drawing for attendance prizes wrapped up the event.
