April 27-28, 2027
Join us for the Water Operator EXPO, a 1½-day training event featuring informative presentations, 10 contact hours, and an exhibit hall with 40+ industry vendors.

Registration includes lunch on day one, breakfast on day two, and door prizes.

Registration opens February 22, 2027
ATTENDEE INFORMATION
Attendee Registration: $140
​Includes 10 Contact Hours • Door Prizes • Lunch provided on Day One

REGISTRATION OPENS FEBRUARY 22, 2027
EXHIBITOR INFORMATION
BOOTH
  • Electric: $375
Each 10-foot booth space comes with registration for two attendees. Booths are 10 feet wide by 8 feet deep, and come with an 8-foot table, 2 chairs, and a tablecloth

REGISTRATION OPENS FEBRUARY 22, 2027

BOOTH SCHEDULE
Setup: Tuesday — 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM; Wednesday – 7:00 AM - 7:30 AM
Exhibit: Wednesday – 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Wednesday 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Tear Down: Wednesday – after the conclusion of the last break
NOTE: YOU MUST BE A CURRENT PAID MEMBER OF SDARWS TO EXHIBIT OR PRESENT AT THIS EVENT.
To protect the privacy of our members and event attendees, SDARWS does not share or distribute contact lists.
SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE
All Sponsorships are first-come, first-served and available on the EXPO registration page
  • Sessions Sponsor - $2,000
    • This sponsorship includes recognition on our website, in ServiceLine magazine, on TV signage at the event, and on all agendas.
  • Luncheon Sponsor - $1,000 (3 AVAILABLE)
    • This sponsorship includes recognition on our website, in ServiceLine magazine, on TV signage at the event, and on all agendas. This sponsorship will also allow you to address the crowd during the luncheon.
  • Breakfast Sponsor - $1,000 (3 AVAILABLE)
    • This sponsorship includes recognition on our website, in ServiceLine magazine, on TV signage at the event, and on all agendas. This sponsorship will also allow you to address the crowd during the breakfast.
  • Break Table Sponsor - $750 (3 AVAILABLE)
    • This is a sponsorship of one of 3 break tables. 
  • Evening Vendor Reception - Call 605-556-7219 for more info.
    • ​This is a sponsorship of an evening reception at the Lodge at Deadwood on Tuesday evening. SDARWS provides the room and signage. 
SHIPMENT OF PACKAGES AND PARCELS
  • The Lodge at Deadwood – 100 Pine Crest Dr, Deadwood, SD 57732
  • The venue does not offer a loading dock for large crates, pallets, or materials, so it’s essential to plan ahead. Ensure you have a pallet jack and the necessary equipment to offload large parcels, as the SDARWS and venue event center staff will not be available to assist you.
  • Packages can be delivered to the venue up to three business days before the conference, provided that you give them advance notice. Ensure that your packages include your contact information and are clearly labeled with "RURAL WATER EXPO" to identify them for the correct event.
  • If you need to ship packages from the property to another location, you must arrange for pickup on the business day after the event. Please note that it is your responsibility, not the hotel's or SDARWS's, to coordinate the return shipping of your items, especially regarding heavy equipment. Make the necessary arrangements in advance to ensure a smooth process.
For more information on shipping, please contact the Lodge at Deadwood at 605-5741-2102.
2026 EXPO AGENDA

TUESDAY, APRIL 21

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22
7:30 AM 
  • Registration Open
  • Refreshments
  • Exhibit Hall Open
​
8:00 AM
Welcome, Agenda Review

8:15 AM
Tank Maintenance
  • Chad Edwards, Maguire
Water towers and elevated storage tanks are major infrastructure investments that require proactive care. Chad Edwards of Maguire will share practical maintenance strategies for protecting tank sites, foundations, grout, and anchor systems, along with tips for spotting early warning signs. Learn how preventative maintenance can extend tank life, improve reliability, and help avoid costly repairs.​

9:00 AM
Water Pressure Monitoring & Management
  • Chris Carlisle, Clow Valve
Discover how iHydrant technology transforms a standard fire hydrant into a powerful monitoring tool for water systems. Integrated sensors provide accurate, year-round data on pressure and temperature directly from inside the water main. Operators will see how real-time alerts and dashboard reporting make it possible to quickly identify pressure spikes, water hammer events, and potential main breaks through instant email and text notifications – helping systems respond faster and protect infrastructure.

9:45 AM 
Refreshment Break – Visit Displays
BREAK TABLE SPONSORED BY ISCO

10:15 AM
​Sewage Lift Station Maintenance and Dealing with Flushable Wipes
Patrick Schmitt, Electric Pump
Keeping lift stations running smoothly requires both mechanical know-how and practical troubleshooting skills. This session explores common operational challenges, including the growing problem of “flushable” wipes. Participants will review effective pump maintenance strategies, electrical and mechanical troubleshooting techniques, and practical approaches to keeping lift stations reliable and efficient. Valuable insights are offered for both new operators and seasoned professionals.

11:00 AM
Leak Detection: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
  • Michael Sims, California Rural Water Association
Water loss can occur in many forms – some obvious and others hidden deep within the system. Learn how leaks develop, why they occur, and how proactive leak detection programs can save time, water, and money. The session also introduces modern detection tools and survey techniques, including zone measurements, acoustic listening methods, and pinpointing strategies that help operators locate leaks more quickly and accurately.

12:00 PM
Lunch (Provided) (Dry Rubbed BBQ Chicken, Garden Salad, Potato Salad, Beans, Corn, Cole Slaw, Rolls)

1:00 PM
Peristaltic Pump Installation, Maintenance, and Pump Selection
  • Dodie Doyle, Stenner Pumps
Peristaltic pumps play an important role in many water and wastewater operations. Through an interactive discussion, operators will gain practical knowledge on proper installation, operation, and routine maintenance to keep pumps performing reliably. Topics include tube replacement, inspection techniques, troubleshooting methods, and selecting the right pump based on chemical compatibility, flow needs, and system pressure requirements.

1:45 PM
Locating and Mapping 101
  • Evan Beran, Subsurface Solutions
Accurately locating underground utilities is critical for both safety and system management. This introductory session explains how electromagnetic locating works and how environmental conditions can affect signals in the field. Participants will also explore how GPS tools can capture precise utility locations and strengthen documentation practices – improving the accuracy and quality of system mapping.

2:45 PM
Refreshment Break – Visit Displays
BREAK TABLE SPONSORED BY ISG

3:00 PM
A Statistical Method for Developing Service Line Inventories
  • Jared Huibregtse, Bartlett & West
South Dakota DANR has introduced a statistical approach that can significantly reduce the number of “Unknown” service lines within a system’s inventory. This session explains how the method works and how eligible systems may avoid physically verifying every unknown service line. Operators will learn how statistical sampling can streamline inventory development while still meeting regulatory requirements.

3:45 PM
Laboratory Sampling Standards and Best Practices
  • Dean Aurand, Midco Laboratories
Accurate water testing begins with proper sampling. This session reviews essential laboratory standards and the fundamentals of collecting reliable water samples. Topics include correct sampling procedures, documentation and chain-of-custody requirements, preservation techniques, and selecting appropriate sampling locations. Operators will also receive guidance on perchlorate sampling requirements and best practices.

4:30 PM
Western Dakota Regional Water System: Planning for Western South Dakota Water Security
  • Cory Chorne, Kristin Conzet, and Piper Kocina, Western Dakota Regional Water System
Western South Dakota faces growing water supply challenges as population growth, tourism, and recurring drought continue to increase demand. This session explores the ongoing development of the Western Dakota Regional Water System, including feasibility studies, supply analysis, conceptual system design, and financial planning. Attendees will learn how regional collaboration and a Missouri River–based supplemental supply could strengthen long-term water reliability for the Black Hills region.
7:30 AM 
  • Registration Open
  • BREAKFAST BAR SPONSORED BY HAWKINS, NORTHWEST PIPE, AND CORE & MAIN (Scrambled Eggs w/Peppers & Onions, Cheese, Salsa, Smoked Ham, Breakfast Potatoes, Fruit, and Croissants, Coffee & Juice)
  • Exhibit Hall Open
​
8:00 AM
​From the Main to the Drain: PVC Pipe Explained
  • Doug Kilanowski and Tate Goeden, Northern Pipe Products
Water distribution has evolved dramatically – from ancient aqueducts to modern PVC systems. Northern Pipe Products shares how PVC pressure and sewer pipe technology fits into today’s water infrastructure. The session includes an overview of NPP’s certified product lines, along with practical installation tips and OSHA-compliant trench safety practices that help ensure long-lasting system performance.

8:45 AM
Troubleshooting Gas Chlorination Systems: Why Doesn’t It Feed Chlorine?
  • Al Hansen, Hawkins
Operators will work through real-world chlorination challenges during this hands-on troubleshooting session. Using a live gas chlorination setup, participants will observe proper vacuum operation and diagnose common problems, including feed failures, loss of residual, and water intrusion. The session builds confidence in identifying issues, communicating effectively with suppliers, or performing minor service to keep systems operating properly.

9:30 AM 
Break – Visit Displays

10:00 AM
Fire Hydrants & Gate Valves: From History to Code
  • Josh Lindsey, American AVK
Explore how fire hydrants and gate valves have evolved alongside national standards and industry best practices. This session reviews AWWA and NRWA standards and covers configurations, installation considerations, safety, and routine maintenance. Operators will also learn practical repair techniques such as replacing main valves, installing traffic repair kits, repacking gland flanges, and changing bonnet assemblies.

10:45 AM
Economic Development and Water Infrastructure
  • Casey Crabtree, Heartland Energy
Reliable water infrastructure is one of the most important foundations for economic growth. Casey Crabtree, Economic Development Director for Heartland Energy and District 8 State Senator, will discuss how water systems support community development across South Dakota. The session highlights the importance of communication between water utilities and economic development leaders to ensure communities are prepared for growth while maintaining dependable service.

11:30 AM   
  • Door Prizes - Dismiss
VENUE & ROOM BLOCK INFORMATION
The Lodge At Deadwood
100 Pine Crest Lane • Deadwood, SD 57732
​
ROOM BLOCK INFORMATION
We have reserved a block of rooms at the Lodge at Deadwood for EXPO attendees. Rooms are available at a special rate of $99 for a traditional King or Double Queen room. To secure your room, please call the Lodge at Deadwood directly at 605-584-4800 and ask for the SD Association of Rural Water Systems room block. This special rate is only available until March 17th, 2027, so be sure to book early!
2026 VENDOR LIST
  • AE2S
  • American AVK
  • Banner Associates
  • Bartlett & West
  • CoBank
  • Core and Main
  • Dakota Pump Inc
  • Dakota Supply Group
  • DGR Engineering
  • Direct Companies
  • DN Tanks, LLC
  • ​DSG Supply Automation
  • Dutton-Lainson Company
  • Electric Pump
  • ​Ferguson Waterworks
  • Flow Control Automation
  • Fluoramics, Inc.
  • Foth 
  • Franklin Electric
  • HAWKINS, INC.
  • ISCO
  • IXOM Watercare
  • Jet Line Sales & Service
  • LeafFilter Gutter Protection
  • Ladtech Inc
  • MacQueen
  • ​Maguire
  • Metering and Technology Solutions
  • ​MH Valve & Clow Valve
  • MidContinent Testing Laboratories, Inc.
  • Modern Coating Solutions/Tnemec 
  • Mongan Painting
  • Northern Pipe Products
  • Northwest Pipe Fittings
  • Quality Flow System
  • Sherwin Williams
  • Sioux Valley Environmental
  • Stenner Pump Company
  • VESSCO
  • Viaflex

Corporate Partners of SDARWS
 Copyright SDARWS.  All Rights Reserved.
203 Center St W, Madison, SD 57042
Phone: (605) 556-7219
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