Pre-Registration is CLOSED
If you have not registered for the conference and wish to attend you will have to register on-site.
The LRWA office will be closing at noon today (Friday) and closed all next week.
Please bring registration and payment with you to the conference.
July 13-17, 2025
Lake Charles Event Center
Lake Charles, LA
There!
Thank you, everyone, for attending the 2024 Annual Conference in Lake Charles, LA!
We look forward to seeing you again next year.
LRWA will email all exhibitors and speakers the attendee list in a few weeks, we ask for your patience with this matter as we are processing all information from the conference. Those who provided email addresses on the booth registration form or comment forms will receive the list.
Details will be provided after January 2025 regarding class and exhibitor registration, hotel room blocks, award nomination forms, water taste tests, etc.
Booths Spaces inside Exhibit Hall - Sold Out
LRWA sold all booth spaces inside the Coliseum.
Contact LRWA by email (lrwa@lrwa.org) to be placed on a waiting list.
Letters are in alphabetical order by last name.
Scroll through the list and locate your letter OR hold down the ctrl + F key on the keyboard simultaneously, type in the last name of the person whose letter you are looking for, and press enter.
Once you have located the letter you want to print, click on it and print the current page only OR specify the page number to print.
NOTE: DO NOT forget to select the CURRENT page or page number when printing or ALL confirmation letters will print.
Exhibitors/Vendors are listed alphabetically, scroll through the list or hold down the ctrl + F key on the keyboard simultaneously and type in the search bar the company name whose letter or Complimentary Day Pass (for system employees) you are searching.
Once you locate the needed confirmation letter, click print and specify the current page or enter the page number or you will print everyone’s letter.
NOTE: DO NOT forget to select the CURRENT page when printing or ALL confirmation letters will print.
Remember the Complimentary Day Passes are for you to allow personnel from a water and/or wastewater system to attend the conference to view the exhibit hall only. It is not to invite additional company personnel to be in your booth, this is an additional $100 if you already have 3 in 1 booth space.
Call 866-580-7444 to make reservations. Group Code is SLARW24
L’Auberge Casino Resort
777 Avenue L’Auberge; Lake Charles, LA 70601
Call 866-580-7444 to make reservations. Group Code is SLARW24
Or online at www.llakecharles.com and enter the group code SLARW24
Reservations must be guaranteed and accompanied by a first-night deposit or guaranteed by a credit card.
Reservations not canceled twenty-four hours before arrival will be charged for the first night’s room and tax.
Discounted LRWA Conference rate $139.00
A daily resort fee of $13.99 plus 15.20% tax will be charged.
The resort fee includes: pool & lazy river access; pool towel usage; guestroom WIFI; fitness center; bottled water; in-room coffee; HBO; unlimited local calls; self-service business center; print boarding pass; overnight valet parking; trolley service; & turndown service upon request
Maximum of 4 guests per room / Check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out time is 11:00 AM
To receive the discounted rate, reservations must be made by 8:00 am on June 21, 2024
There will be NO conference events held at this hotel, all events will be held at the Lake Charles Event (Civic) Center. When LRWA reaches room block capacity at the L’Auberge Casino Resort we will utilize other area hotels for the overflow. (we can not add additional rooms to the block as reservation personnel will tell you)
If your system is Tax-exempt and you have a reservation at L’Auberge they ask you to send them your tax-exempt paperwork before check-in. If the paperwork is not present, they will charge taxes.
Staybridge Suites
(an IHG hotel)
1100 West Prien Lake Road
Lake Charles, LA 70601
337-477-7474
Group Code:
LA Rural Water Association
Group Rate:
$119 (Queen) & $129 (King)
Online booking link:
https://www.staybridge.com
(online group rate code LRW)
Reservations must be made before 6/24/24
Candlewood Suites
1105 West Prien Lake Road
Lake Charles, LA 70601
337-478-8008
Group Code:
WRA
Group Rate:
$119.00
Online booking link:
candlewoodsuites.com
Reservations must be made before 6/13/24
Holiday Inn & Suites Lake Charles
2940 Lake Street
Lake Charles, LA 70601
(337) 310-7700
Group Code:
Lrwa Annual Convention
Group Rate:
$139.00
Online booking link:
Holiday Inn online
Reservations must be made before 6/24/24
Marco Hotel
401 North Lakeshore Drive
Lake Charles LA 70601
(337) 439-2444
Group Code:
2024 LRWA Annual Convention
Group Rate:
$114 (Kings or Doubles)
Reservations must be made before 7/14/2024
Join us at the L’Auberge Casino Resort on Wednesday from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM for an unforgettable evening sponsored by several exhibitors. Enjoy live music, delicious appetizers, and a selection of beverages while networking and creating lasting connections. The event will be in the Ballroom (ABC) on the first floor. Remember, wearing your LRWA name badge is essential for entry; feel free to bring a guest along, but make sure they also have a name badge to join in the excitement.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Ryan Foret & Foret Tradition
Join us in registering for the Ultimate Meter Challenge sponsored by Zenner USA. This event is designed specifically for Water professionals to test and measure how quickly, totally, and accurately you can assemble a working meter in a bracket tournament. You must be a 2024 LRWA Annual Conference attendee to compete.
Complete the Registration form and email it to jpacheco@zennerusa.com and mhernandez@zennerusa.com or bring it to the conference.
The competition will be held Tuesday, July 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM and during the day Wednesday from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM in the exhibit hall at the Zenner booth. The finalist will compete on the stage during the Annual Fish Fry on Wednesday evening from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
The winner will automatically advance to the National Rural Water Association Conference in Savannah, GA in September for a chance to win a trip for two to Hawaii by winning the Ultimate Meter Challenge.
If you have any questions don’t hesitate to get in touch with Zenner USA.
Join the fun and excitement you could be a winner!
- Grand Prize = $500 Gift Card
- 2nd Place = $300 Gift Card
- 3rd Place = $100 Gift Card
CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS
LRWA Seeks Experts to Present at LRWA's Annual Conference
Share your Expertise with Future Leaders!
New presenter policy: LRWA will only accept presenters whose company has paid the current year’s membership dues and submitted a booth registration with payment for the conference.
The Louisiana Rural Water Association has opened the Call for Presentations for the Annual Conference scheduled for July 15-18 at the Lake Charles Event (Civic) Center, Lake Charles, Louisiana. Please complete the online form for those wishing to volunteer to provide a presentation for consideration.
The deadline to submit a conference presentation is March 11, 2024, at which time LRWA will begin selecting presentations for the agenda.
We are looking for topics relevant to the water and wastewater industry (new technology, security, utility management, board training, etc.). The Conference offers training opportunities for all water and wastewater industry aspects, from operation to management to regulation. LRWA offers specialized education and networking opportunities specifically designed for utility managers, town council members, and utility board members.
**24-Hour Technical Classroom Sessions will be held July 16, 17 & 18 (Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday)
**Exhibit Hall 30-minute presentation at your booth will be held Thursday, July 18 from 10:00 am-11:45 am
Louisiana Rural Water Association Annual Conference is designed to bring together water and wastewater utility systems – large and small, municipal, and rural – for operations, management, boardmanship, and governance sessions.
Click to the right to complete the necessary forms.
The deadline to submit a conference presentation is March 11, 2024, at which time LRWA will begin selecting presentations for the agenda.
Click here for Online Forms
Share your Expertise with Future Leaders!
The Louisiana Rural Water Association is looking for exhibitors who wish to provide a 30-minute demonstration/presentation at your booth for the LRWA’s Annual Conference scheduled for July 15-18 at the Lake Charles Event (Civic) Center, Lake Charles, Louisiana. Those who wish to volunteer to provide a presentation for consideration please complete the form below.
We are looking for topics relevant to the water and wastewater industry (new technology, security, utility management, board training, etc.). The Conference offers training opportunities for all aspects of the water and wastewater industry, from operation to management to regulation. LRWA offers specialized education and networking opportunities specifically designed for utility managers, town council members, and utility board members.
The deadline to submit a conference presentation is April 29, 2024, at which time LRWA will begin selecting presentations for the agenda.
Louisiana Rural Water Association Annual Conference is designed to bring together water and wastewater utility systems – large and small, municipal and rural – for operations, management, boardmanship, and governance sessions.
Click to the right to complete the form.
24 Hour Technical Session Presenter Request ended March 11th.
Click here for Online Form
Do you employ/know an outstanding system or outstanding employee? If so, please consider nominating them for one of LRWA’s prestigious awards. Each year LRWA recognizes the systems and system personnel who have gone above and beyond in operations, maintenance, and management of water and wastewater systems as well as outstanding office personnel who are necessary to keep the systems running smoothly. The deadline to submit nominations is March 7, 2025. Awards will be presented at a luncheon on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in Lake Charles, LA.
Click on either the Online Form, or the PDF format below.
Click here for Online Form
Click here for PDF
Do You Have the Best Tasting Water in Louisiana?
The Louisiana Rural Water Association is looking for the best drinking water from a Public Water System in the state to represent Louisiana’s rural water systems in a nationwide competition for the year 2025.
The taste test will be held at the LRWA office in Kinder on April 30, 2024. All entries will be judged, and the winner will be announced during our Annual Conference at the Awards Luncheon Ceremony on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.
It’s all about Good Taste!
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- Taste Test Rules:
- System must be a member of LRWA
- Container must be quart size glass
- Do Not fill glass container to the top
- Do Not “Chill” water
- Label container with system name, contact person, and contact phone number
- Entry form must be submitted by Friday, April 26th
- Water must be received by Monday, April 29th! It can be brought or mailed to LRWA, 1325 3rd Ave., Kinder, La 70648
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Word Document or PDF can be emailed to lsonnier@lrwa.org or faxed to 337-738-5620.
Click below on the form format you wish to complete.
Click here for Online Form
Click here for MS Word Doc
Click here for PDF
Louisiana Rural Water Association (LRWA) now has a new process for anyone wanting to run for a board member position. If you wish to serve on the LRWA board, you must complete the form by clicking on the Pre-Qualification and Consent Form (button below). This form is a PDF and can be filled out by typing in the spaces, printing then faxing, emailing, or mailing it to the office for pre-qualification.
To see if you are eligible to run for an LRWA Board Member position please see the LRWA By-Laws (button below). Once you click on the button “LRWA By-laws” go to Section 4. Qualification to Serve.
LRWA will be accepting pre-qualification forms from April 1-30, 2023. Below are the LRWA districts that elections will be held during the Annual Membership Meeting on July 15, 2024, at 1:30 pm in conjunction with the LRWA Annual Conference at the Lake Charles Event (Civic) Center in Lake Charles, LA.
If you have any questions regarding Prequalification or Board Member positions, please contact the LRWA office.
24 Hour Technical Class Agendas, 2nd Floor
07/16/24
(all topics, in all classrooms, have been approved for operator credit hours in both Water & Wastewater)
24-Hour Operation Specialist Technical Management Agenda
Board Room
08:00 AM — 09:00 AM — Layers of Defense — Outlining a Strategy for Protecting Your Organization’s Assets (Cyber Security): Greg Gray, Meridian Cooperative
09:00 AM — 10:00 AM — Water System Grade Rule: Jennifer Kihlken, La Department of Health
10:00 AM — 11:00 AM — Water System Grade Rule Extra Credit: Blake Fogleman, La Department of Health
11:00 AM — 01:00 PM — Lunch and Welcome Address with Guest Speakers: Pat Credeur, LRWA Executive Director; Rusty Reeves, LRWA Deputy Director; Jeff Landry, Louisiana Governor; John O’Connell, NRWA Board President & New York Rural Water Association Board Member; Amanda Ames, LDH Chief Engineer; and Karen White, Governor’s Office Designee, Delta Regional Authority
01:00 PM — 02:00 PM — NetDMR Tips & Tricks and Reporting 101: Kathy Huddle, La Department of Environmental Quality
02:00 PM — 03:00 PM — Maximizing Your Billing Software for the Most Financially Efficient Operation of Your Water/Utility Systems: Bree Carraway, Carraway Computer Systems LLC
03:00 PM — 06:00 PM — Technology Tour/Meet & Greet Exhibitors (coliseum with appetizers)
24-Hour Operation Specialist Technical Wastewater Agenda
City Side Foyer
08:00 AM — 09:00 AM — Technology Update – Lagoon Master Subsurface Aerator: Jerry Bidleman, Technautic International, Inc. dba Reliant Water Technologies
09:00 AM — 10:00 AM — PFAS Test Method EPA 8327/ASTM D8421 & D8535 — Faster TAT and Lower Cost: Paul R. Jackson, Pace Analytical Services, LLC
10:00 AM — 11:00 AM – Techniques, Tips and Tricks to Utility Locating: Gene Dahle, Ferguson Waterworks
11:00 AM — 01:00 PM — Lunch and Welcome Address with Guest Speakers: Pat Credeur, LRWA Executive Director; Rusty Reeves, LRWA Deputy Director; Jeff Landry, Louisiana Governor; John O’Connell, NRWA Board President & New York Rural Water Association Board Member; Amanda Ames, LDH Chief Engineer; and Karen White, Governor’s Office Designee, Delta Regional Authority
01:00 PM — 02:00 PM — Using Smart Technology for Reducing SSO’s and Track I&I Problems: Andy Brown, D&W Systems
02:00 PM — 03:00 PM — Developing Your Standard Operating Procedures: Loyd Rawlings, USABluebook
03:00 PM — 06:00 PM — Technology Tour/Meet & Greet Exhibitors (coliseum with appetizers)
24-Hour Operation Specialist Technical Water Agenda
Contraband Room
08:00 AM — 09:00 AM — Hands on Chlorine Residual Monitoring: Kristen Hungerford, La Department of Health
09:00 AM — 10:00 AM — Operator Certification Rule: Esteban “Stone” Gonzalez, La Department of Health (Operator Certification Department)
10:00 AM — 11:00 AM — Water Well Rehab 101: Stuart Lambert, Layne Christensen Company
11:00 AM — 01:00 PM — Lunch and Welcome Address with Guest Speakers: Pat Credeur, LRWA Executive Director; Rusty Reeves, LRWA Deputy Director; Jeff Landry, Louisiana Governor; John O’Connell, NRWA Board President & New York Rural Water Association Board Member; Amanda Ames, LDH Chief Engineer; and Karen White, Governor’s Office Designee, Delta Regional Authority
01:00 PM — 02:00 PM — Service Line Renewal: Reed Matthew, Dresser Utility Solutions, Inc./Dresser Water (Innovative Flow Solutions)
02:00 PM — 03:00 PM — Tank Cleanouts and Inspections to Ensure Regulatory Compliance, Water Quality, and Effective Maintenance: Teddy Krein, Maguire
03:00 PM — 06:00 PM — Technology Tour/Meet & Greet Exhibitors (coliseum with appetizers)
24-Hour Operation Specialist Technical Water/Wastewater Agenda
Lake Side Rosa Hart Theatre Foyer
08:00 AM — 09:00 AM — The Revenue-Loss Crisis for Rural Water Utilities: Dantario Dansby, ServLine by HomeServe
09:00 AM — 11:00 AM — Service Line Inventory Requirements and LCRI Update: Jeremy Harris, La Department of Health
11:00 AM — 1:00 PM — Lunch and Welcome Address with Guest Speakers: Pat Credeur, LRWA Executive Director; Rusty Reeves, LRWA Deputy Director; Jeff Landry, Louisiana Governor; John O’Connell, NRWA Board President & New York Rural Water Association Board Member; Amanda Ames, LDH Chief Engineer; and Karen White, Governor’s Office Designee, Delta Regional Authority
01:00 PM — 02:00 PM — LDH Updates: Amanda Ames, La Department of Health
02:00 PM — 03:00 PM — Upgrading Louisiana Lagoons to Meet more Stringent Effluent Requirements for BOD, TSS and Nutrient Removal: Tom Birkeland, Lemna Environmental Technologies (Bar Environmental)
3:00 PM — 6:00 PM — Technology Tour/Meet & Greet Exhibitors (coliseum with appetizers)
24 Hour Technical Class Agendas, 2nd Floor
07/17/24
(all topics, in all classrooms, have been approved for operator credit hours in both Water & Wastewater)
24-Hour Operation Specialist Technical Management Agenda
Board Room
08:00 AM — 09:00 AM — Infrastructure for Rural America: Jennifer Wilson and Debra Mckinney, USDA Rural Development
09:00 AM — 10:00 AM — Public Bid Law: Jenifer Schaye, Louisiana Legislative Auditor
10:00 AM — 11:00 AM — Open Meetings Law: Angela Heath, Louisiana Legislative Auditor
11:00 AM — 01:00 PM — Lunch and LRWA Merit of Excellence Awards with Comedian Johnathan Perry
01:00 PM — 02:00 PM — Financial Management of Utility Systems: Judith Dettwiller, Louisiana Legislative Auditor
02:00 PM — 03:00 PM — Critical Challenges Facing Municipalities: Mike Battle, Louisiana Legislative Auditor
03:00 PM — 04:00 PM — LDH Updates: Amanda Ames, La Department of Health
04:00 PM — 05:00 PM — Adding Protective DNS to Your Defensive Strategy: Greg Gray, Meridian Cooperative
24-Hour Operation Specialist Technical Wastewater Agenda
City Side Foyer
08:00 AM — 09:00 AM — Valve Solutions for Best Performance and Longest Life of Pumping Systems: John Skalla, DeZURIK, Inc. (Innovative Flow Solutions)
09:00 AM — 10:00 AM — NetDMR Tips and Tricks & Reporting 101: Kathy Huddle, La Department of Environmental Quality
10:00 AM — 11:00 AM — O&M Compliance: Scott Pierce, La Department of Environmental Quality
11:00 AM — 01:00 PM — Lunch and LRWA Merit of Excellence Awards with Comedian Johnathan Perry
01:00 PM — 02:00 PM — Common LPDES Permit Violations: Scott Pierce, La Department of Environmental Quality
02:00 PM — 03:00 PM — LDH Inspections at Sewer Systems – When, Why, and Common Problems Observed: Barbara Featherston, La Department of Health
03:00 PM — 04:00 PM — Elimination of Fats, Oil, & Grease in Lift Stations: Matt Watson, Bar Environmental
04:00 PM — 05:00 PM — Advanced Monitoring Solutions for Wastewater – Instruments, Sensors, Data, Analytics, and AI: Ken Hayes, Core Main
24-Hour Operation Specialist Technical Water Agenda
Contraband Room
08:00 AM — 09:00 AM — PFAS Proposed Rule Update and UCMR5: Vijaikrishnah Elango, La Department of Health
09:00 AM — 10:00 AM — PFAS Drinking Water Sample Cross-Contamination Caused by Sampling?: Paul R. Jackson, Pace Analytical Services, LLC
10:00 AM — 11:00 AM — Holistic Approach to Corrosion Control and Overall Water Quality: Brian Dyees, Aqua Smart, Inc.
11:00 AM — 01:00 PM — Lunch and LRWA Merit of Excellence Awards with Comedian Johnathan Perry
01:00 PM — 02:00 PM — Water Storage – Mix It Up: Jay Weber, Instrument & Supply Southeast
02:00 PM — 03:00 PM — Distribution System Monitoring, Struggles and Solutions: David Bobby, M&H Valve and Kennedy Valve
03:00 PM — 04:00 PM — LDH Service Line Inventory Template: Jeremy Harris, La Department of Health
04:00 PM — 05:00 PM – Asset Management for Concrete and Steel Infrastructure: Jerry Johnson, USG Water Solution (Utility Service Group)
24-Hour Operation Specialist Technical Water/Wastewater Agenda
Lake Side Rosa Hart Theatre Foyer
08:00 AM — 09:00 AM — Securing Your Water Distribution System with an Automated Bulk Water Dispensing Station: Michelle Harrod, Flowpoint Environmental Systems, Inc.
09:00 AM — 10:00 AM — Operator Certification Rule: Esteban “Stone” Gonzalez, La Department of Health (Operator Certification Department)
10:00 AM — 11:00 AM — Ultrasonic vs Radar vs Laser Controls for Water Production & Pressure Stations and Sewer Lift Stations: Trey Himes, ABB (Spectrum)
11:00 AM — 01:00 PM — Lunch and LRWA Merit of Excellence Awards with Comedian Johnathan Perry
01:00 PM — 02:00 PM — Simplifying Utilities — Harnessing User-Friendly Technology for Everyday Convenience: Josh Hawley, Ziptility
02:00 PM — 03:00 PM — Fraud Mitigation: Heidi Walter, b1BANK
03:00 PM — 04:00 PM — Generator Power Options for Water and Wastewater Systems: Thomas Sanders, Arcco Company Services
04:00 PM — 05:00 PM — Learn How to Automate Utility Service/Work Orders Using Your Smartphone or Tablet: Chris Kercher, SmartPhone Meter Reading (SPMR)
24 Hour Technical Class Agendas, 2nd Floor
07/18/24
(all topics, in all classrooms, have been approved for operator credit hours in both Water & Wastewater)
24-Hour Operation Specialist Technical Management Agenda
Board Room
08:00 AM — 09:00 AM — LDH Service Line Inventory Template: Jeremy Harris, La Department of Health
09:00 AM — 10:00 AM — Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund: Joel McKenzie, La Department of Health
10:00 AM — 11:45 AM — Technology Presentations and/or Demonstrations in Exhibit Hall
11:45 AM — 01:15 PM — Lunch and Closing Ceremony with Guest Speaker: Tracey Webb, Bayou Technologies on Cyber Attacks; WaterPac Drawings; Door Prize Drawings; and the five $1,000 Gift Certificate Drawings
24-Hour Operation Specialist Technical Wastewater Agenda
City Side Foyer
10:00 AM — 11:45 AM — Technology Presentations and/or Demonstrations in Exhibit Hall
11:45 AM — 01:15 PM — Lunch and Closing Ceremony with Guest Speaker: Tracey Webb, Bayou Technologies on Cyber Attacks; WaterPac Drawings; Door Prize Drawings; and the five $1,000 Gift Certificate Drawings
24-Hour Operation Specialist Technical Water Agenda
Contraband Room
08:00 AM — 09:00 AM — Finished Water Storage – Reviews and Observations by LDH: Steven Joubert, La Department of Health
09:00 AM — 10:00 AM — Real Time Pressure Monitoring, Acoustic Leak Detection, and Water Quality: Andrew Opalewski, Ferguson Waterworks
10:00 AM — 11:45 AM — Technology Presentations and/or Demonstrations in Exhibit Hall
11:45 AM — 01:15 PM — Lunch and Closing Ceremony with Guest Speaker: Tracey Webb, Bayou Technologies on Cyber Attacks; WaterPac Drawings; Door Prize Drawings; and the five $1,000 Gift Certificate Drawings
24-Hour Operation Specialist Technical Water/Wastewater Agenda
Lake Side Rosa Hart Theatre Foyer
08:00 AM — 09:00 AM — Water System Grade Rule: Jennifer Kihlken, La Department of Health
09:00 AM — 10:00 AM — Water System Grade Rule Extra Credits: Blake Fogleman, La Department of Health
10:00 AM — 11:45 AM — Technology Presentations and/or Demonstrations in Exhibit Hall
11:45 AM — 01:15 PM — Lunch and Closing Ceremony with Guest Speaker: Tracey Webb, Bayou Technologies on Cyber Attacks; WaterPac Drawings; Door Prize Drawings; and the five $1,000 Gift Certificate Drawings
