Flow Testing, Hydrant Maintenance, Leak Detection and Smart Water Solutions - Logansport, IN

Course Description

Morning Session: Hydrant Operations, Maintenance & Leak Detection

The morning session will be conducted in an outdoor classroom setting and will focus on practical field applications related to fire hydrant testing, maintenance, and leak detection within water distribution systems.

Participants will observe and review proper procedures for hydrant flow testing, including measuring static pressure, residual pressure, gallons per minute (GPM), operating pressure, and PSI calculations. Instruction will emphasize accurate data collection and interpretation to evaluate system performance and fire flow capacity.

The maintenance portion will utilize a cut-away hydrant model to examine internal components, discuss common failure points, and highlight the importance of routine inspection and preventative maintenance to ensure hydrants remain fully operational and compliant.

The leak detection segment will cover methods for identifying water loss within distribution systems. Participants will review techniques for confirming the presence of leaks, pinpointing leak locations, and implementing strategies to reduce non-revenue water and system inefficiencies.

This session emphasizes hands-on observation and practical field knowledge that operators can immediately apply within their systems.

Afternoon Session: Remote Monitoring & Smart Utility Technologies

The afternoon session, presented by Midwest Meter and Badger Meter, will focus on the benefits and applications of remote monitoring systems in water treatment and distribution networks.

Participants will learn how advanced monitoring technologies provide near real-time data, automated alerts, and situational awareness tools that allow utilities to proactively manage infrastructure and improve operational decision-making.

The first portion of the session will address water quality monitoring systems, including how continuous data collection supports compliance, improves response times, and enhances system reliability.

The second portion will examine pressure monitoring and additional smart utility tools, including monitoring for CSO/SSO events, inflow and infiltration (I&I), and other distribution and collection system performance indicators. Emphasis will be placed on how remote monitoring enhances preventative maintenance, reduces emergency response costs, and supports long-term asset management strategies.

This session provides operators with insight into how emerging technologies can strengthen system oversight and improve operational efficiency.

Overall Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Conduct and interpret fire hydrant flow tests, including static, residual, and operating pressures
• Calculate and understand GPM, PSI, and system performance indicators
• Identify key hydrant components and explain the importance of routine maintenance
• Recognize signs of water loss and apply basic leak detection techniques
• Understand how remote monitoring systems provide near real-time operational data
• Identify applications for water quality monitoring within treatment and distribution systems
• Explain the role of pressure monitoring, CSO/SSO tracking, and I&I monitoring in system management
• Describe how smart monitoring technologies support proactive maintenance, regulatory compliance, and improved utility performance

Instructors: Chad Reynolds, AIRW, George Elaro & Sean Lacaille, Badger Meter