Surface Water Treatment & Coagulation, Flocculation and Clarification (Hybrid) - Dubois, IN

Morning Session:
This session provides foundational knowledge of surface water treatment processes, focusing on the operational responsibilities at surface water facilities. Attendees will learn routine maintenance, daily operational considerations, troubleshooting, and process control adjustments necessary during weather-related events such as heavy rainfall, rapid snowmelt, flooding, and seasonal temperature shifts. Emphasis will be placed on identifying vulnerabilities during these events and maintaining consistent, compliant treatment outcomes through proactive monitoring and responsive operational decision-making.

Afternoon Session:
The afternoon session dives deeper into the critical processes of Coagulation, Flocculation, and Clarification, exploring how each process functions within both drinking water and wastewater treatment environments. Topics include detention time calculations, essential equipment components, and the chemicals used for each stage. Key process control factors will be covered, including the selection and dosage of coagulants, impacts of pH, alkalinity, temperature, and mixing intensity, and how suspended solid characteristics influence treatment performance. Attendees will also learn to differentiate coagulation strategies and removal mechanisms between metal salts and polymers (anionic vs. cationic), gaining practical understanding of how these tools perform under varying water quality conditions.

Learning Outcomes:

Attendees will be able to:

• Summarize the surface water treatment process from intake to finished water
• Perform basic operations and routine maintenance at surface water facilities
• Adjust process control during weather or source water quality changes
• Use simple troubleshooting methods to maintain stable treatment
• Explain coagulation, flocculation, and clarification, and common equipment and chemicals
• Understand why detention time matters for treatment performance
• Recognize the effects of pH, alkalinity, and temperature on coagulation
• Distinguish when to use metal salts vs. polymers for coagulation
• Support chemical dosing decisions that protect water quality and compliance

Instructors: Chad Reynolds & Rex Blanton, AIRW