Hello Wastewater Professionals,
The transition from winter to spring brings a change from cold dormancy to renewed energy, marked by longer days, warmer temperatures, melting ice into flowing water and the reawakening of plant and animal life. As snow melts and greenery returns, we often feel a lift in mood and motivation, embracing outdoor activities, fresh routines, and a sense of new beginnings. Spring equinox 2026 is just around the corner. The first day of spring or spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere will occur on Friday, March 20, 2026, just a few weeks away.
As we move closer to spring, the Western Pennsylvania Water Pollution Control Association’s Training Committee has already scheduled three training events for February, March and April. These upcoming training events include Safety Part I Training - February 27, 2026, Basic Wastewater Microbiology Training - March 13, 2026 and Safety Part II Training - April 10, 2026, with more to follow. For more information or to register, please visit the website at https://wpwpca.org.
As we get deeper into 2026, the Western Section is affiliated with the PA Water Environmental Association (PWEA) and the Water Environment Federation (WEF). This year the PWEA celebrates its 100th anniversary! 2026 PENNTEC is scheduled for June 15th -18th at Hershey Lodge in Hershey Pa. Hope to see you there. Please visit the website for more information. https://www.pwea.org/annual_technical_conference.php
Also, exciting and upcoming event in May, WEFMAX is coming to Pittsburgh May 6th through May 8th 2026. Please visit the website for more information. https://www.wef.org/events--education/conferences/wefmax/wefmax-in-pittsburgh-pennsylvania
2026 New WPWPCA member registration and membership renewal is now open and available online. Please encourage your wastewater colleagues to join the Western Pennsylvania Water Pollution Control Association. To Join Now go to https://wpwpca.org and click MENU and then Join Now- Online Application. Complete the registration form. To renew your WPWPCA Membership for 2026, please go to https://wpwpca.org and click MENU then Members Only then Renew My Dues.
To our Exhibitors and Sponsors, thank you for your past support and involvement with the Western Pennsylvania Water Pollution Control Association. Your company advertisements are now available to be posted on the WPWPCA Website. Company logo ads can be purchased for $200 and will link to your webpage. Company partial page advertisements are available for $250.00 Company Line Card website posting is available for $250.00 These Logo’s, advertisements and line cards will be posted on the WPWPCA Website April 1, 2026, and run for 1 year until March 31st, 2027. Space is limited, go to https://wpwpca.org to order yours today.
The Plant tour/Luncheon/Business Meeting schedule is being finalized and will be posted on the WPWPCA website in early March. Five Plant Tours are scheduled for 2026. Please save the dates for these Plant Tours. They are all third Fridays of the month, April 17th, May 15th, July 17th, September 18th, and October 16th where there will be a luncheon and business meeting after each plant tour. Each meeting wraps up with door prizes and 50/50 raffle. Together, let us continue to lead with purpose, reach out to others to expand our membership, and continue making a lasting impact on the future of water quality in Western Pennsylvania.
With gratitude,
Scott Hinsch
President, Western Pennsylvania Water Pollution Control Association (2025–2026)
VP Engineering and Sales, DRV Inc.
