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TAC Luncheon: Practical Data Management Strategies for Utilities for Trusted Data Solutions
2/26/2026

Wastewater utilities generate vast amounts of operational data, yet many organizations struggle to trust or effectively use it. While enterprise data governance initiatives are often discussed, they can take years to formally launch. In the meantime, engineers and operators still need reliable data today to run treatment processes, troubleshoot issues, and make operational decisions with confidence.

At Metro Water Recovery, we did not wait for a formal, organization-wide governance program to begin improving our data practices. Instead, our Technology & Innovation and Data Analytics teams implemented practical, project-driven governance measures alongside day-to-day analytics work. What began as process calculations, dashboards, and light automation developed by process engineers evolved into standardized reporting pipelines, automated workflows, and shared datasets designed for quality, transparency, and clear ownership.

Using real operational examples, we’ll show how governance principles can be built into technical solutions through: (1) automated calculation frameworks with documented logic, (2) data quality checks and exception handling, (3) controlled updates/write-backs with approvals and audit trails, and (4) improved traceability so users can answer “Is this value real?”, “Who changed it?”, and “Where did this number come from?” By resolving these everyday questions, we built trust incrementally—without waiting for formal policy, enterprise tooling, or a multi-year program.

These grassroots practices delivered immediate operational value (better reliability, less manual effort, faster troubleshooting) while also laying a practical foundation for a broader enterprise data governance initiative. Attendees will leave with pragmatic steps—standardization, automation, documentation, and ownership—that can be implemented now to turn operational data into a trusted asset and accelerate future digital transformation.

Presenter: Josh Goldman is a wastewater process engineer with Metro Water Recovery in Denver in the Technology and Innovation Department. As the disinfection process lead engineer, he focuses on maintenance and optimization of the peracetic acid disinfection system at the Robert W. Hite Wastewater Treatment Facility. He also leads the Data Utilization Focus Area which aims to improve data usage and availability throughout Metro for quicker and more accurate design making. His position also gives him the opportunity to participate in several collaborative research projects with WRF, the Department of Energy, and the EPA.

Prior to working at Metro, he was an engineering consultant focused mainly on wastewater disinfection.

He received his PhD in Environmental Engineering from the University of New Mexico in 2012.
Location: Administration Building at the Metro Wastewater Reclamation District’s (MWRD’s) Robert W. Hite Treatment Facility
6450 York Street
Denver, CO 80229

Registration ends on 2/24/2026





2026 Water and Wastewater Intermediate and Advanced School
4/6/2026 - 4/10/2026

Activated Sludge | Intermediate Wastewater | Industrial Wastewater | Intermediate Water | Advanced Water

Elevate your expertise in water and wastewater treatment with the in-person, hands-on courses led by industry experts. Designed for water professionals eager to deepen their knowledge, this school allows attendees to ask personalized questions, exchange insights with peers, and immediately apply practical skills to their work. Come find out why people from all across North America attend this renowned school!

Activated Sludge Class Agenda

Lunches and Course Notebooks are not required but can be included for an additional fee. The course notebooks are 3-ring binders with physical printouts of the slide presentations that will be shown in class. Everyone registered will receive a flash drive of course presentations.

*Scholarship options are available (deadline to submit is March 20, 2026) - Scholarships covering the tuition for one course of study in the Fundamentals School will be awarded to applicants employed by a town or municipality water or sewer district serving fewer than 3,300 residents within the Rocky Mountain Region. (CO, NM, WY)
Scholarships will be reviewed and awarded based on the size of the community served, location, and the level of certification required for that entity by the scholarship review board.

To reserve a room at the Delta Marriott Hotel, call (303)452-4100 or use the link below.
Book your group rate for RMWEA SCHOOLS here. 
If you reserve your room after January 8th, prices are subject to change. Our block rate will have expired, and rooms will be booked at the current general price.

Fees:
$450 early bird registration fee until March 22nd, 2026
$500 registration fee after March 22nd, 2026
Lunch option for the week: $75
Optional book with printed presentations: $125
Additional flash drive with presentations: $15


Book your group rate for RMWEAThank you for choosing to ha
You will find the information for your online reservation link below. If you have questions or need help with the link, please do not hesitate to ask. We appreciate your business and look forward to a successful event.
Event Summary:
RMWEA
Start Date: Monday, April 6 2026
End Date: Friday, April 10, 2026
Hotel(s) offering your special group rate:
  • Delta Hotels Denver Thornton for 129.00 USD per night
Link to come soon.


 
Location: Delta Marriott
10 East 120th Ave
Northglenn, CO 80233






Collections Conference (1-Day Event)
4/15/2026

RMWEA Collections Conference: Condition Assessment, Maintenance, Design, Construction, and Asset Management of sewer pipelines, lift stations and force mains. Join us and receive training units (TU’s!) for the 1-Day Sewer Collections Conference, a comprehensive event bringing together sewer industry professionals to explore the latest advancements in the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of sewer collection systems. This dynamic conference will feature engaging keynote speakers, interactive panel discussions, and vendor exhibits showcasing innovative technologies and solutions. Whether you're an operator, engineer, contractor, or facility owner, this event provides an excellent opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and gain valuable insights into best practices and emerging trends in sewer collections. Don't miss this chance to elevate your expertise and stay at the forefront of industry innovation! 




 
 
Location: City Park Recreation Center Community Room (Westminster)
10455 Sheridan Boulevard
Westminster, Co 80020

Registration ends on 4/8/2026





RMWEA's 2026 Rocky Mountain Rivalry
7/13/2026 - 7/14/2026

Join us for wastewater's premier skills competition at RMWEA's 2026 Rocky Mountain Rivalry! 

When: July 13th and 14th

Where: Adams County Fair Grounds 9755 Henderson Rd Bldg. 1, Brighton, CO 80601 

Registration fee: $100 per team 
Register your team now to secure your spot! 


Location: Adams County Fair Grounds
9755 Henderson Rd
Brighton, CO 80601

There are currently 4 spots remaining out of 6