Wastewater Modeling Essentials

Wastewater modeling is becoming an essential skill for professionals in the wastewater industry and is becoming standard practice for most projects. Process modeling has a wide range of applications including design, modification, optimization, operation, and control of wastewater systems.

It is a critical tool for wastewater treatment professionals, enabling data-driven decision-making, process optimization, and regulatory compliance. This Wastewater Modeling course provides an in-depth, structured approach to developing and applying wastewater process models. Many in the wastewater field are familiar with various wastewater modeling software options; however, a software cannot provide accurate and reliable results without a solid understanding of the modeling process. This course goes far beyond software to ensure participants understand essential concepts in modeling, data that must be gathered, how the models use data, essential steps in a well-performed modeling process, how to ensure models provide helpful and realistic outputs, and other important considerations.

This course is essential for wastewater professionals who are increasingly expected to be able to accurately create and apply wastewater modeling in their work. This course covers fundamental and advanced concepts, including good modeling practices, data analysis, wastewater fractionation, reactor setup, calibration, biological nutrient removal, and solids processing. Participants will gain hands-on experience through interactive exercises, case studies, and real-world applications.

This course is applicable to wastewater professionals, regardless of what wastewater modeling software they may choose to use. While the course is intended for those who will be performing the modeling work, it is also recommended for professionals who may be overseeing, reviewing, and wanting to understand modeling results. No prior modeling experience is required. However, it is important to have wastewater experience. Those who do have prior modeling have found the course to be very beneficial as we are able to explore questions related to their experience and problems they are tackling in their work.

Why Attend This Course?

Practical & Industry-Relevant – Focuses on real-world wastewater treatment challenges.
Hands-On Learning – Includes exercises, case studies, and live interactive sessions.
Expert-Led Instruction – Learn from experienced wastewater modeling professionals.
Flexible Learning Options – Live sessions are recorded, allowing for flexibility of work schedules.
Enhance Your Career – Gain skills that are highly valued in the wastewater treatment industry.

View course details

Who Should Attend?

Wastewater engineers and process designers.
Environmental consultants and regulators.
Wastewater treatment plant operators and managers.
Researchers and students interested in process modeling.
Professionals preparing for advanced modeling applications.

Course Details: RA00106-E224

At the completion of this course, participants will be able to:

Develop and apply wastewater treatment process models.
Analyze and interpret process data for model calibration.
Understand key wastewater fractionation concepts and their impact on modeling.
Conduct mass balance checks to ensure model accuracy.
Configure and simulate reactor models for different treatment processes.
Apply calibration techniques to improve model precision.
Model primary and secondary clarifier performance.
Optimize aeration basin configurations and airflow strategies.
Simulate biological nutrient removal processes.
Evaluate solids processing operations through modeling.
Perform sensitivity analysis to refine modeling accuracy.

Note that it is recommended for attendees to be familiar with wastewater treatment concepts before taking this course.

Outline

Module 1 – Good Modeling Practice

Module 2 – Data Analysis and Wastewater Fractionation

Module 3 – Data Analysis and Model Setup

Module 4 – Model Setup and Aeration

Module 5 – Biological Nutrient Removal Modeling

Module 6 – Biological Nutrient Removal Modeling (Continued)

Module 7 – Solids Processing

Module 8 – Calibration and Validation

Module 9 – Modeling for Design

Module 10 – Modeling for Operations

The live sessions typically include discussions that center around topics and applications that attendees are interested in. The instructor allows for space to explore attendees' questions, discuss challenges attendees are facing in their work, and consider situations important to you, to make the course very relevant and interesting to attendees.

Registration Date/Time:
1/28/2027 10:30am Central Time

Event Dates/Times:

1/28/2027 11:00am - 12:30pm Central Time
2/4/2027 11:00am - 12:30pm Central Time
2/11/2027 11:00am - 12:30pm Central Time
2/18/2027 11:00am - 12:30pm Central Time
2/25/2027 11:00am - 12:30pm Central Time
3/4/2027 11:00am - 12:30pm Central Time
3/11/2027 11:00am - 12:30pm Central Time
3/18/2027 11:00am - 12:30pm Central Time
3/25/2027 11:00am - 12:30pm Central Time
4/1/2027 11:00am - 12:30pm Central Time

This is a live online course that uses the Zoom and Canvas platforms. The registration confirmation will guide students through accessing the Canvas course site.

Students will create and log in to the Canvas course site with a NetID. Course assets such as instructional materials, participation certificates, and course evaluations will be available to all students through the Canvas course site.

The course materials are all digital and only available on the Canvas course website.

Online attendees will access sessions via the Zoom web conferencing platform. The Zoom link will be provided a few days before the course.

Please watch the email address you provide during registration for release dates and pre-course information.

Instructor
Leon Downing
Dr. Leon Downing is the Global Practice and Technology Leader for Nutrient Removal and Recovery for Black & Veatch from Madison, Wisconsin. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Platteville, Leon received his post-graduate degrees at the University of Notre Dame. Downing provides technology leadership in support of Black & Veatch process engineering and applied research projects globally.
Program Director
Adib Amini

Total Credits:

CEU 2,

PDH 20,

Applies to this Certificate:

Wastewater Systems,

Course Administration

If you are planning to attend an Interdisciplinary Professional Programs course, payment is required at the time of registration. Below are the payment options:

Pay by Credit Card

Enroll online and pay by credit card.

Search for the course on the website and then click on the Enroll Now button from the course webpage.
Enter all necessary course attendee information and payment information on the course enrollment page.
You will receive an email to confirm successful enrollment and payment.

Pay by Check

Mail in a completed registration form and check payable to UW Madison.

Fill out a registration form (found either in the back of the course brochure you received in the mail or here).
Prepare a check, made payable to UW Madison.
Mail the registration form and check to: CERC Registrations 21 N Park St, Ste 7101 Madison, WI 53715
You will receive either a mailed document or an email to confirm successful enrollment and payment.

Pay by Purchase Order

Request Purchase Order information from registration@cerc.wisc.edu
- If a fee quote is needed, contact custserv@interpro.wisc.edu first
You will receive an invoice from UW–Madison Business Services for payment, usually within 3–5 business days

Military

If using SF-182 form, please call our registration number at 608-262-2451 or email registration@cerc.wisc.edu for details and instructions.

Event Cancellation

We reserve the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen events. If we cancel a course, participants will be notified via email or phone and will be given the option for a full refund or to transfer their registration and any fees paid to another course. We are not responsible for non-refundable plane tickets, hotel reservations, and other travel related expenses. For enrollee Course Cancellation, refer to notes on course page.

Create a custom learning experience

We can deliver this course as an on-site learning experience tailored to your organization’s specific training needs.

Wastewater Modeling Essentials

2027 and later

Who Should Attend?

Course Details: RA00106-E224

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Course Administration

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Wastewater Modeling Essentials