Membrane Technology Conference

Workshops provide in-depth, hands-on comprehensive learning opportunities. Workshop registration does require a separate fee; capacity is limited.

PCW01 – Back to Basics
Monday, February 2, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
$195 early member/$270 early non-member

“Back to Basics” prepares attendees for the full MTC. This workshop will give the audience exposure to membrane experts and knowledge in a focused forum. The discussion will include fundamentals of microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis. This workshop is ideal for first time MTC attendees, those new to the field of membrane technology, or anyone wanting to refresh their knowledge on the basics of membrane processes. This workshop is organized by the AWWA Membrane Processes and Research Committee.

PCW02 – Adapting Seawater Desalination for U.S. Applications: Engineering, Piloting, Emerging Technologies, and Operations & Maintenance Best Practices
Monday, February 2, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
$195 early member/$270 early non-member

This workshop provides an in-depth exploration of adapting and customizing seawater desalination technologies to meet the unique regulatory, environmental, and infrastructure challenges across the U.S. Participants will gain insights into design and operational requirements shaped by regulatory frameworks and regional conditions. Drawing on recent pilot studies and projects, the session offers practical lessons to develop scalable, resilient, and sustainable desalination solutions. Special focus will be given to emerging technologies, including deep-sea desalination, and their potential to enhance environmental sustainability. The workshop also covers best practices in operations and maintenance (O&M), highlighting strategies to optimize plant reliability, minimize downtime, and ensure compliance with diverse regulatory standards across varying operational environments. The workshop is intended for anyone considering seawater as a water supply alternative, or anyone curious how the implementation of seawater

PCW03– Membrane Technology Across the Southeast: Operational Excellence and Regulatory Pathways
Monday, February 2, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
$195 early member/$270 early non-member

Innovation, Evolution, and Adaptation in Action: The Southeast provides membrane technology professionals a unique opportunity to observe and learn from a diverse spectrum of technology-regulation dynamics within a geographically compact region – from 20-year evolutionary development through demand-responsive adaptation to regulatory innovation. Comprehensive Technology Spectrum: Operational examples spanning MF/UF non-potable systems through direct potable reuse membrane trains – all within a single regional ecosystem. Real-World Innovation Cycles: Live case studies showing how membrane technology drives regulatory development (Polk County DPR pilot, MPW feasibility demonstration) and how regulations drive membrane innovation (Florida’s 2032 mandate). Technical Focus: Membrane technology performance across implementation drivers; Technology-regulation adaptation patterns comparison; Operational pathway analysis; Regional knowledge transfer protocols.

PCW04 – The Membrane Revolution: Redefining Potable Reuse
Monday, February 2, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
$195 early member/$270 early non-member

As communities face mounting pressures from population growth, climate variability, and diminishing freshwater resources, potable water reuse has emerged as a resilient and sustainable solution. Central to many potable reuse strategies and membrane-based treatment processes, which provide advanced levels of contaminant removal and ensure water safety and public confidence. This session will explore the critical role of membranes in multi-barrier potable reuse systems. Emphasis will be placed on treatment performance, emerging contaminant removal, integration with advanced oxidation and disinfection, and long-term operational reliability. Case studies from existing full-scale facilities will highlight lessons learned, cost and energy considerations, and regulatory drivers shaping potable reuse adoption. By bridging technology, operations, and policy, this session aims to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of how membrane systems are advancing the future of potable water reuse and supporting

Tour T1: Cape Fear Facility Tour & Workshop
Monday, February 2, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
$195 early member/$270 early non-member – Capacity limited! Register early.

Come see Brunswick County’s Northwest Water Treatment Plant as it undergoes a capacity expansion from 24 mgd to 36 mgd with the addition of Low Pressure Reverse Osmosis Treatment. In 2017, national media brought attention to a research study that revealed a host of various Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl (commonly referred to as PFAS) contaminants within the Cape Fear River at high concentrations that could not be removed using the existing conventional treatment methods. After study and pilot testing, the decision was made to add Low Pressure Reverse Osmosis to the existing treatment train of coagulation using Polyaluminum Chloride, sedimentation, dual-media filtration, and chloramination. The existing conventional facilities were expanded to treat 45 mgd in order to produce a minimum of 36 mgd through the LPRO units. The tour will showcase the east coast’s largest Low Pressure Reverse Osmosis facility for the treatment of this surface water PFAS contamination just as construction is reaching completion.

A workshop is included with the tour that will detail key issues that led to Brunswick County selecting LPRO for advanced treatment prior to any PFAS Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) standards being developed as well as decisions leading to Cape Fear Public Utilities use of Granulated Activated Carbon to address the same source water issues. The workshop will also detail results from the LPRO and 1, 4 Dioxane as well as providing details on the concentrate discharge back to the Cape Fear River. Presentation will be from the utilities staff and engineering experts that made the key decisions and developed the projects from inception.

AMTA-AWWA will provide Certificates of Completion for sessions and workshops. Use the conference mobile app to track your session attendance by downloading “AWWA Events” from your app store, then entering posted check-in and check-out codes at the beginning and conclusion of each session.

How to Access Certificates of Completion

Important Note: All approvals are at the discretion of your licensing agency, and a Certificate of Completion does not guarantee that your agency will award you credit. It is the individual’s responsibility to contact the licensing agency to confirm that the education program is acceptable for continuing education credit. Visit awwa.org/credits to learn more.

Please allow 30 to 60 days for certificate processing time. For login assistance, call 800.926.7337 or email service@awwa.org. For certificate discrepancies or continuing education questions, email EducationServices@awwa.org.

Mobile App Tutorial Video