Sommers Valley Associates provides practical, operator-focused training for water and wastewater professionals. Our courses are designed to address the technologies, operational challenges, and workplace issues utilities are facing today, while providing meaningful continuing education for operators and utility staff.
SVA-101 – Integrating AI & Machine Learning in Modern Water & Wastewater Treatment Systems – 2.0 training hours
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are becoming increasingly practical tools for water and wastewater utilities. This course introduces operators and utility professionals to the fundamentals of AI and machine learning and shows how these technologies can be applied to real-world treatment and operational challenges.
Participants will explore practical applications including process optimization, predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, energy efficiency, equipment monitoring, and operational decision support. The course is designed for utility professionals who want a clear, non-technical understanding of how AI can support—not replace—the experience and judgment of operators.
Topics include:
- Opportunities, limitations, and responsible implementation
- AI and machine learning fundamentals
- Practical water and wastewater applications
- Predictive maintenance and equipment monitoring
- Process optimization and operational efficiency
- Data quality and the importance of reliable operational information
SVA-102 – SCADA Fundamentals: The First Step to Data-Driven Operations & AI – 2.0 training hours
SCADA systems are at the center of how modern water and wastewater utilities collect, monitor, and use operational data. This introductory course is designed for operators and utility professionals who want to better understand how that data is collected, moved, displayed, and used in day-to-day operations.
This is not an advanced SCADA programming or controls course. It is intended for participants who may work around SCADA systems every day but want a clearer understanding of the basic components and how they work together. The course provides a foundation for understanding instrumentation, PLCs and RTUs, communications, alarms, trends, and the role SCADA data plays in supporting operational decisions and future technologies such as artificial intelligence and advanced analytics.
Topics include:
- What SCADA is and how it supports utility operations
- Sensors, instrumentation, PLCs, and RTUs
- How operational data is collected and communicated
- Human-machine interfaces and operator displays
- How SCADA provides the foundation for data-driven operations and AI
- Common limitations, risks, and good operating practices
SVA-201 – Artificial Intelligence Implementation for Water & Wastewater Utilities – 3.0 training hours
Artificial intelligence is beginning to move from concept to practical use within water and wastewater utilities. This course is designed for operators, supervisors, managers, and other utility professionals who want to better understand how AI can be evaluated and implemented in a real-world utility environment.
Unlike an introductory overview of AI, SVA-201 focuses more directly on the implementation process. Participants will examine how utilities can identify appropriate use cases, evaluate available data, understand infrastructure and staffing needs, address security and governance concerns, and develop a realistic path from concept to deployment.
The course emphasizes practical decision-making and responsible adoption. It is not intended to turn participants into data scientists or programmers, but to give utility professionals the knowledge needed to participate effectively in AI-related planning, evaluation, and implementation.
Topics include:
- Identifying practical AI use cases in water and wastewater operations
- Assessing data readiness and infrastructure requirements
- Moving from pilot projects to operational implementation
- Evaluating vendors, technology options, and internal capabilities
- Cybersecurity, data governance, and access considerations
- Human oversight and the continuing role of operator judgment
- Building organizational support and managing change
- Developing a practical roadmap for AI adoption
JR-101 – Responding to Active Shooter/Workplace Violence Incidents – 2.0 training hours
This course provides water and wastewater professionals with practical guidance for recognizing, preparing for, and responding to active shooter and workplace violence incidents. The training focuses on situational awareness, emergency response, personal safety, and actions employees can take before, during, and immediately following a violent event.