The 2019 Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport (WWETT) Show is the No. 1 event for pumpers to learn more about their profession and see the latest tools of the wastewater world. A vast representation of all the industry has to offer in advanced technology, trucks and other equipment, and education will be found under one roof Feb. 20-23 in Indianapolis.

The cavernous Indiana Convention Center — one of the largest and most modern trade show spaces in the United States — will attract thousands of the best wastewater contractors in America and beyond, all of them focused on improving their knowledge base, skills and machinery to serve their customers.

Here’s a bit of what you can look forward to when you head to Indy for the big show:

THE EQUIPMENT

Are you looking for a new truck for the upcoming busy season? If so, you’ll see a huge selection of the best vacuum trucks builders have to offer. Some of them have been built out for customers and have a finished look. You can study how other contractors spec out their rigs and take away some of their best ideas. You can look at the graphics and paint combinations that are popular today and incorporate them in your next truck.

And some of the trucks on the show floor were built on spec and are available for sale. Pumpers in need of a new, reliable workhorse vehicle can drive away from the show with that problem solved. Whether you buy on the show floor or not, this is a great opportunity to narrow your search for a truck builder and interview company representatives on the spot. There’s something to be said for dealing with vendors in person rather than over the phone or by text.

Beyond the flashy new trucks, every accessory you could possibly want will be on display at the WWETT Show. That ranges from trailer jetters to tank agitators to portable restrooms. Also, don’t forget you can see all the latest onsite system technologies to bring better understanding about where the decentralized wastewater trends are going.

You may see something unexpected that will bring greater convenience or efficiency to your crew in the field. You may find a product that will improve safety for your technicians or offer enhanced service to your customers. A machine or tool might encourage you to move into another service area, for instance system inspections, drain cleaning or portable sanitation.

While you’re looking, be sure to check out some demos:

Exhibitor Demonstrations at the Marketplace Expo

Several companies will be demonstrating their products on the exhibit floor, including Ditch Witch vacuum excavation equipment, Picote Solutions, Perma-Liner CIPP equipment, MaxLiner Systems for relining lateral and vertical pipes, and Subsite Electronics utility inspection systems.

WWETT Live! At Lucas Oil Stadium

Billed as a “festival of demos” WWETT Live! brings several manufacturers together to give live equipment demonstrations where attendees can meet with company representatives to learn how the trucks and machines can help their businesses. The demos will run 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, and 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22.

THE EDUCATION

Nearly 100 education sessions are scheduled for Feb. 20-22, including a full slate of about 50 sessions spanning several wastewater specialties the day before exhibits open, Wednesday, Feb. 20. Pumpers will be especially interested in several sessions featuring some of the most noteworthy onsite system educators in the nation. Here are just a few:

The Driving Forces of Septic Failures

Jason Ravenscroft, from the Marion County (Indiana) Public Health Department, shares information about a septic system survey conducted in an urban/suburban area where many onsite systems are 50 years old and the properties present limited solutions for septic system replacement.

What’s Going Down the Drain Matters

Sara Heger, research engineer and the University of Minnesota Water Resources Center, will explain the difference between hydraulic and organic loading, how system design can vary when organic loading is considered and help identify challenging water streams from commercial properties.

Checklists, Inspections, Evaluations and Disclosures

Dendra Best, executive director of WasteWater Education, Traverse City, Michigan, will look at creating sound policies and procedures to avoid legal issues when performing system inspections or evaluations and explain how to create a database of services performed.

NAWT O&M – Professional System Technician

Dave Gustafson, engineer and trainer with the Water Resources Center at the University of Minnesota, will introduce the basics of operations and maintenance services for onsite systems, provide an overview of necessary skills for technicians, explain the importance of developing files and communications, and recognize wastewater flows and their impacts on systems.

Troubleshooting Pumps and Controls

John R. Buchanan, associate professor in the Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science Department at the University of Tennessee, will focus on issues faced when service providers are called to inspect a failed pump system. He will explain common pump failure modes and evaluate when it makes sense to rebuild or replace the pump.

Flushables

Rick Allen, CEO at BioLynceus, will discuss the toll “flushable” wipes are taking on wastewater systems worldwide. He will talk about what constitutes a flushable and policy changes impacting the challenge of flushables.

Analyzing Your Resources (to Start Your Own Processing Plant)

Tom Frank, president of Tim Frank Septic Tank Cleaning, will explain the steps required to create a successful wastewater treatment facility, including working with regulatory agencies, creating a concise business plan and exploring financial factors for this significant project.

THE ENTERTAINMENT

The WWETT Show provides opportunities to relax and enjoy the company of other pumpers. Admission is free for registered attendees at these events. First is the Spartan Tool Kick Off Party at Lucas Oil Stadium, 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21. Gather with friends on the football field that is home to the Indianapolis Colts. Have a beer, listen to some tunes and throw a football to your buddies in the end zone. On Friday, Feb. 22, 5:30-8:30 p.m., attend the Industry Appreciation Party at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. There’s a western theme this year, with live music, food, drinks, door prizes, casino games and a mechanical bull to ride.

For more information about the WWETT Show, visit www.wwett show.com.