35th Annual Yellow Bay Advanced Wastewater Training for Mechanical Systems

Montana Rural Water is excited to host the 35th Annual Yellow Bay training at the Flathead Lake Bio Station- an extension of University of Montana. The three-day course takes students into a deeper understanding of the biological and chemical reactions that occur in wastewater. Please bring a settlometer and 2 liters of your mlss so we can look at your bugs under the microscope! There are 2 options for accommodations for the course – stay on sight in the cabins on the lake or get your own hotel in Bigfork or Polson. On Day 2, we tour 3 different wastewater treatment plants so please bring a pair of pants and appropriate footwear.  For a full description of the course please CLICK HERE

Check in for your cabins is Monday 8/17/2026 4pm- 7pm in the Lakeside Classroom. An interactive map of the Bio Station can be found here: Campus Map (Interactive) | FLBS-UMT

If you have any questions about the course please call Christine at 406-595-3502 or our office at 406-454-1151. The course is worth 20 hours = 2.00 Wastewater CECs.

Each year, MRWS offers Advanced Wastewater Training for Mechanical Treatment Facilities at
Yellow Bay Bio Station on Flathead Lake. This Lagoon Track is being offered in conjunction with
the Yellow Bay course at an alternative site:
Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch
(YGBR)
1732 South 72nd Street West,

Billings, MT

This 2-and-a-half-day course is designed for new or seasoned lagoon operators and will include hands on data collection and interpretation.  This is a fun and exciting learning environment that will help optimize operation and maintenance of any lagoon system.

This course is FREE OF CHARGE 

The text book “Wastewater Lagoon Troubleshooting” is available for $100. Books will be available on site. 20 contact hours = 2.00 Wastewater CECS

For the full course description and AGENDA please click here: LAGOON COURSE AGENDA

Agenda and CECs to be announced

Agenda and CECs to be announced

Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers Course

A series of lectures followed by guided exercises in a wet lab will provide understanding of field-testing methods on 4 backflow prevention assemblies: pressure vacuum breakers, spill resistant vacuum breakers, reduced pressure principle assemblies, and double check assemblies. Students will gain knowledge in hydraulics, backflow and back siphonage, types of cross connections, and degrees of hazard and state and federal regulations. Friday afternoon participants can take a written exam and on Saturday morning can take a practical exam administered by the American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA). Passing scores on both the exams will result in certification by ABPA as a backflow prevention assembly tester. For more information on ABPA see the back of this training announcement or go to their website www.abpa.com

Click here for more information and how to register

Click here to register for exam through ABPA

Exam may not be posted yet on ABPA website. The dates have been approved, and the exams should be posted soon. As a reminder, it is your responsibility to register for the exam.

October 5-10, 2026