The Utility Management Institute has been offered to KRWA members with no tuition cost for the last twelve years because of funding provided by EPA through a grant to Western Kentucky University.  Unfortunately, this funding ceased over a year ago.  Nevertheless, KRWA has continued to offer the six courses that make up the UMI through the use of internal Association funds.

The KRWA Board of Directors is fully supportive of continuing the UMI program that now includes over 250 graduates.  However, they have decided to charge for this popular training for the first time to help defray a portion of the costs associated with offering the six courses at locations throughout Kentucky.

Anyone who is currently enrolled in UMI will continue receiving the courses without cost through the end of September, 2012.  Current participants should contact the KRWA office to register for additional sessions.

New students who enroll in UMI courses will be charged as follows:

All six courses:  $695

Students will have two years to complete all six courses at the discounted price.

The UMI offers training to managers and those interested in becoming managers of both water and wastewater utilities. Through a set of six courses, the graduates of the program gain practical university-based training in the field of utility management. Completion of all six courses in this progressive management training earns the graduate the professional designation of UMP (Utility Management Professional). As of today, 472 water and wastewater professionals have taken part in the Utility Management Institute, including 265 UMP graduates.

To register for any of our upcoming UMI events, please visit our Training page for registration details. All UMI courses are limited to the first 40 registrants. No Operator Certification hours are offered by the UMI.

The courses in the Utility Management Institute include:

Utility Management 101

This introductory 3 day course provides participants with an excellent foundation of utility management knowledge. Includes sections covering the historical background of water and wastewater service; drinking water and clean water regulations; utility organizational structures; basics in finance, personnel, and public relations; and the board/manager relationship. Normally, a prerequisite to enrollment in other courses in the Utility Management Services.

Utility Organization, Regulation, & Law

This 2 day course provides in depth instruction on utility organization and structure in Kentucky and nationally, sections on the SDWA and CWA, state agencies, trade organizations, and other laws affecting utility operations. Participants will also explore how Kentucky measures up to the rest of the United States in regards to utility service and public health protection.

Utility Finance and Administration

This 2 day course offers sections on financial planning, budgeting, and reporting. Discussions include capacity development and utility rates, purchasing, cost of service considerations, uniform systems of accounts, and financing utility improvements and expansions.

Human Resource Management For Utilities

The HR functions of any organization are among the most challenging for managers This 2 day course includes sections on personnel policies, hiring and firing, compensation and benefits, motivation and training, dealing with experts, and employee evaluation.

Modern Technology and Utility Management

Technology allows every industry to make huge improvements in service and efficiency, if used appropriately. This 1 day course examines the latest technological advancements in the water and wastewater industry including: GIS/GPS, computer advancements, new treatment technologies, SCADA and telemetry, and security issues as they relate to technology.

Public Relations in Utility Management

Until recently, public relations have been the most ignored aspect of public utility operations. This 1 day course explores the new found importance of fostering positive relationships with both internal and external customers, governmental relations, and dealing with the media. All with the goal of improving the perception of others by telling the success stories of modern utilities.

The Utility Management Institute, created with funding secured by Senator Mitch McConnell, is administered through USEPA and Western Kentucky University.

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