Conference Highlights
KRWA’s 46th Annual Conference & Exhibition Wrap-Up
From August 18-20, 2025, nearly 1,000 water and wastewater professionals gathered in Louisville for Kentucky Rural Water Association’s 46th Annual Conference & Exhibition. With the theme “Setting the Pace,” this year’s event brought energy, collaboration, and inspiration to every moment — from technical training and business meetings to networking receptions and award celebrations.
Pre-Conference Kickoff
The week began with a Welcome Reception hosted by Hawkins, Inc. Attendees enjoyed a beautiful view of the Ohio River while reconnecting with friends and colleagues.
That same evening, the Women of Rural Water Social Hour, sponsored by Rubin & Hays and held at Derby City Gaming Downtown, gave the women of rural water a chance to network, recharge, and share plenty of laughter while playing games.
Monday Highlights
Monday teed off with the Golf Scramble at Heritage Hill Golf Club, sponsored by Wealth Enhancement Group. We also want to extend a special thank you to our Golf Hole Sponsors who helped make the day such a success:
Bell Engineering · Bennett & Williams Environmental Consultants, Inc. · Commonwealth Engineers, Inc. · Core & Main · G&C Supply Company, Inc. · Hawkins Water Treatment Group · Kentucky Engineering Group · Kentucky 811 · Kenvirons · NECO Water · ProSource Water Products, Ltd. · Raymond James · Rural Water Financing Agency · Rustoleum/High Performance Products · The Sherwin-Williams Company · Thornton, Musso, & Bellamin · United Systems · Wascon, Inc. · WaterStep
Meanwhile, continuing education sessions began for water and wastewater operators, along with commissioner training. For the first time, we also offered a CPR/AED Training led by Susan Flowers, MSN, RN, and a USDA RD Apply Lab.
That afternoon, the Exhibit Hall opened with more than 150 companies showcasing the latest technology, products, and services for utilities. Thank you to Louisville Water Company for serving as our Exhibit Hall Sponsor, and to our Exhibit Hall Supporting Sponsors: BL Anderson, Hayes Pipe Supply, Inc., NECO Water, and S4 Water Sales.
We also congratulate Consolidated Pipe & Supply Company, winner of the 2025 Best Booth Display Award! The day wrapped up with a lively Exhibitor Reception.
Tuesday: Training, Business & Celebration
Tuesday morning began with Breakfast with the Exhibitors before diving back into training. This year, KRWA offered 14 CEU hours — the most ever at our conference.
For the first time, we also brought training directly into the exhibit hall, giving exhibitors the opportunity to teach and share their expertise in real time.
During the Annual Business Meeting, members elected the following officers for 2025/2026:
- President – Christina O’Bryan, Daviess County Water District
- Vice President – Daren Thompson, Lebanon Water Works Company & Springfield Water & Sewer Commission
- Secretary – Bob Pack, Paintsville Utility Commission
- Treasurer – David Peterson, Caveland Environmental Authority
The Associate Member Meeting, led by Clay Kelly, also took place on Tuesday.
At the Awards Luncheon, we honored all 2025 Wooden Bucket Award Nominees:
Ashland Water Works · Carrollton Utilities · City of Danville · Green River Valley Water District · Harrison Co. Water Association · Letcher Co. Water & Sewer District · Morehead Utility Plant Board · Ohio Co. Water District · South Logan Water Association · Western Pulaski Co. Water District
Congratulations to Ohio County Water District, the recipient of the 2025 Wooden Bucket Award!
We were also inspired by remarks from Kelley Dearing Smith of Louisville Water Company, who welcomed attendees, and Phillip Combs, President of the National Rural Water Association, who shared his vision for the future of rural water nationwide.
In addition, KRWA recognized dedicated staff members: Bobbie Shanahan (25 years), Pam Byrd (25 years), and Nathan Gassaway (5 years).
The afternoon offered six concurrent tracks for continuing education: Customer Service, Engineering, Safety, Drinking Water, Wastewater, and Regulatory, giving attendees a range of specialized sessions to enhance knowledge and skills across the industry.
Tuesday concluded with the Member Appreciation Reception, sponsored by Zenner USA, featuring the WaterPac Raffle, Zenner USA’s Meter Challenge, and plenty of giveaways. Together, we raised $4,540 for WaterPac during this year’s conference! WaterPac is a separate, segregated fund established by the National Rural Water Association that enables individuals to collectively support candidates for Congress who share their interests in the success of water and wastewater utilities. A special congratulations goes to John Potter (Warren County Water District) for winning the Meter Challenge and advancing to the Ultimate Meter Challenge at NRWA’s WaterPro Conference in New Orleans!
Wednesday: Setting the Pace for the Future
Wednesday wrapped up the conference with sessions in the Combined Water & Wastewater Track, Workforce Track, and Finance Track — equipping attendees with tools and ideas to continue setting the pace in their communities.
Thank You
We are grateful to everyone who made this year’s conference possible. A heartfelt thank you goes to our partners, sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and attendees — your support fuels KRWA’s mission and strengthens the entire rural water community.
We also extend special recognition to our Supporting Sponsors: BL Anderson, Hayes Pipe Supply, Inc., NECO Water, and S4 Water Sales.
This year proved that Kentucky’s rural water and wastewater professionals are truly setting the pace for the industry, and we can’t wait to welcome you back to Lexington, August 24–26, 2026!